Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus is a genus of armored, herbivorous dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period.
Stegosaurus is a genus of armored, herbivorous dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period. It is best known for the large bony plates along its back and the spikes on its tail.
What it is
Stegosaurus was a large, quadrupedal dinosaur with two rows of broad plates running along its back and a spiked tail. Its distinctive silhouette makes it one of the most recognizable prehistoric animals. The name means "roof lizard," referring to the plates.
How it lived
As an herbivore, Stegosaurus likely fed on low-growing plants like ferns and cycads. Its tail spikes are widely interpreted as a defensive weapon against predators. Despite its size, its brain was very small relative to its body.
Where it was found
Stegosaurus fossils are mainly known from the western United States, especially in the Morrison Formation of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. It lived about 152–145 million years ago during the Late Jurassic. It is the best-known member of the stegosaur family.
In short
- One of the most recognizable dinosaurs due to back plates and tail spikes.
- Quadrupedal herbivore from the Late Jurassic.
- Fossils found mainly in western North America.
- Tail spikes likely used for defense.
Stegosaurus is a major dinosaur for Canadian readers because it is a classic museum and textbook example of Jurassic life and armored dinosaur anatomy. Canadian museums and science education materials often use Stegosaurus to teach about dinosaur classification and adaptation.
Quick questions
What does Stegosaurus mean?
What did Stegosaurus eat?
How did Stegosaurus defend itself?
Sources
- Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/stegosaurus.htmlSupports: Name meaning, diet, time period, length, and general description.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/StegosaurusSupports: Genus status, Late Jurassic age, size range, and distinguishing plates/spikes.
- National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/stegosaurusSupports: Back plates, tail defense, approximate age, fossil regions, and small brain.
- Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/24184-stegosaurus-facts.htmlSupports: Late Jurassic range, western North American distribution, plates, size, and herbivory.
- National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/places/stegosaurus-ungulates.htmSupports: Plant-eating dinosaur, Late Jurassic North American occurrence, and name meaning.