**Tototlmimus: An Extinct Dinosaur**
Tototlmimus is an extinct type of dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 72 million years ago. Its remains were discovered in the Packard Formation, located in the state of Sonora, Mexico.
**Discovery**
The only known species of Tototlmimus is called *Tototlmimus packardensis*. It was first described by a team of scientists in 2016. The name “Tototlmimus” comes from the Nahuatl word “tototl,” which means “bird,” and the Latin word “mimus,” meaning “mimic.” The specific name “packardensis” refers to its discovery location.
The fossils include a part of a skeleton but no skull. Some of the bones found include parts of the fingers and toes, as well as foot claws. These fossils were found scattered over a small area and represent only a portion of the dinosaur’s skeleton.
**Description**
Tototlmimus was a medium-sized dinosaur, categorized as an ornithomimid, which means it shared some similarities with modern birds. Some notable features include:
– The bones in its feet were structured in a unique way, allowing the second and fourth metatarsals (toe bones) to be closely positioned to the third.
– The foot claws were narrow and had special grooves that helped with movement.
– Like other ornithomimosaurs, it had special features in its foot structure.
**Relations**
Tototlmimus belongs to a family called Ornithomimidae. It is important because it is the first ornithomimid dinosaur identified from Mexico and is known to be one of the southernmost species in North America. Research suggests that Tototlmimus is closely related to another dinosaur named Ornithomimus.
In summary, Tototlmimus is an interesting dinosaur that helps scientists understand more about the diverse species that once roamed the Earth. Its unique features and discovery provide valuable insights into the history of dinosaurs.