Let’s embark on a journey back in time, to an era when colossal creatures roamed the Earth. Among these ancient giants, there existed a rather diminutive yet fascinating dinosaur known as Nanosaurus. Despite its small stature, this creature holds a significant place in the grand tapestry of prehistoric life. As we delve into the world of Nanosaurus, we’ll uncover intriguing details about its existence, characteristics, and the environment it thrived in during the Late Jurassic Period.
Nanosaurus Key Facts
| Keyword | Fact |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | nan-uh-sore-us |
| Meaning of name | Small or dwarf lizard |
| Group | Cerapod |
| Type Species | Nanosaurus agilis |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| When it Lived | 155.7 to 145.0 MYA |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Epoch | Late/Upper Kimmeridgian to the top of the Early/Lower Tithonian |
| Length | 6.6 to 7.2 feet |
| Height | Around 1 foot |
| Weight | 44 to 66 lbs |
| Mobility | Moved on two legs |
| First Discovery | 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh |
| Location of first find | Morrison Formation, USA |
| First Described by | 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh |
| Holotype | YPM VP 1913 |
Nanosaurus Origins, Taxonomy and Timeline
Nanosaurus, meaning ‘small or dwarf lizard’, is a name derived from Latin and Greek origins. The Latin ‘nanus’ translates to ‘dwarf’ while the Greek ‘sauros’ translates to ‘reptile’ or ‘lizard’. This nomenclature aptly reflects the relatively diminutive size of this dinosaur.
Belonging to the Cerapod group, this dinosaur is classified within the Ornithopoda family. Its type species, Nanosaurus agilis, is the only species in the genus. This classification places it among a group known for their bipedal mobility and plant-eating habits. The timeline of this herbivorous dinosaur spans the Late Jurassic Period, specifically from the Late Kimmeridgian to the Early Tithonian Epochs.
Discovery & Fossil Evidence
The discovery of Nanosaurus is a tale of scientific intrigue and evolving understanding. Its taxonomic classification has changed many times over the years as new research revealed more information. Othniel Charles Marsh, a pioneer in paleontology, first named Nanosaurus in 1877 based on partial remains from Colorado’s Morrison Formation. Initially, he identified two species: Nanosaurus agilis, from fragmentary remains including a dentary, and Nanosaurus rex, based on a complete thigh bone. For a short time he also named a third species to this genus, Nanosaurus victor. The narrative became more complex when Marsh introduced the genus Laosaurus in 1878, adding several species to the mix.
However, it was in the 1970s and 1980s that paleontologist Peter Galton significantly revised the taxonomy, introducing the genus Othnielia for species previously assigned to Nanosaurus and Laosaurus. In the early 2000s, other genera were introduced such as Othnielosaurus and Drinker. The most transformative development occurred in 2018 when Galton and Kenneth Carpenter described a new ornithischian specimen. This specimen bore striking similarities to the fragmentary holotype of Nanosaurus. This led to the unification of all of these species under the name Nanosaurus agilis, painting a new picture of this small dinosaur as a common and well-represented species in the fossil record.
This journey, from initial discovery to contemporary understanding, showcases the dynamic nature of paleontology, where each discovery and revision brings us closer to understanding the ancient world of dinosaurs like Nanosaurus.
Nanosaurus Size and Description
Through this long and ever-changing history, this species has been studied often by many people. Let’s delve into the physical attributes of Nanosaurus, a creature that, despite its small size, played a significant role in the Late Jurassic ecosystem.
Short description of Nanosaurus
It was a bipedal dinosaur, distinguished by its short forelimbs and elongated hindlimbs that were well-adapted for swift movement. The large processes on its hindlimbs indicate strong muscle attachments, hinting at a potentially agile lifestyle. Its hands were short and broad, with compact fingers, while its head was relatively small compared to its body. Its body is well-known but the skull still lacks fossil evidence.
Size and Weight of Type Species
As the name suggests, this was indeed a small dinosaur. Specimens previously assigned to Drinker and Othnielosaurus measured between 6.6 to 7.2 feet in length and weighed approximately 44.0 to 66.0 pounds. This modest size sets it apart from many of its contemporaries, which often reached much larger dimensions.
