The "neglected marvelous lizard," was a moderately-sized herbivorous dinosaur that roamed western North America during the late Cretaceous Period, 75-65 million years ago.

Description

This dinosaur stood about 3 feet high, was 12 feet long, and weighed 550 pounds. It likely likely ran on its hind legs with some speed, using its tail for balance, while its short front limbs were probably used primarily for support when the animal bent down to graze on low-lying vegetation.

Fossil History

The first specimen of this dinosaur was unearthed from the Lance Formation, in Niobara County, Wyoming, in 1891. It received its species name because the fossils were not studied and described until 1913, by Charles Gilmore.

Scientific Classification

phylum Chordata
subphylum Vertebrata
class Archosauria
order Saurischia
suborder
infraorder
family Hypsilophodontidae

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This page was last updated on 06/18/2017.