Stegosaurus

Journal.pone.0138352.g001A

Stego-marsh-1896-US geological survey

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Stegosaurus ungulatus skeleton peabody museum 1910

Stego

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Stegosaurus size comparison

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Stegosaurus stenops skull cast - Natural History Museum of Utah - DSC07228

Stegosaurus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. It is one of the most easily identifiable dinosaurs, thanks to its distinctive row of kite-shaped plates rising vertically along its back and the four long spikes on its tail, which are often referred to as the "thagomizer." The name Stegosaurus means "roof lizard" or "covered lizard," in reference to its plates. This dinosaur is classified within the group Stegosauridae, which comprises armored dinosaurs.

Description

Stegosaurus was a large dinosaur, reaching lengths of up to 9 meters (30 feet) and weighing as much as 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds). Its body was supported by sturdy legs, with the hind legs being longer than the front legs. This configuration suggests that Stegosaurus could adopt a bipedal stance to reach higher vegetation. The skull of Stegosaurus was small and narrow, equipped with simple, leaf-shaped teeth suitable for a diet of soft plants.

The most striking features of Stegosaurus are the two rows of large, bony plates that ran along its back and the spikes on its tail. The function of these plates has been the subject of much speculation. They may have served for display, thermoregulation, or defense. The tail spikes, or thagomizer, were likely used as a defensive weapon against predators.

Discovery and Species

The first Stegosaurus fossils were discovered in the late 19th century in the western United States, particularly in the Morrison Formation, which has yielded a wealth of Jurassic dinosaur fossils. Since then, several species of Stegosaurus have been identified, with Stegosaurus stenops being the best-known species due to the number of well-preserved specimens.

Paleobiology

The lifestyle of Stegosaurus has been a topic of interest and debate among paleontologists. Its teeth and jaw structure suggest that it fed on soft vegetation, such as ferns and cycads. The structure of its limbs and the positioning of its plates indicate that it was not a fast mover, but it could likely use its tail spikes effectively against predators.

In Popular Culture

Stegosaurus has captured the public's imagination and is a staple of dinosaur-related media. It has appeared in films, television shows, and literature, often depicted as a gentle giant. Despite its popularity, many depictions of Stegosaurus in popular culture are inaccurate, showing it with an arched back and tail dragging on the ground, which contradicts current scientific understanding.

See Also

• Dinosaur
• Jurassic Period
• Herbivore
• Morrison Formation