Aviatyrannis is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 160 to 145 million years ago. It was discovered in Portugal, specifically in a lignite coal mine near Leiria.
The name Aviatyrannis comes from Latin words. “Avia” means grandmother, and “tyrannis” refers to tyrant. So, it can be understood as “the tyrant’s grandmother from the Jurassic” period. The main fossil, known as the holotype, is a piece of bone called the ilium, which is a part of the hip. This bone measures about 90 millimeters long. Some scientists believe that the original bone might belong to a younger dinosaur.
The structure of Aviatyrannis suggests that it was a smaller theropod dinosaur. Gregory S. Paul, a paleontologist, estimated that it was about 1 meter long and weighed around 4 kilograms. It had specific features in its teeth that distinguish it from other dinosaurs.
Originally, Aviatyrannis was classified under a group of dinosaurs called tyrannosauroids, which includes well-known giants like Tyrannosaurus rex. However, recent studies in 2023 suggested that Aviatyrannis might actually be an early member of a different group called ornithomimosaurs. This means it could represent one of the earliest forms in this category that includes creatures similar to modern-day ostriches.
In summary, Aviatyrannis is a small, ancient dinosaur that may have a complex family history. Its discovery and classification continue to help scientists understand the evolution of dinosaurs over time.