Eoxorimeid

Eoxorimeid is a genus of small, extinct theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. It is known from a single fossil, discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. The genus is represented by a single species, Eoxorimeid brevis, which was named and described by paleontologists David B. Weishampel, David C. Evans, and Paul C. Sereno in 2004.

Eoxorimeid is notable for its small size, with an estimated length of around 1.5 meters (5 feet) and a weight of approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds). It is also unique in its combination of features, including a long, narrow snout, small teeth, and a relatively short, robust tail. These characteristics suggest that Eoxorimeid may have been a specialized predator, adapted to hunting small prey in a dense forest environment.

The fossil of Eoxorimeid includes a nearly complete skull, as well as portions of the postcranial skeleton. The skull is characterized by a long, narrow rostrum, which tapers to a point, and a series of small, sharp teeth. The postcranial skeleton is relatively robust, with short, powerful limbs and a short, broad tail.

Eoxorimeid is considered to be a basal member of the Tetanurae, a group of theropod dinosaurs that includes the largest known predators, such as Tyrannosaurus and Spinosaurus. However, its small size and specialized features suggest that it may have occupied a different ecological niche than its larger relatives. The discovery of Eoxorimeid provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.