GEOL 305 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Sauropelta, Nodosauridae, Ankylosauria
11 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Quadrupedal dinosaurs encased in plates & spines. Mid-size dinos, rarely more than 5 m in length limbs different lengths, w/ hind limb as much as 150% of front limb height. Global distribution; predominately n american, but also found in europe, australia, As group, akylosauria reached peak diversity in cretaceous. Nodosauridae (nodo = knot; referring to round osteoderms) Long snouts, w/ downward curvature of front mandible. Well muscled shoulders, w/ large knob of bone on shoulder blade. Flaring hips & pillar-like limbs (longer limb length than other ankylosaurs) Known from n america & europe w/ recent finds in australia & antarctica. Below is an assortment of nodosauridae w/ varying # & size of back, shoulder, & neck spines. Notice that they all lack tail club characteristics of ankylosauridae. Well armored, but had fewer tall spines along body than many of. Tail ends in massive, bony club which in some species had several paired knobs, or triangular spikes along length.
