Troodontidae

Troodontidae is a family of bird-like theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. These dinosaurs are known for their relatively large brains, long legs, and sickle-shaped claws on their feet, similar to those found in dromaeosaurids. Their exact phylogenetic placement has been debated, but they are generally considered to be within the Maniraptora, a group closely related to birds.

Fossils of troodontids have been found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The family includes a variety of genera, such as Troodon, Saurornithoides, and Mei. These dinosaurs varied in size, with some being as small as a chicken and others reaching lengths of several meters. Their diet is thought to have been omnivorous or carnivorous, with evidence suggesting they ate small animals, insects, and possibly plants.

One of the most distinctive features of troodontids is their relatively large eye sockets, suggesting they may have had good vision, possibly adapted for nocturnal or crepuscular activity. Their elongated snouts and numerous small teeth indicate they were likely adept at catching and processing small prey. The presence of a semi-lunate carpal bone, a feature also found in birds, further supports their close evolutionary relationship to avian dinosaurs. Troodontids represent an important group for understanding the evolution of bird-like characteristics in non-avian dinosaurs.