Fun Eshanosaurus Facts For Kids

Eshanosaurus, a genus of Therizinosaur dinosaurs from China from the early Jurassic period, is known based on the discovery of three fragments of the partial left dentary that is the lower jaw and teeth, in the Lower Lufeng Formation's Dull Purplish Beds in Yunnan, China.

This dates to around 196 million years ago which can be seen in Beijing's Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.

The incomplete dentary of Eshanosaurus dates back to the Hettangian stage of the Jurassic. The dentary's describers postulated two possibilities based on the discovered material: first, the dentary could be from the first coelurosaur.

Two, in addition to being the first coelurosaur, it may also be the first therizinosaur, based on dentary and teeth similar to those of the Therizinosaurs.

As a result, Eshanosaurus is a debatable dinosaur, as little data has been unearthed to prove the facts. In fact, only one sample of this particular theropod was discovered, indicating how rare these species were.

Eshanosaurus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Eshanosaurus'?

Eshanosaurus is pronounced 'E-shan-o-sore-us'.

What type of dinosaur was an Eshanosaurus?

Eshanosaurus was classed as a member of the Therizinosauroidea based on six distinct jaw and tooth traits, making it the earliest known coelurosaur. However, based on traits that are similar to those of therizinosaurs, it could potentially be the first therizinosaur.

As a result, Eshanosaurus is a controversial species belonging to the early Jurassic period, with little evidence to back up its claims.

In which geological period did the Eshanosaurus roam the Earth?

It inhabited the earth 201.3 and 199.3 million years ago, during the Hettangian stage, which means the lower Jurassic period.

When did the Eshanosaurus become extinct?

The exact year when this species went extinct is unknown due to the controversies that whether it is a Therizinosaurs or a coelurosaur.

Where did Eshanosaurus live?

These species from the Lower Jurassic period were known to reside in China, in the Lower Lufeng Formation in Yunnan Province.

What was the Eshanosaurus' habitat?

Eshanosaurus was a terrestrial Therizinosaur. Their habitat is assumed to be an open plain with small winding rivers.

Who did the Eshanosaurus live with?

The social structure of Eshanosaurus remains unknown due to the lack of discovery of fossils belonging to more than one Eshanosaurus. In fact, paleontologists discovered only one specimen of this particular theropod.

How long did an Eshanosaurus live?

The evidence of the incomplete dentary of Eshanosaurus dates back to the Hettangian stage of the Jurassic and is thought to be 186 million years old.

The dentary's describers considered two possibilities: first, the dentary could be from the presence of the first coelurosaur. Two, in addition to being the first coelurosaur, it may also be the first therizinosaur, based on features that are similar to those of the therizinosaurs.

However, many from the paleontology department do not agree with these theories, primarily because it would result in vast tens of millions of year gap between Eshanosaurus and the first confirmed therizinosaur remains known from the Early Cretaceous to date.

How did they reproduce?

Not much information has been discovered about the mating habits of Eshanosaurus. However, it is known that they reproduced by laying eggs.

Eshanosaurus Fun Facts

What did the Eshanosaurus look like?

Due to a lack of data, paleontologists are yet to identify what Eshanosaurus looked like.

How many bones did an Eshanosaurus have?

Because the whole skeleton is yet to be discovered, the bone structure in this species is unknown based on available fossil remnants.

How did they communicate?

Paleontologists have yet to determine an Eshanosaurus' specific communication style, but like all other dinosaurs, it is presumed that they communicated by audible and visual signals.

How big was the Eshanosaurus?

There is no data regarding the size of an Eshanosaurus.

How fast could an Eshanosaurus move?

Due to a lack of data, we do not know the speed of an Eshanosaurus.

How much did an Eshanosaurus weigh?

The weight of an Eshanosaurus is uncertain because of the lack of remains. However, the genus Therizinosaurus which they belong to according to many paleontologists could reach 6000-12000 lb (2721.5-5443.1 kg) in weight.

What were the male and female names of the species?

The male and female species of these dinosaurs do not have any specific names.

What would you call a baby Eshanosaurus?

The baby dinosaur of any type is known as nestlings or hatchlings.

How aggressive were they?

Not much has been discovered about Eshanosaurus' aggression or greediness due to lack of data. However, the genus to which these dinosaurs belong are generally unconcerned about other species in the vicinity but any predators, creatures who approach them too closely will provoke an aggressive reaction as they were quite territorial. The strength of their teeth is not known.

Did You Know…

Xu Xing, Zhao, and James M. Clark described the type species, Eshanosaurus deguchiianus, in 2001. Eshan is the source of the name Eshanosaurus. The name honors Hikaru Deguchi, who persuaded Xu to pursue a career studying dinosaurs.

Therizinosaurus is a dinosaur whose generic name comes from the Greek word 'therizo', which means cut, scythe or reap. The Greek word 'o', or 'sauros' means 'lizard.' This name was given to the dinosaur because of its enormous claws.

Originally, Therizinosaurus was mistaken for a massive turtle-like reptile.

**We've been unable to source an image of Eshanosaurus and have used an image of Deinonychus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Eshanosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

*We've been unable to source an image of Eshanosaurus and have used an image of Avaceratops instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Eshanosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.