Compstognathus

Compsognathus is a genus of small, carnivorous theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period. The name Compsognathus means "elegant jaw." Fossils of Compsognathus have been found primarily in Bavaria, Germany, with a notable specimen also discovered in Portugal. These dinosaurs were among the smallest known, with adult individuals estimated to have been around the size of a chicken or turkey, typically measuring less than a meter in length.

Compsognathus possessed a slender body, long legs, and a long, stiff tail that likely aided in balance. Its skull was small and elongated, featuring numerous small, sharp teeth. The forelimbs were relatively short and had two fingers. Paleontologists believe Compsognathus was a fast and agile predator, likely preying on small animals such as lizards, insects, and possibly small mammals. Its delicate build suggests it was not a powerful hunter of larger prey. The discovery of Compsognathus fossils has provided valuable insights into the diversity of small theropods during the Jurassic era and helped shape our understanding of dinosaur evolution.