Ouranosaurus

Overview

Ouranosaurus nigeriensis was a large, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 110 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive sail-like structure on its back and its duck-billed snout, which it used for browsing vegetation.

Ouranosaurus was a medium-sized dinosaur, measuring about 23 feet (7 meters) in length and weighing around 4 tons. Its name means “brave lizard,” reflecting its unique and striking appearance.

Quick Facts

Diet

Herbivore (plants, leaves, and shrubs)

Speed

~12 mph (estimated)

Weight

~4 tons (3,600 kg)

Length

~23 ft (7 m)

Defense

Size and sail for protection

Discovery & Significance

Ouranosaurus was first discovered in 1965 in Niger by French paleontologist Philippe Taquet. Its fossils were found in the Elrhaz Formation, which preserves a rich ecosystem of Early Cretaceous dinosaurs. The discovery of Ouranosaurus provided valuable insights into the diversity of herbivorous dinosaurs during this period.

The sail-like structure on its back, formed by elongated neural spines, is one of its most distinctive features. This sail may have been used for thermoregulation, display, or species recognition.

Physical Characteristics

Ouranosaurus had a long, flat skull with a duck-billed snout, which it used to crop vegetation. Its teeth were adapted for grinding plant material, and it had a beak-like structure at the front of its mouth for cropping plants. The most distinctive feature of Ouranosaurus was its sail-like structure, formed by elongated neural spines that extended from its back.

Its body was robust, with strong hind limbs and shorter forelimbs. Ouranosaurus could walk on both two and four legs, depending on its needs. Its tail was stiffened by ossified tendons, providing balance while walking or running.

Ouranosaurus vs. Other Herbivorous Dinosaurs

More Details

Ouranosaurus lived in what is now Niger during the Early Cretaceous. Its environment was characterized by rivers, lakes, and floodplains, which provided ample vegetation for feeding. Ouranosaurus was a versatile herbivore, capable of browsing on low-lying plants and reaching higher vegetation when necessary.

The sail-like structure on its back has been the subject of much debate. Some scientists believe it was used for thermoregulation, helping the dinosaur regulate its body temperature in the hot, arid climate. Others suggest it may have been used for display, to attract mates or intimidate rivals. The discovery of skin impressions has provided valuable insights into the appearance and texture of its skin, which was covered in small, bumpy scales.

Fossilized trackways and bonebeds suggest that Ouranosaurus lived in herds, which would have provided protection against predators and facilitated social behavior. Its ability to walk on two or four legs made it a highly adaptable dinosaur, capable of both grazing and browsing.

References & Further Reading