The Dinosaur in Detail
Nanosaurus, though small, possessed unique features that set it apart. Its bipedal locomotion, for instance, suggests a lifestyle that required agility and speed for foraging or evading predators. This adaptation not only highlights its survival instincts but also provides a window into the diverse evolutionary paths of dinosaurs.
This herbivorous dinosaur possessed small leaf-shaped cheek teeth which were triangular with small ridges and denticles lining the front and back edges. The teeth in the premaxillary region had less ornamentation, suggesting a diet that primarily consisted of plant material. This dental arrangement, combined with its physical build, paints a picture of a dinosaur well-suited to a herbivorous lifestyle in the diverse ecosystems of the Late Jurassic Period.Notable specimens, such as the holotype YPM VP 1913, have been instrumental in piecing together the puzzle of Nanosaurus’ existence. These fossils offer a tangible link to a bygone era, allowing us to reconstruct aspects of this dinosaur’s life and behavior.
The Ultimate Dino Quiz
Do you want to test your knowledge on dinosaurs? Then try this Ultimate Dino Quiz! Don’t worry if you get some of the answers wrong, and look at it as an opportunity to refresh and improve your knowledge!
Don’t forget to try our other games as well!
Interesting Points about Nanosaurus
- This was one of the smaller dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic Period, a stark contrast to the colossal giants of its time.
- Its bipedal stance suggests a lifestyle that required agility, possibly for foraging or evading predators.
- The discovery of Nanosaurus in the 19th century marks an important milestone in the field of paleontology.
- Fossils have been found in multiple locations, indicating a wider geographical range than initially thought.
The Nanosaurus in its Natural Habitat
Here, we find ourselves transported to a landscape vastly different from our own. North America was fused with Asia at this time, creating a paleocontinent known as Laurasia. The Late Jurassic Period was characterized by diverse ecosystems, with a climate that supported a rich array of flora and fauna.
As an herbivore, Nanosaurus fed on the vegetation of its time. Its bipedal mobility suggests it could have navigated through various terrains in search of food. While the specifics of its diet remain speculative, it likely included a range of plant material available in its habitat. The Morrison Formation has also yielded plant fossils such as cycads, gingkoes, ferns, horsetails, and various trees, to name a few.
Its social behavior is a subject of intrigue. Whether it was a solitary wanderer or moved in herds is a question that adds depth to our understanding of its life. Many museum displays show them engaging in social behavior such as running in herds or fighting, but this behavior remains speculative.
Contemporary Dinosaurs
In the lush world of the Late Jurassic Period, a tiny, sprightly creature darted through the underbrush. This pint-sized dinosaur, no larger than a modern turkey, was a mere speck in a land of giants. Its life was a constant dance of dodging and weaving with behemoths like Apatosaurus lumbering nearby. The Nanosaurus, however, had more pressing concerns than being inadvertently stepped on. In the shadows lurked the menacing Torvosaurus, a predator as fearsome as its name suggests. This massive beast was larger than a school bus. It was a stark contrast to the diminutive Nanosaurus. Imagine a cat-and-mouse game where the Nanosaurus had to rely on its agility and wits to outmaneuver this formidable predator, turning the dense foliage into its ally in this deadly game of hide and seek.
Amidst these titans, Elaphrosaurus roamed. This dinosaur, roughly the same size as the menacing Torvosaurus, was a wild card in the Nanosaurus’ daily struggle. While not as bulky, Elaphrosaurus was a swift and agile hunter that the Nanosaurus would have had to work to avoid. This added an extra layer of complexity to the already intricate dance of survival our main dinosaur had to perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was first discovered in 1877 by Othniel Charles Marsh.
The name means ‘small or dwarf lizard’ and comes from both Latin and Greek origins.
It was an herbivore, feeding on the diverse plant material of the Late Jurassic.
It lived during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 155.7 to 145.0 million years ago.
Fossils have been found in Southwestern North America, in states such as Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
Sources
The information in this article is based on various sources, drawing on scientific research, fossil evidence, and expert analysis. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of the Nanosaurus. However, please be aware that our understanding of dinosaurs and their world is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made.
This article was last fact-checked: Joey Arboleda, 11-03-2023