The Spiky-Backed Plant-Eater!
Say hello to Stegosaurus, the amazing dinosaur with a spiky, armored back!
| Meaning | Roof lizard or covered lizard [Stego-saurus] |
| Pronunciation | STEG-uh-sore-us |
| When: | Late Jurassic (155–150 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (found primarily in the Morrison Formation across Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming) |
| What: | Stegosaur (quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur with distinctive back plates and tail spikes) |
| Weight: | Approximately 4.5–7 metric tons |
| Length: | About 7–9 meters (23–30 feet) |
| Diet: | Herbivorous (ate low-lying plants, including ferns and cycads) |
| Discovered: | First described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877 |
Stegosaurus was as long as a truck and had huge, flat plates running down its back that made it look like it was wearing super cool armor.
These plates may have helped Stegosaurus look big and scary or even helped it stay warm!
But that’s not all – Stegosaurus also had a tail with four sharp spikes, perfect for keeping hungry predators away.
Even though it looked tough, Stegosaurus was a gentle giant, happily munching on low-growing plants with its tiny, leaf-shaped teeth.
Imagine this friendly dinosaur strolling through the ancient forests, its plates and spikes making it one of the most recognizable dinos ever!