Secernosaurus

The Secernosaurus was a large ornithopod that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 71 million years ago. This dinosaur was also a member of the Hadrosauridae family, which consisted of other duck-billed dinosaurs.

Key facts

DomainDescription
Secernosaurus pronunciationsee-ser-noh-sore-us
What does Secernosaurus mean?Separated lizard” or “severed lizard
Dinosaur typeOrnithopod
On the menuHerbivore
Length10′ (3 meters)
Height5′ (1.5 meters)
Weight4000 lbs (1,800 kgs)
Life expectancyUnknown
Legs used to get aroundHatchlings walked on two legs. Adults were quadrupedal
Estimated top speedThey may have been slow as their front legs were seldom used
When they livedDuring the Late Cretaceous Period, which was 71-65 million years ago
Where they have been found?Argentina

When & Where

Discovered in the Lago Colhue Hapi and Los Amitos Formations, Argentina. Its type species, named Secernosaurus koerneri, was described in 1972.

Size & Weight

Reached a length of 10′ (3 meters), a height of 5′ (1.5 meters), and a weight of 4000 lbs (1814 kg).

Mobility & Diet

Munched on plant materials such as horsetail, as well as twigs and stems, that were part of the flora during the late Cretaceous Period.

Interesting Points

  • Known to have a “duck-billed” face, being one of the hadrosauridae members and its nose has this “Roman-nose” appearance.
  • 3 different specimens have been discovered by paleontologists

Featured Image Credit: National History Museum