Zhejiangosaurus is a type of dinosaur that once lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 100 to 93 million years ago. Its name means “Zhejiang lizard,” named after the place where its fossils were found, in Zhejiang province, eastern China.
The dinosaur was first described scientifically in 2007 by a group of researchers. The main species identified is called Zhejiangosaurus lishuiensis.
Zhejiangosaurus was a big dinosaur, reaching lengths of up to 4.5 meters, which is about 17 feet. It could weigh as much as 1.4 tons, similar to a small car.
The remains of Zhejiangosaurus that we have include parts of its skeleton. These parts include a hip bone and some vertebrae. The fossils were discovered in the Chaochuan Formation, which is about 93 million years old.
Researchers believe that Zhejiangosaurus belonged to a group of dinosaurs known as ankylosaurs, which were known for their armor and clubbed tails. More specifically, it is thought to fit into the family called Nodosauridae, which includes other armored dinosaurs.
Currently, Zhejiangosaurus is considered a “nomen dubium,” which means that its unique features are not well-defined, and there is some uncertainty about its classification.
Overall, Zhejiangosaurus gives us a glimpse into the variety of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.