Edmontonia Dinosaur was a genus of ankylosaurid dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 75-65 million years ago. The name is derived from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada, near where the first fossil was found. It was one of the last surviving members of the ankylosaurid family, which includes armored dinosaurs. Edmontonia measured about 8-10 meters in length, and weighed around 4-5 tonnes. It was heavily armored from head-to-toe with thick plates of dermal armor, or osteoderms, which provided protection against predators. Its head was small and domed, and it had a long, sturdy tail, which was likely used as a whip to ward off predators.
The primary weapon of Edmontonia was its formidable club-like tail, which was armed with the tail spines. It also had two pairs of horns on its skull which may have been used for display purposes or protection of its neck. The horns were tilted forwards and compared to many later ankylosaurids, were proportionally small. The paleo-diet of Edmontonia was likely not significantly different than that of modern reptiles and mammals, containing plants like conifers, cycads and ginkgoes. It likely also ate insects and vertebrates like small dinosaurs, amphibians, and fishes.
Edmontonia Facts :
| Name: | Edmontonia Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 8-10 meters |
| Main Facts: | It was quadrupedal, with four strong legs and three-toed feet. |
Edmontonia has been found around the world, from the Western Intermontane region of North America to Europe and Asia. It is typically found in deposits from the Late Cretaceous period, but remains have been discovered as far back as the Middle Jurassic period. In 2019, a new species of Edmontonia, Edmontonia australis, was described from the Badlands of Alberta, Canada. The fossil specimen on which this species was based on was the most complete Edmontonia specimen ever found and was found with an articulated tail.
Edmontonia is a fascinating dinosaur, and a great example of an ancient armored creature. It's amazing to think that it was able to survive for so long, all the way up until the end of the Cretaceous period. Its armor and powerful tail gave it an amazing defense against predators, making it one of the most successful ankylosaurids of its time.
