The dinosaur Compsognathus is a famous small prehistoric animal, often depicted as a quick, turkey-sized scavenger. Paleontology relies on direct physical evidence and anatomical analysis to reconstruct the feeding habits of extinct creatures. The investigation into Compsognathus offers rare clarity in the fossil record, providing a definitive answer to the question of its diet.
Compsognathus: Physical Profile and Timeline
Compsognathus was a small, lightly built member of the theropod dinosaur group. It lived approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. Fossils have been discovered in Europe, primarily within the Solnhofen limestone deposits of Germany and France. Specimens ranged from the size of a chicken (juvenile) up to 1.4 meters long (adult).
This dinosaur possessed a slender, bird-like skeletal structure with long, thin hind legs. These attributes suggest the animal was built for speed and agility, allowing for rapid movement. Its long tail functioned as a counterbalance, aiding in balance during quick turns and sprints.
Direct Fossil Evidence of Prey
Direct evidence of the Compsognathus diet comes from the gut contents found within the abdominal cavity of two nearly complete skeletons. The German specimen, in particular, contained the fossilized skeleton of its last meal still intact.
Scientists identified the contents of the German specimen as the remains of a small, agile lizard. This lizard was initially classified as Bavarisaurus macrodactylus. Later analysis suggested the lizard might represent a distinct but related species, humorously nicknamed Schoenesmahl dyspepsia (“beautiful meal that is difficult to digest”). The entire lizard skeleton, approximately 17 centimeters long, was found whole, indicating the dinosaur swallowed its prey without chewing.
The presence of a small, fast-moving lizard provides definitive proof of the Compsognathus’s carnivorous diet. Such direct evidence of stomach contents is extremely rare in the dinosaur fossil record. This finding solidifies the conclusion that Compsognathus was a specialized predator of small vertebrates.
Anatomical Clues to Feeding Habits
The physical structure of Compsognathus supports the direct evidence found in its stomach. Its skull was delicate and elongated, with slender jaws that lacked the robust structure necessary for grappling with large prey. The name Compsognathus translates to “elegant jaw,” reflecting this delicate morphology.
The dinosaur’s teeth were small, elongated, sharp, and slightly recurved, with few denticles. This dentition was suited for gripping and holding small, slippery prey like lizards, rather than slicing muscle or crushing bone. The teeth functioned to secure a catch for immediate swallowing, aligning with the observation that the lizard was swallowed whole.
The large size of the eye sockets suggests that Compsognathus relied on sharp vision for hunting. This keen eyesight, combined with its lightweight build and long limbs, indicates it was a pursuit predator. The ability to rapidly accelerate and outrun swift-moving prey was a necessary adaptation for its specialized diet.