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THE DIET OF OSTRICH DINOSAURS (THEROPODA: ORNITHOMIMOSAURIA)

  1. PAUL M. BARRETT

Article first published online: 15 MAR 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2005.00448.x

Issue

Palaeontology

Palaeontology

Volume 48, Issue 2, pages 347–358, March 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

BARRETT, P. M. (2005), THE DIET OF OSTRICH DINOSAURS (THEROPODA: ORNITHOMIMOSAURIA). Palaeontology, 48: 347–358. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2005.00448.x

Author Information

  1. Department of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK; e-mail: P.Barrett@nhm.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 15 MAR 2005
  2. Article first published online: 15 MAR 2005
  3. Typescript received 27 July 2003; accepted in revised form 15 December 2003

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Keywords:

  • Ornithomimosauria;
  • suspension-feeding;
  • herbivory;
  • energetics;
  • palaeoecology

Abstract:  The diets of ornithomimosaurian dinosaurs (Theropoda: Ornithomimosauria) have proved to be contentious owing to a dearth of unambiguous evidence in support of carnivory, omnivory or herbivory. Re-assessment of anatomical, taphonomical and palaeoecological evidence, and estimates of daily minimal energy budgets for two derived ornithomimosaurian genera, indicate that suspension-feeding and carnivory were unlikely. The combined presence of a keratinized rhamphotheca and gastric mill is strongly indicative of a herbivorous habitus for these dinosaurs. Herbivorous and omnivorous forms are rare among the non-avian Theropoda, but are more common than previously suspected. Rejection of carnivorous habits for derived ornithomimosaurs redresses apparent discrepancies in the relative abundances of the herbivore and carnivore guilds of several Late Cretaceous faunas.

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