Fun Laosaurus Facts For Kids

The Jurrasic period is further divided into different epochs and the late Jurassic is the third epoch. During this epoch, Pangea split up into two halves Laurasia and Gondwana. Various new species of dinosaurs evolved during this period such as the sauropod, theropod, and Ornithopod dinosaurs. The Laosaurus celer is type species of the Laosaur genus from the Oxfordian-Tithonian phase of the Upper Jurassic or late Jurassic. This species was first described in 1878 by the American professor Othniel Charles Marsh.

The dinosaur fossils that were discovered from the Morrison formation consist of nine partial skeletons and two complete tail vertebrae. However, there are plenty of complications regarding the fossils of the species as they are in fragments. Similarly, a second species was also discovered from the same spot and another species from Canada that belonged to the late cretaceous period. However, both of them were discarded as they were dubious. 

Nevertheless, from the specimen that was excavated, it was deduced that it was related to some fox-sized animal. Therefore, for the most part of history, Laosaurus was considered ambiguous. In 2007, Galton shifted Othnielia Rex to a new genus Othnielosaurus consors, which is based on the partial skeleton of L.consor.

How do you pronounce 'Laosaurus'?

The genus is named by Othniel Charles Marsh and it is pronounced as 'Lay-oh-sore-us'. Laosaurus is referred to as a 'stone lizard' as well. 

What type of reptile was a Laosaurus?

Laosaurus is contemplated as a type of Ornithischian dinosaur that existed in the Upper Jurassic Period. Initially, it was related to the Hypsilophodontid dinosaur and has one type of species L.celer. 

In which geological period did the Laosaurus roam the Earth?

There has been much confusion regarding this particular genus, however, according to the evidence Laosaurus roamed the Earth during the Oxfordian-Tithonian age.

When did the Laosaurus become extinct?

The reason behind their extinction is not explicitly stated but it is determined that they became extinct from 237 million years ago to the Cretaceous Period.

Where did Laosaurus live?

The first fossil was discovered from the Morrison formation of Wyoming, United States.

What was the Laosaurus' habitat?

Laosaurus were herbivores and for their survival, they were required to be surrounded by plants and trees. Therefore, it is assumed they must have lived in terrestrial habitat with plenty of trees.

Who did the Laosaurus live with?

The social structure or behavior of dinosaurs can be unpredictable as it varies from one species to the other. Some of them might have lived in groups while others roamed solitarily and the social behavior of Laosaurus is unknown due to lack of data.

How long did a Laosaurus live?

The average lifespan of the Laosaurus is not listed.

How did they reproduce?

They produced eggs but the exact method of reproduction including their gestation period, nesting site, clutch size is unknown.

What did the Laosaurus look like?

The remains of Laosaurus or stone lizards from the Upper Jurassic period incorporated nine partial and two complete vertebrae and a portion of the ulna. Later in the same year, O. Marsh named other species L. gracilis and L. altus. This deduction was based on the vertebral centrum, ulna, and tail of the L. gracilis and tooth, hindlimb and pelvis of L. altus. Charles Gilmore later incorporated a partial skeleton to the L.gracilis, which is evident from his memoir of the Carnegie Museum‭. In it, Gilmore described the Osteology of Ornithopodous dinosaurs. Other fossils such as the L. Minimus from the late cretaceous period are also considered controversial. Therefore due to lack of information, the accurate physical aspect of Laosaurus is unsatisfactory. 

How many bones did a Laosaurus have?

The total number of bones present is not known. 

How did they communicate?

Nothing has been documented regarding the communication of this dinosaur. 

How big was the Laosaurus?

Due to lack of data the magnitude of the type species from this genus is not yet listed. 

How fast could a Laosaurus move?

The speed of this dinosaur is not listed.

How much did a Laosaurus weigh?

The weight of this dinosaur is still unknown due to insufficient data. 

What were the male and female names of the species?

No specific name has been assigned to male and female Laosaurus. 

What would you call a baby Laosaurus?

The name of baby Laosaurus is not listed. 

How aggressive were they?

The temperament or nature of the new Ornithischian from the genus Laosaurus is not documented. 

Did You Know...

Although the genus is named by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1875 it is was discovered by an American Paleontologist Samuel Wendell Williston.

*We've been unable to source an image of Laosaurus and have used an image of Prenoceratops instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Laosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected]

*We've been unable to source an image of Laosaurus and have used an image of Edmontosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Laosaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected]