Key Facts About The Stegosaurus: The Iconic Armored Dinosaur

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Stegosaurus Dinosaur!

 

The Stegosaurus is one of the most iconic and fascinating dinosaurs, instantly recognizable by its row of large, bony plates and spiked tail.

 

When did Stegosaurus live?

 

This herbivorous dinosaur lived during the Late Jurassic Period, around 155 to 150 (Late Jurassic – Albian) million years ago.

 

It was a time when the Earth’s climate was warmer than it is today on average, and the landscape was dominated by lush vegetation.

When did the Stegosaurus go Extinct?

 

The Stegosaurus went extinct around 150 million years ago, at the end of the Late Jurassic period. This extinction was part of a broader pattern of changes in dinosaur populations and ecosystems that occurred during the transition from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous period.

 

The exact reasons for the extinction of Stegosaurus and other Late Jurassic dinosaurs are not fully understood, but they likely involved a combination of environmental changes, climate shifts, and competition with other species.

 

Physical Characteristics

 

• • Size (How big is a stegosaurus?): Believe it or not, a stegosaurus could grow up to a mammouth 30 feet (9 meters) long and weighed about 5–7 tons, roughly the size of a bus. Even as large as it was, it was considered a relatively medium-sized dinosaur, especially if you compare its size to an Argentinosaurus (one of the largest dinosaurs ever).The Argentinosaurus clocked in at an unbelievable 100+ feet tall and weighed about 100+ colossal tons. About 20 times heavier than the stegosaurus. Imagine that!  
  • Plates: The most striking feature of Stegosaurus is the row of 17 large, bony plates (osteoderms) that ran along its back. These plates were arranged in two alternating rows rather than directly opposite each other.
  • Tail Spikes: At the end of its tail, it had four long spikes, called a thagomizer, which were likely used for defense against predators like Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.
  • Head: Its small head housed a brain about the size of a walnut, leading to the myth that it was unintelligent. However, the stegosaurus brain was likely sufficient for its lifestyle.
  • Weight: The average weight of a Stegosaurus is estimated to be between 3 to 7 metric tons (around 6,600 to 15,400 pounds). However, weight estimates can vary depending on the specific species.
  • Height: The height of this dino was approximately 7 to 9 meters (23 to 30 feet) in length and stood about 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) tall at the hips. Their height varied, of course, depending on the species and each individual dinsaur. Also note that the plates along their backs added to their overall height.

 

Diet and Eating Habits

 

What do stegosaurus Eat?

 

Stegosaurus was an herbivore, primarily feeding on low-growing plants such as ferns, cycads, and horsetails.

 

Stegosaurus teeth were leaf-shaped and small, typically only about 1 centimeter in size. Despite their large body size, these herbivores had tiny, triangular teeth that were arranged in straight rows from front to back. It’s small teeth were designed for slicing rather than chewing.

 

To aid digestion, the dinosaur may have swallowed small stones, called gastroliths, which helped break down tough plant material in its stomach.

Did stegosaurus Drink Water?

Ah, the age-old question – did Stegosaurus dinosaurs quench their thirst just like us? You bet they did! And brace yourself, my friends, because you might just be sipping on some prehistoric pee every time you take a swig of H2O. Don’t worry; it’s not as gross as it sounds.

For nearly 5 billion years, water’s been running its own little underground rave, morphing from liquid to solid to gas – a process called the water cycle. Fast forward a few million years, and here we are – sipping on water that was once slurped up by a Stegosaurus on a scorching Jurassic day. How’s that for an epic tale of recycling?

Function of the Plates

 

The exact purpose of the plates has been widely debated. Here are the leading theories:

 

1. 1. Thermoregulation: The plates may have helped regulate body temperature by releasing heat or absorbing warmth from the sun.
   2. Display: They might have been used for visual communication, either to attract mates, establish dominance, or intimidate predators.
   3. Defense: While not their primary function, the plates may have provided some protection by making the dinosaur appear larger and more formidable.

 

Fossil Discoveries

Stegosaurus fossils have been discovered primarily in the Morrison Formation of western North America, particularly in states like Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. These areas were lush floodplains during the Late Jurassic, providing plenty of vegetation for herbivores like Stegosaurus to thrive.

 

Where can I see Stegosaurus Fossils

Museums

Natural History Museum of Utah: The Past Worlds Gallery has a Stegosaurus
Natural History Museum: Come see Sophie! A Stegosaurus brought to life.
EcoTarium: Formerly the Worcester Science Center, the EcoTarium had a life-size fiberglass Stegosaurus named Siegfried
American Museum of Natural History: Believed to be the largest and among the most complete Stegosaurus specimens ever discovered, Apex is now on display in the Museum’s Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium.

Dinosaur National Monuments

Dinosaur National Monument: The Carnegie Quarry has many Stegosaurus fossils, including a mounted cast of a juvenile Stegosaurus.

Galleries

Smithsonian Institution: Has a black and white photographic print of a Stegosaurus.

Other Museums

See the top 25 dinosaur museums around the world.

Behavior and Lifestyle

 

Stegosaurus likely moved in small groups, grazing on vegetation. While it was slow-moving due to its short legs and massive body, its tail spikes could deliver powerful blows to defend against predators. Evidence of healed wounds on predators’ fossils suggests Stegosaurus could effectively fend off attacks.

 

Where did the Stegosaurus live?

 

Stegosaurus lived primarily in North America, particularly in what is now the western United States, during the Late Jurassic Period.

Interesting Stegosaurus Facts

• • The name “Stegosaurus” means “roofed lizard,” originally based on the mistaken belief that its plates lay flat like shingles on a roof.
  • Despite its small brain, Stegosaurus had a well-developed sacral ganglion (a bundle of nerves near its hips) that may have helped control its hindquarters and tail.
  • Stegosaurus is the state dinosaur of Colorado and is often a symbol of the Jurassic era.
  • Stegosaurus had four acute, pointed spikes at the very end of its tail, known as a thagomizer. These incisive spikes were likely used as a weapon to fend off predators.
  • Stegosaurus is a popular modern-day icon and is deemed one of the most distinguishable dinos of all time! It has appeared in the Jurassic Park trilogy as well as in many books.

 

Wrapping it Up

 

The stegosaurus is one of the most iconic dinosaurs, easily recognized by the distinctive plates along its back and the spikes on its tail. A complete stegosaurus skeleton reveals its large, herbivorous body, which could reach up to 30 feet in length. Interestingly, the stegosaurus skull was relatively small compared to its massive body.

 

Fossils of a baby stegosaurus suggest that even juveniles had similar body proportions, though they were much smaller. The stegosaurus habitat consisted of lush, forested areas in what is now North America and Europe, where it likely fed on low-growing vegetation. Despite its size, the stegosaurus remains a fascinating example of how unique adaptations allowed dinosaurs to thrive in their environments.

 

Stegosaurus remains a favorite among dinosaur enthusiasts, thanks to its distinctive appearance and fascinating adaptations that helped it survive in a world dominated by massive predators.

 

Stegosaurus Drawing

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