Deinonychus

- Pronunciation: dye-NON-ik-us
- Translation: Terrible Claw
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Theropoda
- Infraorder: Tetanurae
- Micro-order: Maniraptora (of the microorder Coelurosauria)
- Family: Dromaeosauridae
- Height: 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Weight: 175 lbs (79.4 kg)
- Length: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
- Period: Early Cretaceous
- Description: Carnivore, Bipedal
- Notes: The discovery of this dinosaur in Montana in 1964 drasticallyaltered the traditional view of dinosaurs as sluggish, slow-moving reptiles.Deinonychus was obviously built for speedy pursuit of its prey. Amongother things, it had special interlocking vertebrae that allowed its tailto stiffen for balance while running. Excellent eyesight, sharp, serratedteeth that curve backwards for slicing, and the namesake 5-inch (13 cm) long,knife-like claws on each foot make Deinonychus a fearsome hunter. Fivespecimens were found together, leading to the theory that Deinonychushunted in packs.