Palaeontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds - Lesson 2

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to Theropod Dinosaurs and their evolution towards birds.

Theropods

A group of bipedal dinosaurs that includes modern birds and their ancestors.

Eoraptor

One of the candidates considered for the title of the oldest theropod dinosaur.

Herrerasaurus

A primitive theropod dinosaur known for its meat-eating capabilities, often considered one of the earliest.

Staurikosaurus

An early theropod candidate for the oldest dinosaur, contemporaneous with other primitive theropods.

Bipedal

Walking on two legs, a key characteristic of theropods.

Carnivorous

Organisms that primarily eat meat, which most theropods were.

Omnivorous

Eating both plants and animals, a dietary adaptation seen in some theropods.

Fenestra

An opening in the skull that accommodates weight reduction and muscle attachment.

Intramandibular joint

A joint in the jaw that allows for increased movement and efficiency in feeding.

Serrated teeth

Teeth that have notches or grooves, designed for slicing through flesh.

Denticles

Small, tooth-like projections along the edge of serrated teeth.

Promaxillary fenestra

An opening in the skull in front of the maxilla, significant for skull lightness.

Neotheropoda

A clade of theropods that became dominant predators during the Late Triassic.

Coelophysidae

The first major radiation of theropods, known for their small size and agile build.

Dilophosauridae

A family of theropods that gained fame in the Jurassic period, noted for their distinctive crest.

Averostra

A group of more derived theropods known for their bird-like features.

Tetanurae

A group of theropods with stiff tail vertebrae, important for balance and agility.

Lacrimal bones

Bones in the skull that help support the eye sockets and can provide strength to the skull.

Furcula

Fused clavicles that are characteristic of theropods, providing structural support.

Sacral vertebrae

Vertebrae in the lower back that provide support for the pelvic region.

Tridactyl

Having three toes; refers to the typical foot structure of some theropods.

Herbivorous

Organisms that primarily consume plants; some theropods evolved this diet.

Gregarious behavior

Social behavior exhibited by some theropods, indicating they may have lived in groups.

Sexual dimorphism

Differences in physical characteristics between males and females of the same species.

Pneumatization

The presence of air sacs in the bones of theropods, which lightened their skeletal structure.

Maxillary fenestra

An opening in the maxilla that is a key feature in theropod skull anatomy.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms, important for understanding dinosaur evolution.

Carcharodontosauridae

A family of large theropods known for their size and predatory abilities during the Cretaceous.

Kinetic skull

A skull that allows for increased movement at the jaw, enhancing feeding efficiency.

Paleobiology

The study of ancient life based on fossil evidence, including behavior and ecology.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Mesozoic

The geological era during which dinosaurs lived, divided into the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Osteoderms

Bony deposits forming scales, plates, or other structures in the skin; seen in some theropods.

Giganotosaurus

A giant theropod dinosaur from the late Cretaceous, one of the largest known land carnivores.

Masiakasaurus

A small, slender theropod known for its unique adaptations and found in Madagascar.

Humerus

The long bone in the upper arm or forelimb of mammals; in theropods, it shows adaptations for predation.

Skeletal structure

The arrangement or construction of bones in the body of an organism, critical for understanding their function.

Dilophosaurus

A notable dilophosaurid known for its distinctive double crest and carnivorous diet.

Cryolophosaurus

A theropod dinosaur found in Antarctica, notable for its crested appearance.

Theropod family tree

The evolutionary lineage and relationships of theropod dinosaurs, mapping their ancestry.

Species recognition

The ability of members of a species to identify each other, which can be enhanced by physical features.

Biomechanical studies

Research that examines the mechanical aspects of biological organisms and their movement.

Ecosystem competition

The struggle for resources among various species within the same habitat.

Triassic period

A geological period that marks the beginning of the dinosaur era, characterized by the emergence of early theropods.

Extinction event

A significant decrease in biodiversity due to a mass die-off of various species.

Niche partitioning

A process where competing species use the environment differently to coexist.

Evolutionary adaptations

Changes in the traits of organisms over generations to better suit their environment.