Struthiosaurus is an extinct type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 85 to 66 million years ago. This dinosaur is known mainly from areas that are now Austria, Romania, France, and Hungary.
Struthiosaurus was a small dinosaur, measuring about 2 to 3 meters long, which is similar to the height of a tall person. It weighed between 300 to 400 kilograms, roughly comparable to a small car.
### Discovery History
In 1859, a geologist named Eduard Suess found a dinosaur tooth in a coal mine in Austria. After some digging, he and others uncovered lots of dinosaur bones in the area. However, it took years before these findings were studied closely. In 1871, a paleontologist named Emanuel Bunzel examined these fossils and identified a new dinosaur, naming it Struthiosaurus. The name means “ostrich lizard,” inspired by the bird-like shape of the dinosaur’s skull.
Although Bunzel discovered some parts of the dinosaur, he didn’t realize some of the bones he found actually belonged to Struthiosaurus. He mistakenly thought they were from a giant lizard.
### Different Types
There are a few recognized species of Struthiosaurus:
1. **Struthiosaurus austriacus** – The type species described by Bunzel.
2. **Struthiosaurus transylvanicus** – Found in Romania.
3. **Struthiosaurus languedocensis** – Found in France.
Common characteristics among these species include their armored backs and unique bone structures.
### Classification
Struthiosaurus belongs to a group of dinosaurs known as Nodosauridae, which are related to armored dinosaurs. The evidence suggests that Struthiosaurus was one of the more primitive members of the Ankylosaur group.
### Lifestyle
Research into the brain of Struthiosaurus suggests it had poor hearing and might have been a slow-moving creature. It likely relied on its armor to protect itself from predators, emphasizing its defensive lifestyle rather than a fast or active one.
In summary, Struthiosaurus was a fascinating dinosaur known for its size, unique characteristics, and armored protection. Its discovery and study help scientists learn more about the diverse types of dinosaurs that once inhabited our planet.