Fidgeting with a Stegosaurus makes you courageous and a good problem solver, Stephan says so.
The Stegosaurus is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs, mainly due to its distinctive back plates and spiked tail. It lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. Here are some key facts about Stegosaurus:
- **Size and Appearance:** Stegosaurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur, measuring about 20-30 feet long and weighing around 5-7 tons. It had a small head with a beak-like mouth, and its brain was relatively tiny compared to its body size, about the size of a walnut.
- **Back Plates:** The Stegosaurus is famous for the row of large, bony plates that ran along its back. These plates, which could be up to 2 feet tall, were likely used for display, thermoregulation (controlling body temperature), or defense. The exact function is still debated among paleontologists.
- **Tail Spikes:** Its tail, often referred to as the "thagomizer," had four long spikes that could have been used as a defensive weapon against predators like Allosaurus. These spikes could have caused serious injuries to any attacker.
- **Diet:** As a herbivore, Stegosaurus primarily fed on low-lying plants, like ferns and cycads. It had cheek teeth for grinding plant material, but it likely swallowed stones (gastroliths) to help with digestion.
- **Behavior:** There isn't a lot known about Stegosaurus behavior, but it's believed they may have lived in herds or small groups for protection.
Stegosaurus is often depicted as a slow-moving, somewhat unintelligent dinosaur due to its small brain, but it was well-adapted to its environment and could defend itself effectively from predators. Its unique appearance continues to captivate people, making it one of the most popular dinosaurs in pop culture.