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Stegosaurus: The Dino with the Dazzling Plates

a close up of a dinosaur

G’day junior paleontologists,

Today, let’s dive in and meet one of the most jaw-dropping dinosaurs ever – the Stegosaurus! This dino’s name means “roofed lizard” because of the unique plates on its back.

The Stegosaurus (STEG-oh-SAWR-us) lived around 155 to 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period. It could grow up to 30 feet long, which is about the length of three small cars in a row, and stand about 14 feet tall. Weighing in at around 2,500 kilos, it was as heavy as a big elephant. As a herbivore, it munched on plants to satisfy its hunger.

Super Cool Features:

The Stegosaurus had 17 large, flat plates that ran along its back. Scientists think these plates might have helped control the dino’s temperature or made it look super fierce to predators. This dinosaur also had a tail armed with four long spikes, known as the “thagomizer,” which it used to defend itself from hungry meat-eating dinosaurs. Even though the Stegosaurus was big, its brain was about the size of a walnut. Good thing it didn’t need to solve maths problems!

 

Social Groups

It’s believed the Stegosaurus may have lived in groups, moving in herds. This group behavior would have provided protection from predators and helped with finding food.  The clues we have suggest that Stegosaurus probably enjoyed some company, however, since we only have fossils to study, there’s still a bit of mystery around their exact social structure.

 

Fun Facts:

Big Dino, Small Feet: The Stegosaurus had relatively small feet compared to its enormous body. Despite this, its feet left behind huge, round footprints that have stood the test of time. These footprints, which can be as wide as a dinner plate, give scientists important clues about how the Stegosaurus moved and lived. By studying these ancient footprints, palaeontologists can learn more about the dino’s gait, speed, and behaviour. It’s like a prehistoric detective puzzle, and each footprint is a piece of the mystery!

Dino Detective Work: Palaeontologists (that’s a fancy word for dinosaur scientists) use fossils to learn about the Stegosaurus. Fossils include not only bones but also footprints, teeth, and even skin impressions. By piecing together these clues, scientists can understand how the Stegosaurus lived, what it ate, and how it interacted with other dinosaurs. Imagine finding a giant jigsaw puzzle, with each fossil providing a piece of the big picture. Their detective work helps us paint a vivid picture of the world when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Now, go ahead and share your new Stegosaurus knowledge with friends and family. Keep exploring the amazing world of dinosaurs with next week’s Dino News.

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