Gallimimus

Family

Theropods

Era

Late Cretaceous, between 145 and 66 million years ago

Where he lived?

Mongolia

Weight

440Kg

Height

1,9m

Length

The Gallimimus Bullatus is a theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago, in what is today Mongolia. Its name, which means “chicken mimic with a bulb,” refers to the similarity of its cervical vertebrae with those of galliforms and to a bulbous structure at the base of its skull.

Discovery and Research

The first fossil remains of Gallimimus were discovered in the 1960s during Polish-Mongolian expeditions in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. In 1972, paleontologists Halszka Osmólska, Ewa Roniewicz, and Rinchen Barsbold formally described the species Gallimimus bullatus. This finding has been fundamental in understanding the diversity of ornithomimids in Asia.

Physical Characteristics

Gallimimus is one of the largest known ornithomimids, with a length of up to 6 meters and a height of approximately 1.9 meters at the hips. Its weight has been estimated at around 440 kilograms. It had a slender and light body, adapted for speed. The skull was small in proportion to the body, with a toothless beak and a delicate lower jaw. The neck vertebrae were long and thin, which gave it a flexible and elongated neck. The hind legs were long and robust, while the front ones were shorter, with hands that featured three curved claws. The tail was long and probably rigid, acting as a counterbalance during running.

Paleoecology and Diet

Gallimimus inhabited environments of alluvial plains and river channels, as represented in the Nemegt Formation. Its exact diet is a matter of debate among paleontologists. Some suggest it was omnivorous, feeding on plants, small animals, and insects, while others propose it could have been herbivorous, using its beak to graze on low vegetation. The structure of its beak and the absence of teeth indicate an adaptation for selective feeding.

Behavior and Reproduction

It has been proposed that Gallimimus lived in groups, based on the discovery of multiple individuals in proximity. This gregarious behavior could have provided advantages in finding food and protection against predators. Although there is no direct evidence regarding its reproduction, it is likely that, like other theropods, it laid eggs and exhibited some form of parental care.

Phylogenetic Relationships

Within the Ornithomimidae family, Gallimimus is closely related to genera such as Struthiomimus and Ornithomimus, sharing features like a light skeletal structure and adaptations for running. These similarities suggest a convergent evolution towards body forms adapted for speed and an omnivorous or herbivorous diet.

In Popular Culture

Gallimimus gained notoriety for its appearance in the 1993 film “Jurassic Park,” where it is depicted in a stampede scene. This depiction has contributed to its recognition in popular culture and has fostered interest in ornithomimid dinosaurs.

In summary, Gallimimus Bullatus is a notable example of Late Cretaceous ornithomimid dinosaurs, showcasing unique adaptations for speed and a varied diet. Its discovery has enriched the understanding of dinosaur diversity in Asia and has provided valuable insights into the evolution of theropods.