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Gallimimus

(gall-ih-MY-mus)

With a long neck, bony tail, and strong legs for running, Gallimimus was the largest of the ostrich dinosaurs (ornithomimids). Its name means "fowl mimick" because it seemed to copy the behavior and appearance of certain fowls we know today, like the ostrich and the turkey. With a length of 13 feet, it could probably move quickly on its long legs. Other relatives were Dromiceiomimus and Elaphrosaurus. Gallimimus had poored developed hands. 

They would not have been much use for grasping tiny lizards or tearing open insect nests. Each member of the family of ostrich dinosaurs differed in some way from its relative. Gallimimus had an unusually long snout with a broad, flat end.

Like other members of the family, Gallimimus would quickly sprint away from danger. With long loping legs, it would have looked like an ostrich as it ran. It may have snapped and pecked at dinosaur eggs were small with thin shells similar to chicken or turkey eggs. A good strong peck from Gallimimus' beak would have been enough to break them open.

Location: Mongolia

Diet: Insects, small vertebrates and possibly fruits and leaves

Size: Length 6m

Classification:

Family Ornithomimidae

Infraorder Tetanurae

Suborder Theropoda

Order Saurischia

Time (million years ago): 73

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