Dacentrurus Dinosaur is an extinct genus of dinosaur from the early Jurassic period. It belongs to the family of Stegosauridae, which also includes the famous Stegosaurus. It was a large, heavily-armored plant-eater that lived during the Early Jurassic period, some 201 to 175 million years ago. Its fossils have been found in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. Externally, Dacentrurus had a peculiar, boxy body shape.
Its body was covered with lumps, giving it an unusual look. It was also protected by two rows of heavily-armored plates along its back, two rows along its belly, and thinner protection on its shoulders. Tail spikes protruded from its tail, giving it an extra level of protection. In terms of size, Dacentrurus was relatively large for its time. It reached lengths as great as almost ten meters (33 feet). Its weight was likely between 1,000 and 2,000 kilograms (2,200 to 4,400 pounds). It would have had an immense presence in a Jurassic field.
Dacentrurus Facts :
| Name: | Dacentrurus Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 10 meters |
| Main Facts: | Dacentrurus went extinct during the Middle Jurassic period, around 174 million years ago. Dacentrurus and its fellow stegosaurs were among the most successful plant-eating dinosaurs of the early Jurassic period. |
Dacentrurus was a plant-eater, and its mouth contained teeth that were adapted for crushing and grinding down tough plant materials. Its diet would have likely included things such as cycads, horsetails, and perhaps ferns. Its body structure was also well-adapted for a plant-eating lifestyle. Its long neck allowed it to reach tall vegetation, while its legs were adapted for moving quickly across open terrain.
The lifestyle of Dacentrurus was probably fairly typical of other plant eaters. It likely formed large herds, migrating through areas searching for food. It would have likely kept an eye on its surroundings, using its tail spikes as a warning sign of potential danger. It was also a timid creature and would have sought shelter in rocky areas when menaced by predators. When Dacentrurus died, it left behind a rich source of fossils, especially in Europe, allowing paleontologists to get a better understanding of this magnificent creature.
