Massospondylus - Facts and Figures

Massospondylus - Facts and Figures Name: Massospondylus (Greek for large vertebrae); pronounced MASS-oh-SPON-dill-us Habitat: Woodlands of South Africa Historical Period: Early Jurassic (208-190 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 13 feet long and 300 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, five-fingered hands; long neck and tail About Massospondylus Massospondylus is a good example of the class of dinosaurs known as prosauropodssmall-to-medium sized, small-brained herbivores of the early Jurassic period whose relatives later evolved into towering sauropods like Barosaurus and Brachiosaurus. In early 2012, Massospondylus made headlines thanks to the discovery in South Africa of preserved nesting grounds, containing fossilized eggs and embryos, dating to the early Jurassic period (about 190 million years ago) This plant-eaterwhich paleontologists believe stomped in stampede-sized numbers across the plains of early Jurassic South Africais also a case study in changing views of dinosaur behavior. For decades, it was widely believed that Massospondylus walked on all fours, only occasionally rearing up on its hind legs to reach vegetation. In the last few years, though, convincing evidence has come to light that Massospondylus was primarily bipedal, and faster (and more agile) than was previously believed. Because it was discovered so early in paleontological historyin 1854, by the famous naturalist Sir Richard OwenMassospondylus has generated its share of confusion, as various fossil remains have been incorrectly assigned to this genus. For instance, this dinosaur has been identified (at one time or another) with such dubious and now-discarded names as Aristosaurus, Dromicosaurus, Gryponyx, Hortalotarsus, Leptospondylus, and Pachyspondylus.