Sometimes, the discovery of partial specimens makes it tricky for paleontologists during classification.
One such case is of the Darwinsaurus. It all began in 1842 when the specimen was first reported by Richard Owen during a search in England.
After analysis, the species was classified as part of the Iguanodon family, which was later reassigned as a Hypselospinus genus by David Norman in 2010. Then two years later, G. Paul renamed the species as Darwinsaurus evolutionis, which honours Darwin.
D. evolutionis was described as part of the ornithopod family with certain distinct features specifically the nature of the dental column and forelimb size. However, Norman continued to deny this change.
Darwinsaurus Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Darwinsaurus'?
The manner by which Darwinsaurus is pronounced is 'Dar-win-sau-rus'.
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Darwinsaurus or Darwin's lizard was a herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the styracosternan ornithopod family.
In which geological period did the Darwinsaurus roam the Earth?
Darwinsaurus used to roam the earth during the Valanginian Age (140.2 million years ago), which is part of the Early Cretaceous period.
When did the Darwinsaurus become extinct?
These dinosaurs may have become extinct by the end of the Valanginian Age (around 136 million years ago).
Where did Darwinsaurus live?
This genus was a terrestrial dinosaur.
What was the Darwinsauruss' habitat?
The remains of the Darwinsaurus were found from the Wadhurst Clay Formation, near Hastings, East Sussex, England.
Who did the Darwinsaurus live with?
These dinosaurs may have lived with other dinosaurs, amphibians, crocodyliforms, fish, plesiosaurians, and mammals discovered from the Wadhurst Clay Formation.
How long did a Darwinsaurus live?
The average lifespan of Darwinsaurus has not yet been ascertained.
How did they reproduce?
Darwinsaurus were oviparous: these dinosaurs reproduced by laying eggs. Other reproductive or mating behaviors of these dinosaurs are yet to be studied.
Darwinsaurus Fun Facts
What did the Darwinsaurus look like?
Only partial remains of the Darwinsaurus were reported. In 2012, a description of the Darwinsaurus was provided by Gregory S. Paul. The dinosaur had a straight dentary with the anteriormost teeth smaller than the front. The skeleton revealed a huge forelimb and elongated metacarpals. Even the carpals and thumb spike were very large.
How many bones did a Darwinsaurus have?
The discovered specimen of the Darwinsaurus was incomplete, including some parts of the skeleton, such as skull, teeth, and limbs. This was not enough to give a complete bone profile for the dinosaurs.
How did they communicate?
This information is yet to be ascertained.
How big was the Darwinsaurus?
The actual size of the Darwinsaurus remains unknown.
How fast could a Darwinsaurus move?
It is unclear how fast the Darwinsaurus would have moved.
How much did a Darwinsaurus weigh?
The weight of the Darwinsaurus has yet to be ascertained.
What were the male and female names of the species?
Both would be referred to as adults.
What would you call a baby Darwinsaurus?
The baby would be referred to as a juvenile.
How aggressive were they?
The behavior of these dinosaurs has not been reported.
Did You Know…
The generic name of the dinosaur honours the scientist behind the Theory of Evolution, Charles Darwin.
After discovery, the skeleton was mistakenly identified as Iguanodon fittoni (1889) and then Hypselospinus fittoni (2010) by David Bruce Norman.
The discovered genus was described with the help of four holotypes NHMUK R1831, R1833, and R1835.
David Norman in 2013 deemed the description incorrect and declared D. evolutionis to be a junior synonym of H. fittoni.
*We've been unable to source an image of Darwinsaurus and have used an image of Deinonychus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Darwinsaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.
*We've been unable to source an image of Darwinsaurus and have used an image of Zalmoxes instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Darwinsaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.
Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.
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