Micropachycephalosaurus (small thick headed lizard)
My-krow-pak-e-sef-ah-lo-sore-us
Z. Dong - 1978
Herbivore
Estimated up to 2 meters long
Ceratopsian
M. hongtuyanensis (type)
China, Shandong Province - Wangshi Group
Late Cretaceous, 70 million years ago
Micropachycephalosaurus Facts
Micropachycephalosaurus is a genus of small herbivorous dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period, about 70 million years ago. Its name means “small thick-headed lizard,” and it is a member of the Pachycephalosauria group, which includes other thick-skulled dinosaurs.
Micropachycephalosaurus was a bipedal dinosaur that was about 2 meters (6.5 feet) long and weighed around 10 to 15 kilograms (22 to 33 pounds). It had a thick skull that was flattened from side to side, with large eye sockets and a short snout. The skull also had small bumps and spikes on the top and sides.
One interesting feature of Micropachycephalosaurus is that it had a unique dental battery, or a group of teeth that were fused together, which it used to grind up tough plant material. Its teeth were shaped like small columns, with vertical ridges that helped to break down the plant material.
Micropachycephalosaurus was likely a social dinosaur, living in herds or groups, based on the discovery of multiple fossils found in close proximity to each other. It is also believed that they may have used their thick skulls to engage in head-butting contests during mating season or to establish dominance in their social hierarchy.
Overall, Micropachycephalosaurus is a fascinating example of the diverse range of dinosaurs that existed during the Late Cretaceous period, and its unique adaptations provide insight into the various ways that dinosaurs evolved to survive and thrive in their respective environments.