**Ampelognathus: A Late Cretaceous Dinosaur**
Ampelognathus is an extinct dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It belongs to a group called ornithopods, which were known for being plant-eaters with unique jaw structures. The name “Ampelognathus” means “grapevine jaw,” reflecting its discovery location near Grapevine Lake in Texas.
**Discovery and Naming**
The remains of Ampelognathus were found in Texas in an area called the Lewisville Formation. The specific fossil discovered is a nearly complete piece of a jawbone, known as a dentary.
Researchers Tykoski, Contreras, and Noto first described this dinosaur in 2023. They gave it the specific name “coheni” in honor of Murray Cohen, who found the fossil.
**Appearance and Classification**
Based on its classification, Ampelognathus is a basal member of the ornithopods. This means it is one of the earliest forms of this group, related closely to later plant-eating dinosaurs like Iguanodon.
While not much is known about its appearance, it is believed to have shared characteristics with other small dinosaurs of its time, which likely included a beak-like mouth for eating plants.
**Related Dinosaurs**
In studies done by scientists, Ampelognathus was found to be closely related to other dinosaurs in the same family, such as Thescelosaurus. It is important in understanding the evolution of these plant-eating dinosaurs and how they adapted over time.
**Interesting Findings**
Some studies in 2024 and 2025 have suggested that Ampelognathus also fits into a larger group known as Rhabdodontomorpha. This includes several small to medium-sized dinosaurs that lived in the same era.
In summary, Ampelognathus gives us insights into the variety of life that existed during the Late Cretaceous period, showcasing the diversity of dinosaurs that roamed what is now North America.