Tenontosaurus Dinosaur Claw Replica

Description

Tenontosaurus dinosaur claw replica measures 2.0 x 0.45 x 0.65 inches. Tenontosaurus tilletti claw is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast. 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

Tenontosaurus belonged to a group of dinosaurs called ornithopods. Their hand claws grew short, slightly curved, and flattened on the bottom surface. They lacked the giant killing hooks found on meat-eating raptors that lived nearby. A layer of keratin covered the core bone to provide extra strength.

These animals usually traveled on all four limbs to support their weight. Their broad front feet and had short claws that touched the ground. The flat design acted like small cleats to provide stability while walking. This traction helped them balance their bodies while traversing slippery riverbanks.

The dinosaurs had an unusually long and heavy tail. A massive network of bony tendons stiffened the tail to balance their upper body. They could rear up on two legs to reach high tree levels. The short hand claws helped them grasp low branches while feeding.

Fossil sites revealed that raptors like Deinonychus actively preyed upon these gentle plant-eaters. Scientists frequently find teeth scattered around Tenontosaurus skeletons. They relied on their heavy tails and small claws to fend off these hunters. Most of these fossils come from Early Cretaceous rock layers in western North America.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Clade: Dinosauria
• Order: †Ornithischia
• Suborder: †Ornithopoda
• Clade: †Iguanodontia
• Genus: †Tenontosaurus
• Type species: †Tenontosaurus tilletti
• Conservation status: Extinct

The Tenontosaurus dinosaur claw pairs well with the Deinonychus claw replica and the Deinonychus skull replica.