Stegosauri Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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stegosauri
[หstษษกษหsษrษs ]
Definition
paleontology
Stegosaurus is a genus of dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Recognizable by its distinctive double row of large, bony plates along its back and its spiked tail, it was a herbivorous dinosaur. Stegosaurus is one of the most well-known dinosaurs due to its unique physical characteristics and relatively complete fossil record. Its name means 'roofed lizard' in Greek, referring to the plates on its back. The creature is believed to have grown up to about 30 feet long, although its exact size could vary among different species within the genus.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The skeleton of a Stegosaurus was displayed at the museum.
- Paleontologists discovered new Stegosaurus fossils in the quarry.
- Children are fascinated by Stegosaurus due to its unique appearance.
- Many documentaries feature Stegosaurus in discussions about dinosaur diversity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Fossil Discoveries
- Fossils have been found primarily in North America, particularly in the late Jurassic period.
- These fossils reveal that stegosauri had brains smaller than their size, about the size of a walnut.
Pop Culture
- Stegosaurus has appeared in numerous films and shows, such as 'Jurassic Park', where it was depicted as a slow-moving herbivore.
- In cartoons, stegosauri are often portrayed as friendly and clumsy characters.
Ecology
- These dinosaurs were herbivores, primarily feeding on low-lying plants, ferns, and shrubs during the Jurassic.
- Their distinctive plates were not just for show; they may have helped regulate body temperature or attract mates.
Behavior
- Research suggests that stegosauri likely moved in herds for safety from predators.
- They communicated with each other through body language, especially using their spiky tails as a warning sign.
Origin of 'stegosauri'
Main points about word origin
- The name comes from Greek, where 'stegos' means roof and 'sauros' means lizard, referring to the dinosaur's unique back.
- It was first named by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877, making it one of the first dinosaurs to be recognized.
The name 'Stegosaurus' derives from the Greek words 'stegos,' meaning 'roof,' and 'sauros,' meaning 'lizard' or 'reptile.' The name was first coined in 1877 by the American paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh when he described the first specimen found in the Morrison Formation of Colorado. The discovery of Stegosaurus helped shape early understandings of dinosaur diversity and morphology. During the late 19th century, Stegosaurus became one of the classic examples of dinosaur evolution due to its unique double row of dorsal plates and tail spikes. It has been the subject of extensive study, with various species classified under the Stegosaurus genus, including Stegosaurus ungulatus and Stegosaurus stenops. The popularity of Stegosaurus in popular culture has led to its frequent representation in films, books, and educational materials, making it one of the most recognizable dinosaurs.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,825, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.