noun
- a small to medium-sized theropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, characterized by a toothless beak and a distinctive crest on its head
Usage: paleontology; often used in scientific and educational contexts
Examples
- The oviraptor was named for the mistaken belief that it fed on dinosaur eggs.
- Scientists discovered that the oviraptor had feathers, making it more bird-like than previously thought.
- The distinctive head crest of the oviraptor may have been used for display or communication.
- Fossils of oviraptors have been found primarily in Mongolia and China.
- The oviraptor's beak was well-suited for crushing hard objects like seeds and shellfish.