Deinonychus is a genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that originated from Early Cretaceous North America. A close relative of Velociraptor and one of the best-known dromaeosaurid species, the Deinonychus can be distinguished by their head crest and distinctive coloration. Deinonychus has a rooster-like comb on its head, as well as another fleshy ridge along its tail. Its skull is shorter than that of the Velociraptor, with large pronounced eye ridges. The typical Deinonychus has a velvet and reddish-grey skin with a dark band along its body and around its eyes. Like Velociraptor, Deinonychus is a swift-moving predator.
Despite their similarities, Deinonychus and Velociraptor cannot coexist and will fight each other. In fact, the both seems antagonistic toward one another and will hunt down the other. Who is the victor in the battle can vary, though the Velociraptor has a slight advantage. Like Velociraptor, Deinonychus are social and will rapidly lose comfort and turn antagonistic if denied a pack. A typical pack ranges from 3 to 8. Deinonychus are fairly good climbers, especially when younger and lighter. A relatively medium-sized dromaeosaurid, it was one of the earliest of its family, yet showed advanced features that would be passed on to later theropods of the Coelurosauria line; such as a stiffened tail to keep the dinosaur steady while running and stereoscopic vision so it could gauge distances.
ABILITIES
Excellent speed, can run without pause and without exhaustion for several hours, and leap impressive distances, especially when running at maximum speed. Can go without food or water for a week without ill effect, eats live prey and carrion (frequently takes the kill of other lone predators or small groups). Like many current dinosaurs, it cannot swim.
HABITAT
Deinonychus prefers to inhabit floodplains or swamplike habitats, as well as tropical or sub-tropical forests, deltas and lagoons.
NOTES
Deinonychus is a genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that originated from Early Cretaceous North America. A close relative of Velociraptor and one of the best-known dromaeosaurid species, the Deinonychus can be distinguished by their head crest and distinctive coloration. Deinonychus has a rooster-like comb on its head, as well as another fleshy ridge along its tail. Its skull is shorter than that of the Velociraptor, with large pronounced eye ridges. The typical Deinonychus has a velvet and reddish-grey skin with a dark band along its body and around its eyes. Like Velociraptor, Deinonychus is a swift-moving predator.
Despite their similarities, Deinonychus and Velociraptor cannot coexist and will fight each other. In fact, the both seems antagonistic toward one another and will hunt down the other. Who is the victor in the battle can vary, though the Velociraptor has a slight advantage. Like Velociraptor, Deinonychus are social and will rapidly lose comfort and turn antagonistic if denied a pack. A typical pack ranges from 3 to 8. Deinonychus are fairly good climbers, especially when younger and lighter. A relatively medium-sized dromaeosaurid, it was one of the earliest of its family, yet showed advanced features that would be passed on to later theropods of the Coelurosauria line; such as a stiffened tail to keep the dinosaur steady while running and stereoscopic vision so it could gauge distances.
ABILITIES
Excellent speed, can run without pause and without exhaustion for several hours, and leap impressive distances, especially when running at maximum speed. Can go without food or water for a week without ill effect, eats live prey and carrion (frequently takes the kill of other lone predators or small groups). Like many current dinosaurs, it cannot swim.
HABITAT
Deinonychus prefers to inhabit floodplains or swamplike habitats, as well as tropical or sub-tropical forests, deltas and lagoons.