Transylvanosaurus is a special kind of dinosaur that lived a long time ago during the Late Cretaceous period. This dinosaur is part of a group called ornithopods, which are known for their bird-like features.
The name Transylvanosaurus means “lizard from across the forest.” This name comes from a mix of Latin and Greek words. It references the Transylvania area in Romania, where fossils of this dinosaur were found. The specific type of Transylvanosaurus is called Transylvanosaurus platycephalus, which highlights the unique wide shape of its head.
The first remains of Transylvanosaurus were discovered in 2007 in a region called the Hateg Basin in Romania. The fossils include a fragmentary skull. Scientists studied these bones and in 2022 described Transylvanosaurus as a new species.
Researchers classified Transylvanosaurus as part of the Rhabdodontidae family. This means it is related to other dinosaurs in that family, such as Rhabdodon, based on certain features. The interesting thing about Transylvanosaurus is its wide skull compared to its relatives.
Overall, Transylvanosaurus is a fascinating dinosaur that helps us understand more about the diversity of life during the age of dinosaurs.