Pelecanimimus
Pelecanimimus
- Pronunciation:
- pel-e-kan-i-mim-us
- Name meaning:
- 'pelican mimic'
- Type of dinosaur:
- small theropod
- Length:
- 2.5m
- Diet:
- carnivorous
- When it lived:
- Early Cretaceous, 127-121 million years ago
- Found in:
- Spain
Pelecanimimus had more than 200 very small, fine teeth in its mouth, which would have given it a bite that cut and ripped.
The fossil that was first used to describe the species - which is known as a 'holotype' - was well preserved. It showed scientists very clearly that this dinosaur had a throat pouch like those seen in today's pelicans.
Taxonomic details
- Taxonomy:
- Dinosauria, Saurischia, Theropoda, Ornithomimosauria
- Named by:
- Perez-Moreno and colleagues (1994)
- Type species:
- polyodon
Related
-
DinosaursHow dinosaurs evolved into birds
The humble pigeon is a distant relative of the mighty T. rex.
-
DinosaursDinosaur family tree gets major makeover
Dinosaurs have a new family tree. Find out how it has changed and what the new tree reveals about dinosaurs' origins and evolution.
-
DinosaursWhat's wrong with these dinosaurs?
These popular dinosaur reconstructions from the 1960s are no longer scientifically accurate. Can you spot the errors?
-
What is a coprolite?
Fossil poo may not be a glamorous fossil find, but it can reveal a lot about prehistoric animals.
Step back in time
Find out more about dinosaurs' lives and the world they lived in.
Fun and games
Learn more about dinosaurs through toys, board games and activity kits, available from our online shop.
Dinosaurs gallery
Roarrr. Come face-to-face with some of the Museum's most famous dinosaurs.