 |
 |
Heterodontosaurus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Superorder: Dinosauria
Order: Ornithischia
Family: Heterodontosauridae
Genus: Heterodontosaurus
|
Heterodontosaurus (meaning "Different Toothed Lizard") was a small herbivore with sharp canines, that lived in Jurassic North America. It was similar to a Hypsilophodont in shape, and ate plants, despite its razor-sharp canines.
Heterodontosaurus is currently known from specimens of the SAFM (South African Museum) from South Africa. There are two known morphologies of this genus, the second of which is thought by some to represent a different species. The type species, H. tucki, is from the Upper Elliot Formation of Hettangian (199-196 Million Years Ago) age. It is probably a senior objective synonym of Abrictosaurus, as has been suggested in the past.
There is some evidence that this genus may have existed in North America, although only the ornithopods Technosaurus and Krzyzanowskisaurus are known from this date and location. Material from Switzerland may also pertain to Heterodontosaurus, though this has not been confirmed at this date
Notable Anatomical Features
Heterodontosaurus had a long, narrow pelvis and a pubis which resembled those possessed by more advanced ornithschians. More unusual was that the hand of Heterodontosaurus had five fingers, two of which seem to be opposable. This configuration allowed Heterodontosaurus to grasp and manipulate food. Another interesting feature is the specialization of teeth which gave rise to the animal's name. Most dinosaurs (and indeed most reptiles) have a single type of tooth in their jaws, while Heterodontosaurus had three. At the front of the jaw beside the beak were small teeth likely used for chopping off leaves and stems. Next in the jaw was a large pair of tusks whose purpose is unknown, but it is speculated that they were used as sexual displays. The final type of teeth were tall and squared off. This type of teeth was well adapted for chewing. Chewing is relatively common in dinosaurs, but uncommon for other groups of reptiles.
Referances
Dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. edited by Ingrid Cranfield, 2000 salamander books, pg 132-135.
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
