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Glite Dictionary
maniraptor

maniraptor

9.9
A group of meat-eating dinosaurs, many with feathers, that include ancestors of modern birds
  • noun
  • /ˌmænɪˈræptər/
  • Specialized
: maniraptor
  • Fossil evidence suggests that some maniraptors had feathers and were capable of flight.

Examples

  • Many paleontologists believe that maniraptors are the evolutionary ancestors of modern birds.

  • Velociraptor is one of the best-known maniraptors from the late Cretaceous period.

  • Fossil evidence suggests that some maniraptors had feathers and were capable of flight.

  • The maniraptor is known for its advanced hunting skills.

  • Did you know that the maniraptor is an ancestor of birds?

  • Many paleontologists believe that maniraptors are the evolutionary ancestors of modern birds.

  • Velociraptor is one of the best-known maniraptors from the late Cretaceous period.

Synonyms

Maniraptora
vsmaniraptor
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of dinosaurs that ate meat and had bird-like features, including ancestors of modern birds

focuses on belief that the group contains ancestors of modern birds

Surface Forms

maniraptor singular
maniraptors plural

Morphology

maniraptor = raptor (opaque) = mani + raptor

The term 'maniraptor' combines 'mani' (hand) and 'raptor' (seizer), but the specific meaning related to a group of dinosaurs is not transparent to learners.

Etymology

Maniraptor comes from the Latin parts manu 'hand' and raptor 'seizer', like manual for hand and Velociraptor for the 'raptor' part. So it means 'hand-seizer', a handy image to remember that these dinosaurs had grasping hands and include the group that led to modern birds.