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Deinonychus antirrhopus
Deinonychus was a species of large Dromaeosaurid. It was discovered in 1964 by John Ostrom. Specimens of the dinosaur have been found throughout the United States. It is estimated to have reached about 3 Ft (1 M) tall and over 10 Ft (3 M) long.
Skeletal reconstructions suggest that Deinonychus was a quick and agile hunter. It is believed to have fed exclusively on Tenontosaurus, a large Ornithopod. Deinonychus killed its prey by leaping onto it and restraining it with its huge claws. Tooth marks resembling those of deinonychus have been found in fossils. They are believed to have hunted in packs. The dinosaur is popularly known for its regal “Sickle Claw” which is found on all dromaeosaurids. Evidence shows that this claw was held away from the ground while running as to keep it from becoming blunt or damaged.
The Velociraptors featured in the film Jurassic Park were actually based completely off of Deinonychus. Velociraptor was only 2.5 Ft (0.7 M) tall and had a different snout shape. Crichton only chose the name because he felt that it was more dramatic and fearful.