Stegosaurus Facts

The Stegosaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur from the Late Jurassic Period. This quadruped (having four legs) creature was the only dinosaur with 'plates' on its back. Plates present on the back of these dinosaurs were also known as 'dermal armor'. A spiked tail was also one of the characteristic features of Stegosaurus. Number of spikes varied from 4-8 in number, depending on the species. Body of the Stegosaurus was covered with rhamphothecae, the sheaths that are horny. Length of the body of Stegosaurus was approximately 9 meters; height of this dinosaur was around 4 meters. The different kinds of Stegosaurus dinosaurs found on earth were 11 in number.

Dinosaur Stegosaurus Facts

The Stegosaurus is one of the earliest species of dinosaurs that was discovered by scientists. There are many interesting Stegosaurus facts for kids and people in general which could help increase our understanding about these creatures. Few of these facts are presented below.

• The opinions of scientists about function/use of plates on the body of Stegosaurus vary a lot. According to few scientists, plates of Stegosaurus served the purpose of regulating body temperature. Some others claim that the plates were used for defense.
• Brain of Stegosaurus was roughly the size of a walnut. According to earlier beliefs, Stegosaurus brain was present in the hip region. However, this claim was ruled out by scientists later on.
• Diet of this dinosaur included ferns and other plants. Seeds of different plants, leaves of conifers, etc. could also have been part of the diet.
• The Stegosaurus, due to its body frame was not able to reach out to the taller branches of trees. It was therefore, known to feed on plants at a lesser height (3-4 feet).
• The manner in which Stegosaurus would eat was that of biting/tearing off leaves from the plants; this activity of biting/tearing was followed by chewing/grinding of leaves. Food was digested in stomach and gizzard; the gizzard is an organ found even in today's birds species where the grinding of hard/coarse food materials takes place. The Stegosaurus used to consume gastroliths and stones in order to break the tough food materials and thereby ease out the process of digestion.
• The hind legs of this dinosaur were larger in comparison to the front legs. Feet of the hind legs had 3 toes each. Front legs on the other hand were characterized by the presence of 5 toes each.
• Reproduction in Stegosaurus took place through ovipary i.e. by means of laying eggs; the number of eggs laid in a clutch varied between 6 and 8.
• The western region of North America is the area where the Stegosaurus was found in large numbers. This dinosaur preferred areas with sufficient amount of water; such areas also provided food aplenty.
• The Tyrannosaurus Rex is said to be the predator of Stegosaurus; tail was used by Stegosaurus for the purpose of defense.
• The Ankylosaurus of Cetacean period is said to be closely related to Stegosaurus. The Ankylosaurus, just like Stegosaurus had four legs. Both these creatures were classified under a group called, Thyreophoran.
• Earlier, scientists has thought that the Stegosaurus must have been bipedal. Some of the scientists still believe that the dinosaur was capable of standing on hind legs.
• Tail of the Stegosaurus is called the thagomizer. The tail is named after Thag Simmons. Origin of this name assigned to the tail can be traced back to a 'Far Side' cartoon from the year 1982. The word, 'thagomizer' was first used in this cartoon with reference to the tail.

The facts listed in the article about Stegosaurus should help understand characteristics of this dinosaur from the Late Jurassic Period. Stegosaurus was an important reptilian species; facts about this creature helps increase our understanding about types of dinosaurs on earth.