Parvicursor

Parvicursor is a genus of small carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 125 million years ago. Fossils of Parvicursor have been found in China, specifically in the Zhejiang Province of the Yixian Formation.

Parvicursor is a member of the family Alvarezsauridae, a group of feathered carnivorous dinosaurs characterized by their short arms and long legs. These unique characteristics are thought to have been adaptations for rapid locomotion and likely play a significant role in its ability to pursue and capture prey.

Physical description of Parvicursor has shown it to be relatively small, with estimates suggesting it weighed about 1-2 kilograms. Its body was likely covered in quill knobs, which are the remnants of the attachment points for feathers, indicating that Parvicursor had feathers.

Despite its size, Parvicursor was an active predator, with its sharp claw-like digits and robust legs suggesting a biting behavior and high-speed pursuit of prey. There has been discussion about its diet and food sources, but research suggests it primarily hunted small prey such as birds, lizards and possibly, invertebrates.

Parvicursor's fossil remains include several nearly complete specimens of different ages and stages of growth, providing valuable insights into the life cycle and development of this small plant-eating dinosaur.