Arenysaurus
Herbivore·Late Cretaceous·Pyrenees Mountains, Spain·Facultative Biped
Arenysaurus is a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. It was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs, becoming extinct during the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Fossils of Arenysaurus have been discovered in the Tremp Formation of the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain.
Key Facts
- ›Lived during the Late Cretaceous, around 66 million years ago.
- ›Belonged to the lambeosaurine subfamily of hadrosaurids, known for cranial crests.
- ›Fossils were found in the Tremp Formation of the Pyrenees Mountains, Spain.
- ›Measured approximately 5–6 meters (16–20 ft) in length.
- ›Estimated to have weighed around 1 metric ton (1.1 short tons).
- ›One of the most complete and well-dated hadrosaur fossils from the Late Cretaceous.
Medium-Sized Hadrosaur, Hollow and Decorative Cranial Crests, Estimated Length: 5–6 Meters, Estimated Weight: 1 Metric Ton
Lambeosaurine Hadrosaurids
Spain
About Arenysaurus
Arenysaurus is a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived during the very end of the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. This dinosaur is notable for being among the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Its fossils, consisting of a partial skull and skeleton, were unearthed in the Tremp Formation, situated within the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain.
Discovery and Naming
The type species, Arenysaurus ardevoli, was formally described in 2009 by a team of Spanish researchers. The genus name, Arenysaurus, pays homage to the town of Arén in Aragon, Spain, where the fossils were discovered. The specific epithet, ardevoli, honors the geologist Lluís Ardèvol, who was instrumental in the find. The local community of Arén played a significant role in assisting paleontologists during the excavation, a contribution recognized by the dedication of the dig site to the town.
Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle
Arenysaurus belonged to the lambeosaurine subfamily of hadrosaurids. Lambeosaurines are distinguished by the presence of hollow and often elaborate cranial crests, though the specific form of Arenysaurus's crest is not extensively detailed in available records. This medium-sized dinosaur is estimated to have measured between 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length and weighed approximately 1 metric ton (1.1 short tons). As a hadrosaurid, Arenysaurus was primarily a herbivore, likely feeding on vegetation. Its locomotion is considered facultative bipedal, meaning it could walk on both two and four legs, though it likely favored bipedal movement for faster travel.
Significance of the Fossil Record
The fossil remains of Arenysaurus are considered exceptionally valuable. They represent one of the most complete and accurately dated hadrosaur fossils discovered from the Late Cretaceous period. The original bones are preserved and displayed in a museum established in Arén, which also features reconstructions and educational materials about the dinosaur and its discovery. An exact replica of the fossil site, showing the bones in their original positions, has also been constructed.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Arenysaurus live?
Arenysaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. This places it among the last of the non-avian dinosaurs before their extinction event.
What does the name Arenysaurus mean?
The genus name 'Arenysaurus' refers to the town of Arén in Spain, where its fossils were discovered. The specific epithet, 'ardevoli', honors the geologist Lluís Ardèvol.
What type of dinosaur was Arenysaurus?
Arenysaurus was a hadrosaurid dinosaur, specifically a member of the lambeosaurine subfamily. Lambeosaurines are characterized by their hollow and often decorative cranial crests.
How large was Arenysaurus?
Arenysaurus was a medium-sized hadrosaur. It is estimated to have measured between 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length and weighed around 1 metric ton (1.1 short tons).
Where were Arenysaurus fossils found?
The fossils of Arenysaurus were discovered in the Tremp Formation, located in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. The discovery site is near the small village of Arén.
Related Dinosaur species
Amurosaurus
Amurosaurus was a genus of lambeosaurine hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived in what is now eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago. Named "Amur lizard," its remains were discovered near the Amur River, which forms the border between Russia and China. This herbivorous dinosaur is estimated to have been about 8 meters long and weighed around 3 metric tons.
Augustynolophus
Augustynolophus is an extinct genus of herbivorous saurolophine hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived in what is now California during the late Maastrichtian age, making it one of the last non-avian dinosaurs before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. It was a large hadrosaur, estimated to be 8 meters (26 ft) long and weigh 3 metric tons (3.3 short tons), and was specialized for chewing its plant-based diet.
Coahuilasaurus
Coahuilasaurus is an extinct genus of kritosaurin ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Coahuila, Mexico. Known from fragmentary skull bones, it was a large dinosaur, estimated to be 8-9 meters long and weighing over 4 metric tons. The genus name honors the region of its discovery, while the species name recognizes the Lipan Apache tribe.