STEGOSAURUS Meaning and
Definition
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Stegosaurus is a noun, defined as a type of large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. It is characterized by its distinctive features, with the most notable being the series of large, upright bony plates that extend along its back and tail. These plates, known as "thagomizers," were lined with sharp spikes pointing towards the tail, likely serving as a means of defense against predators.
Stegosaurus typically had a relatively small head in proportion to its body, featuring a beak-like snout and small teeth for feeding on plant material. The dinosaur had a long neck, a heavily built body, and short, stubby legs. While its front limbs were shorter than its hind limbs, all of its legs ended with hoofed feet that aided in mobility.
The function of the distinctive plates on its back has been a subject of scientific inquiry. It is generally believed that the plates served a role in regulating body temperature or were used for display purposes, such as attracting mates or intimidating rivals. The spikes on the tail were likely used as a defensive weapon against potential predators or for intra-species combat.
Stegosaurus is known from various fossil remains discovered in North America, particularly in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. National Natural Landmark such as Dinosaur National Monument serves as an important site for its fossil discoveries, contributing to our understanding of this iconic dinosaur species.
Common Misspellings for STEGOSAURUS
Etymology of STEGOSAURUS
The word "stegosaurus" is derived from two Greek words: "stegos" meaning "roof" or "covering" and "sauros" meaning "lizard". Thus, "stegosaurus" can be translated to mean "roof lizard" or "covered lizard". This name is a reference to the distinctive plates that run along the back of the dinosaur, resembling a row of tiles or plates on a roof.
Similar spelling word for STEGOSAURUS
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