Coronosaurus was a unique ceratopsid dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. It is known for its distinctive crown-like horns and it was discovery in the rich fossil beds of Alberta, Canada.
Coronosaurus might not ring a bell to many but don’t let its relative obscurity fool you. This dinosaur, with its unique features and intriguing history, is a fascinating dinosaur for anyone interested in paleontology.
Coronosaurus Key Facts
| Keyword | Fact |
|---|---|
| Coronosaurus pronunciation | kor-o-no-saw-ruhs |
| Meaning of name | Crowned lizard |
| Group | Ornithopod |
| Type Species | Coronosaurus brinkmani |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| When it Lived | 83.6 to 70.6 MYA |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Epoch | Campanian |
| Length | 16.0 feet |
| Height | No estimate |
| Weight | 2.0 US tons |
| Mobility | Moved on four legs |
| First Discovery | Between 1996 and 2000 by Phillip Currie |
| Location of first find | Alberta, Canada |
| First Described by | 2005 by Michael J. Ryan and Anthony P. Russell |
| Holotype | BB 138 and MRR BB |
Coronosaurus Origins, Taxonomy and Timeline
Coronosaurus translates to “crowned lizard”. The name is derived from the Latin word “corona“, meaning crown, and the Greek word “sauros“, meaning lizard. This is a nod to the unique, crown-like shape of the horns on the top of its frill, a feature that sets it apart from other dinosaurs.
Belonging to the Ornithopoda group, Coronosaurus is a member of the Ceratopsidae family. So far, there are no subspecies or sister taxa of this dinosaur. It was initially assigned to the Centrosaurus genus, but later research led to it becoming a separate genus.
Its type species name is Coronosaurus brinkmani, honoring Canadian Donald Brinkman, for his research into the palaeoecology of Alberta during the Late Cretaceous.
Coronosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically in the Campanian, into the Late Campanian epoch. This places its existence near the end of the Mesozoic in a time when dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates.
Discovery & Fossil Evidence
Coronosaurus was first discovered between 1996 and 2000 in Alberta, Canada, by Canadian paleontologist Phillip J. Currie. It was later described by Michael J. Ryan and Anthony P. Russell in 2005.
Their work shed light on the unique features of this dinosaur–particularly its distinctive, crown-like horns. The fossils found were well-preserved and allowed for a detailed study of the dinosaur’s physical characteristics.
Since this dinosaur was discovered relatively recently, there is still much to learn about it. However, the fossils that have been found so far have provided some intriguing clues. For instance, Coronosaurus is known for its distinctive frill that is adorned with crown-like horns. This feature not only gives the dinosaur its name but also provides insights into its possible behaviors and lifestyle.
Coronosaurus Size and Description
The Ceratopsidae family is one known for their frills and horns. Coronosaurus, in particular, has a frill adorned with crown-like horns, a feature that sets it apart from other dinosaurs. Other physical characteristics, such as its body shape, head, neck, vertebrae, limbs, tail, and skin, are still under study. As for its locomotion, it most likely ran along on all four like many other ceratopsid dinos.
Size and Weight of Type Species
The exact size and weight are currently estimates based on the holotype alone. However, based on this its estimated to have been around 15 to 16 feet long, and weighing around 2 US tons. As such Coronosaurus was a medium to large-sized dinosaur. Further discoveries and studies will hopefully provide more information on this topic.
The Dinosaur in Detail
This is a fascinating dinosaur that offers a unique glimpse into the world of the Late Cretaceous period. Its distinctive frill, adorned with crown-like horns, sets it apart from other dinosaurs and provides insights into its possible behaviors and lifestyle.
The frill of Coronosaurus is not just a decorative feature. It likely played a crucial role in the dinosaur’s survival, possibly serving as a form of protection or a means of communication. The shape and size of the horns could have varied between individuals, potentially indicating differences in age, sex, or social status.
The discovery of Coronosaurus has also contributed to our understanding of dinosaur diversity and evolution. Its unique features and the location of its first find in Alberta, Canada, suggest that there was a rich and diverse dinosaur fauna in this region during the Late Cretaceous period.
Coronosaurus in its Natural Habitat
This dinosaur lived during the Late Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates. It inhabited what is now Alberta, Canada, a region known for its rich dinosaur fauna. At the time, western Canada was a part of a paleocontinent known as Laramidia–one of two continents formed by the seaway splitting North America.
As an herbivore, Coronosaurus fed on the vegetation of its time like cycads, conifers and ferns. Its diet, along with its unique physical characteristics, would have influenced its behavior and lifestyle. For instance, the shape and size of the horns could have been used for display or combat and possibly influenced the social dynamics within a Coronosaurus herd.
The Late Cretaceous period was a time of significant change in terms of climate and geography. The environment would have been diverse, with a mix of forests, plains, and water bodies. The herbivorous diet of this dinosaur would have meant it was well-adapted to this environment, feeding on a variety of plants.
Like other herbivores, the Coronosaurus would have played a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem around it. It would have influenced the vegetation patterns and its movements and behaviors could have affected the landscape and other organisms in its habitat.
Interesting Points about Coronosaurus
- It is known for its distinctive frill that is adorned with crown-like horns. This feature not only gives the dinosaur its name but also provides insights into its possible behaviors and lifestyle.
- This dinosaur was discovered relatively recently, between 1996 and 2000, in Alberta, Canada.
- It is a member of the Ceratopsidae family which is known for their frills and horns.
- The exact size and weight are currently unknown, as the fossils found so far do not provide enough information to make accurate estimates.
- It is still unknown whether it moved on two or four legs, as both methods of locomotion are used by Ceratopsids.
Contemporary Dinosaurs
This Laramidian dinosaur shared its world with a great range of contemporaries. Among these were Centrosaurus, Styracosaurus, Chasmosaurus, and Daspletosaurus–each contributing to the intricate dynamics of their shared ecosystem.
Centrosaurus, although smaller in stature, was a formidable presence. Its unique horned frill and robust build may have served as a deterrent to potential predators. Styracosaurus, with its impressive array of long spikes adorning its neck frill, presented a stark contrast to Coronosaurus. This striking dinosaur might have been a competitor for resources, adding a layer of tension to their coexistence. Yet, their shared environment necessitated a delicate balance, a testament to the intricate web of life during this prehistoric era. Chasmosaurus, with its large frill and three prominent horns, might have been a formidable sight for Coronosaurus.
On the other hand, Daspletosaurus–a large and powerful carnivore predator–could have posed a significant threat. Even in the face of these potential challenges Coronosaurus thrived, a testament to its adaptability and resilience in this diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
List of All Dinosaurs
We have created a list of all dinosaurs we have covered here, sorted across the seven main groups of dinosaurs. We also include information about their type of diet, (omnivore, herbivore or carnivore) and the time they lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was discovered between 1996 and 2000.
It was discovered by Canadian paleontologist Phillip J. Currie.
The name translates to “crowned lizard” and comes from Latin and Greek roots.
It was an herbivore that fed on the plants and vegetation of its time.
The first fossils were found in Alberta, Canada.
It lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically from the Late Campanian to the Campanian epoch, between 83.5 and 72.1 million years ago.
Sources
This article was last fact checked:Joey Arboleda, 06-11-2023
Featured Image Credit: Nobu Tamura, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
