175
(^7) STEGOSAURUS
Stegosaurus fed on plants in what is now
North America and Europe, 155–150 million
years ago. Scientists still puzzle over the
function of the huge bony plates on its back,
which are not attached to the backbone.
Two pairs of spikes on the tail were likely
to be used to ward off predators.
(^8) TRICERATOPS
The bony neck shield and three sharp horns
of Triceratops were used in combat with
other Triceratops. Judging from fossilized
bones found in North America, the animal grew
to at least 9 m (30 ft) long.
(^10) OVIRAPTOR
Similar to the larger Struthiomimus, this bird-like
dinosaur had short powerful jaws and possibly
a beak. It was earlier thought to have been an
“egg-thief” because the first fossil specimen was
found on a nest of dinosaur eggs, and scientists
believed that it may have died trying to steal them.
However, further research suggests it is likely that
that the Oviraptor was just incubating its
own nest, not stealing the eggs.
(^9) DIPLODOCUS
This giant dinosaur lived in what is now North
America at the same time as Allosaurus, but
used its long neck to browse over a large area.
It was up to 27 m (89 ft) long, with a small head
and whip-like tail.
ALLOSAURUS
(155–150 MYA)
IGUANODON
(129–125 MYA)
STEGOSAURUS
(155–150 MYA)
DIPLODOCUS
(154–152 MYA)
TRICERATOP
(68–66 MYA) S
OVIRAPTOR
(75–73 MYA)
SAUROLOPHU
S
(70–68 MYA)
6
9
7
8
10
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