Compsognathus, often called “Compy,” was a small, bipedal, carnivorous theropod that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. Its name, derived from Greek, translates to “elegant jaw.” This agile dinosaur thrived in its ancient environment.
Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle
Compsognathus was a slender, lightweight dinosaur, comparable in size to a modern-day chicken or small turkey. German fossil specimens measured about 60 to 90 centimeters (2 to 3 feet) in length, while a larger French specimen reached up to 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches). It weighed approximately 2 to 4 kilograms (5 to 10 pounds).
It moved on two long, slender hind legs, using its equally long tail for balance while moving. Its anatomy suggests it was well-adapted for quick movement, with estimates of its running speed reaching nearly 64 kilometers (40 miles) per hour. The skull was narrow and elongated, housing sharp, small teeth suited for its carnivorous diet. Its forelimbs were shorter than its hindlimbs and ended in three-fingered hands equipped with claws for grasping prey.
Compsognathus was a nimble predator, feeding primarily on small vertebrates and insects. Fossil evidence, such as a Bavarisaurus lizard found in a Compsognathus stomach, indicates it swallowed prey whole. It inhabited a coastal, tropical archipelago environment in Late Jurassic Europe, in what is now Germany and France. Its habitat included lagoons between ancient beaches and coral reefs.
Discovery and Paleontological Significance
The first well-preserved Compsognathus fossil was discovered in the 1850s by Joseph Oberndorfer in Germany’s Solnhofen Limestone deposits. Johann A. Wagner described and named this initial specimen in 1859. A second, larger, and more complete specimen was found over a century later in France.
Compsognathus was one of the first reasonably complete theropod dinosaur skeletons ever found. For decades, it was the smallest known non-avian dinosaur, though smaller species have since been identified. Its bird-like features contributed to early discussions about the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. Thomas Huxley compared Compsognathus with Archaeopteryx, an early bird found in the same Solnhofen deposits. Due to their similarities, Archaeopteryx specimens were even initially misidentified as Compsognathus.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Compsognathus achieved widespread recognition due to its portrayal in the Jurassic Park franchise, where it is often called “Compy.” Its most prominent appearance was in the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In the movie, these small dinosaurs are depicted hunting in coordinated packs and possessing a venomous bite.
These behaviors, such as pack hunting and venom, were fictionalized for dramatic purposes. Scientific evidence suggests Compsognathus was a solitary hunter. Memorable film scenes include a group of “Compys” attacking a young girl and the demise of character Dieter Stark. Despite some confusion with Procompsognathus from the novel, the movie’s dinosaurs are Compsognathus.