Epidendrosaurus Dinosaur is an extinct genus of small choristoderan dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic Period approximately 165-161 million years ago. It was discovered in northeastern China and is one of the smallest dinosaurs in the world. The type species for Epidendrosaurus is E. nananensis, first described by Dong and Zhou in 1986. Epidendrosaurus was a small, gracile, heavily-built plant-eater with long, slender legs and a short tail. The most prominent feature of Epidendrosaurus was its long, spoon-shaped beak which it used to pluck and pick soft vegetation from between the tight branches of trees.
The body of Epidendrosaurus measured about 2 meters in total length, with a mass of around 20 kilograms. Its skeletal features were more advanced than those of other choristodere dinosaurs of the same age, with the presence of an ossified sternum and a three-pronged bony jaw structure being particularly noteworthy. Epidendrosaurus had one of the longest skulls compared to its other choristodere contemporaries.
Epidendrosaurus Facts :
| Name: | Epidendrosaurus Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 2 meters |
| Main Facts: | . It is one of the oldest choristodere dinosaurs to be discovered, and its discovery has helped to expand our understanding of early dinosaur evolution. |
Its jaws were relatively advanced for the time period, and its teeth were finely serrated with hook-like denticles. Despite the presence of these denticles, it is believed that Epidendrosaurus ate a predominately plant-based diet. The skull of Epidendrosaurus was short and robust, with wide, flat eyes and a simple lower jaw joint. It had a slender neck with short, atrophied muscles, and its body was protected by a thin layer of scaly skin.
Epidendrosaurus was one of the fastest choristodere dinosaurs because of its small size and light frame. Its long, stringy neck allowed it to reach out and pluck vegetables from the furthest reaches of branches and tree tops. Epidendrosaurus is particularly noted for its well-preserved remains. Fossilized specimens of this dinosaur have been found in relatively good condition, allowing paleontologists to gain a better understanding of its anatomy and behavior. It provides valuable data for scientists and helps to illustrate the nuances of the Middle Jurassic ecosystem.
