Ornithomimiformes

Ornithomimiformes is an extinct group of theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. These dinosaurs are often referred to as "ostrich mimics" due to their general appearance, which included long legs, long necks, small heads, and large eyes, resembling modern-day ostriches. They were bipedal and likely possessed feathers, although direct fossil evidence of feathers on all ornithomimiform species is rare. Their diet is a subject of debate among paleontologists, with some evidence suggesting they were omnivores, feeding on plants, insects, and small vertebrates, while others propose they were primarily herbivorous. The group is characterized by a lack of teeth in the jaws, although some early members may have retained them. Ornithomimiformes are known from fossils found in North America, Asia, and Africa. Prominent members of this clade include Ornithomimus, Struthiomimus, and Gallimimus. They are considered part of the Coelurosauria infraorder, a diverse group that also includes tyrannosaurs and birds. The evolutionary relationships within Ornithomimiformes are still being studied, with ongoing research refining our understanding of their phylogeny and adaptations.