C HAPTER 8
Compsognathus By: Colin Rhynalds
Although Compsognathus was the smallest dinosaur of them all, it was an extremely fast runner. Fossils have been found in two places in Europe, Cajuer, southern France Solnhofen in Bavaria, southern Germany. The Compsognathus was no bigger than a chicken. Its feet were like those of many birds today. The Compsognathus had three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward. Compsognathus was about the size of a chicken. Although they would not have met, Compsognathus and Ceratosourus both lived during Jurassic. Compsognathus weighs 6.5 pounds. Compsognathus length is 36 inches. Compsognathus height is 10 inches. It was named by John A. Wagner in 1859. It lived in Jurassic period. Compsognathus was first discovered by Dr. Oberndorfer in limestone deposits in the region of Bavaria. For such a tiny dinosaur, the Compsognathus had powerful legs and feet. Compsognathus help its strong hands and long claws. Compsognathus had huge eyes that helped it see clearly at night. Compsognathus lived during the late Jurassic period. Compsognathus means pretty jaw.