Lufengosaurus Dinosaur is an extinct genus of basal sauropodomorph dinosaur that lived in what is now southwestern China during the Early Jurassic Period, around 190 million years ago. It was one of the earliest sauropodomorphs, the group of large, four-legged plant-eaters that later gave rise to the long-necked Sauropods. Lufengosaurus was first discovered in 1939 and is the first sauropodomorph dinosaur to be scientifically described.
The fossil specimens of Lufengosaurus are largely incomplete, as most consists only of partial skeletons and postcranial remains. From these remains, palaeontologists can tell that Lufengosaurus was a relatively small dinosaur, measuring around 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet) in length from head to tail. It was a bipedal dinosaur, walking on two strong hind legs with its shorter forelimbs folded close to its body. The head and neck of Lufengosaurus were proportionally small, with a short, boxy skull and a relatively long neck. The teeth of Lufengosaurus had a pointed, spoon-like shape, indicating a diet of mostly soft leafy vegetation.
Lufengosaurus Facts :
| Name: | Lufengosaurus Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 6-7 meters |
| Main Facts: | Lufengosaurus is an extinct genus of basal sauropodomorph dinosaur that lived in what is now southwestern China during the Early Jurassic Period, around 190 million years ago. |
The fossil records of Lufengosaurus have helped palaeontologists to reconstruct the anatomy of its skin and external appearance. From the fossilized skin impressions that scientists have discovered, they can tell that Lufengosaurus had scaly skin, but no horny armor plates, armor scutes, or horns as some other dinosaurs did. From an ecological perspective, Lufengosaurus is believed to have been a herbivorous animal, common in the lush, humid, tropical habitats that existed in southwestern China during the Early Jurassic Period.
It was an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of the abundant supplies of foliage, shrubbery, and grasses available in its environment. Though it is now extinct, Lufengosaurus has become an important part of the fossil record, representing a significant transitional stage in the evolution of dinosaurs, and a crucial piece of evidence in our understanding of sauropodomorphan ancestry. It has also provided invaluable insight into the nature of life in the Jurassic period, and the ecology of mammals and reptiles on an ancient, diverse Earth.
