**Anchisaurus: A Small Dinosaur from the Past**
**When and Where It Lived**
Anchisaurus was a dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic Period, around 200 to 195 million years ago. Fossils of this dinosaur were found in northeastern United States, specifically in a rocky area called the Upper Portland Formation.
**Discovery and Naming**
The bones of Anchisaurus were first discovered in North America in 1818 when a man named Solomon Ellsworth Jr was digging a well. At first, these bones were thought to belong to a human because of their size, but later it became clear they belonged to a dinosaur.
In 1855, another important fossil of Anchisaurus was found by William Smith. Unfortunately, many bones were lost because they were damaged during excavation. Over time, new fossils were discovered, and various scientists tried to name the dinosaur. The name “Anchisaurus” means “near lizard” in Greek. This name replaced “Megadactylus,” which was already used for another animal.
**What Anchisaurus Looked Like**
Anchisaurus was relatively small, measuring just over 2 meters (about 6.6 feet) long. It would have weighed around 27 kilograms (about 60 pounds). Some larger specimens, like Anchisaurus major, could grow even bigger.
This dinosaur had a unique blend of physical features. It had teeth shaped like spoons that helped it eat plants. Anchisaurus could walk on all fours but could also stand on its hind legs to reach higher plants. Its front legs were flexible and could be used like hands for grasping.
**Diet and Behavior**
Anchisaurus was primarily a herbivore, meaning it ate plants. To help digest tough plant material, it swallowed stones called gastroliths, which helped grind up its food in its stomach.
Anchisaurus likely spent a lot of time on all fours but could rise up to grab leaves or branches from taller plants. Its simpler foot design suggests that it was still a developing stage in the evolution of larger dinosaurs.
**Current Understanding**
Today, Anchisaurus is better classified with its closer relatives, rather than being grouped with some of the earlier dinosaurs it was originally associated with. Its fossils continue to provide important information about the evolution of dinosaurs leading up to the larger sauropods we often think of.
**Conclusion**
Anchisaurus is a fascinating dinosaur that helps us understand the early stages of dinosaur evolution. It’s a reminder of the variety of life that existed millions of years ago and gives us insight into how dinosaurs adapted to their environments.