Arstanosaurus is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 85 to 84 million years ago. Its name means “Arstan lizard,” named after a well called Arstan in Kazakhstan.
Arstanosaurus is part of a larger family of dinosaurs known as hadrosaurids, also called “duck-billed dinosaurs.” These dinosaurs were mostly found in what is now Kazakhstan, specifically in the Bostobe Formation.
The first discoveries of Arstanosaurus were made in the early 1980s. Scientists found some remains, including part of its jaw and possibly part of its leg. However, these bits weren’t enough to learn a lot about this dinosaur, and for many years, it was not a well-known species.
Over time, some researchers thought that Arstanosaurus might belong to a different group of dinosaurs called ceratopsids, which are famous for their horns and frills. But later studies suggested that these early conclusions were based on misunderstandings.
Today, most scientists think Arstanosaurus is most closely related to hadrosaurids. If it was indeed a hadrosaurid, it would have likely walked on two legs or four. It was a herbivore, which means it ate plants. This dinosaur would have had special teeth that continuously grew, helping it munch on tough vegetation.
Despite its confusing history, Arstanosaurus remains a fascinating part of dinosaur research. New discoveries continue to help us understand these amazing creatures that once roamed our planet.