**Ampelosaurus: The Vine Lizard**
Ampelosaurus is a genus of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 71.5 million years ago. Its name, which means “vine lizard,” was inspired by the vineyards located near where its fossils were found in southern France.
**Description and Size**
Like many dinosaurs in the sauropod family, Ampelosaurus had a long neck and tail. It could grow to about 14 to 16 meters long, which is about 46 to 52 feet! This dinosaur also had special armor called osteoderms, which are bony structures found in its skin. These pieces of armor helped protect it, and they came in different shapes like plates and spines.
**Discovery and History**
Ampelosaurus was discovered in a place called the Bellevue site near Campagne-sur-Aude in France. The first bones were found there in the early 1980s, and because of many digs since then, over 1,400 bones have been found! This makes Ampelosaurus one of the best-known dinosaurs from France. It was scientifically named in 1995 by paleontologist Jean Le Loeuff.
While many fossils were attributed to Ampelosaurus, some of them actually might belong to other similar dinosaurs. This means that scientists are still studying these bones to understand more about them.
**Living Environment**
Ampelosaurus lived on what was once known as the Ibero-Armorican Island, which included parts of modern-day France and Spain. During its time, Europe was made up of many islands, and Ampelosaurus roamed the flat lands of this region.
**Eating Habits and Lifestyle**
Like other sauropods, Ampelosaurus probably fed on plants. Its teeth were not like those of many other dinosaurs, resembling more cylindrical shapes with slight expansions that helped it munch on various types of vegetation.
In terms of growth, studies show that Ampelosaurus grew similarly to some of its ancestors but had a slower growth rate as it reached maturity compared to other dinosaurs. This unique growth pattern gives insight into how it lived and adapted to its environment.
**Associated Fauna**
Ampelosaurus was not alone. Alongside it lived other creatures like the ornithopod Rhabdodon, turtles, and even giant ground birds. The layers of sediment where Ampelosaurus fossils were found also contained eggshells and nests, hinting at a diverse ecosystem.
**Where to See Ampelosaurus**
Many bones of Ampelosaurus are displayed at the Musée des Dinosaures in Espéraza, France. This museum helps people learn more about this impressive dinosaur and its time on Earth.
In summary, Ampelosaurus was a fascinating dinosaur with unique features and a rich history that continues to be uncovered by scientists today.