Nodosauridae are a family of ankylosaurian dinosaurs characterized by their robust body armor and lack of the tail club seen in their ankylosaurid relatives. They were herbivorous, heavily armored, and lived primarily during the Cretaceous period.
- Heavily armored with bony plates and spikes for defense.
- No tail club, unlike ankylosaurids; some had defensive spikes along the sides.
- Fossils found mainly in North America and Europe.
- Lived during the Early to Late Cretaceous (about 125 to 66 million years ago).
- Were efficient herbivores, feeding on low-lying plants.
Nodosaurids thrived during the Cretaceous period.
Nodosaurids are distinguished by their absence of a tail club, which is found in other ankylosaur families.
†Nodosaurus
Nodosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Nodosaurus is a classic nodosaurid genus from the Late Cretaceous of North America. It featured extensive armor plating and interlocking shield-like osteoderms along its body, which provided formidable protection against predators.
- Lived in the Late Cretaceous (~110-100 million years ago).
- Fossils primarily found in the United States.
- Grew to about 4–6 meters in length.
- Armor included rows of spiky osteoderms on the sides for extra defense.
Nodosaurus fossils have been predominantly discovered in North America.
Nodosaurus was herbivorous, feeding primarily on plants.
Nodosaurus used its heavy armor and spikes for defense against predators.
Nodosaurus had a heavily armored body, spiky osteoderms, and a long, low-slung torso. It did not have a tail club or feathered wings.
Nodosaurus is distinguished by its absence of a tail club and the presence of spikes along its sides, differentiating it from other ankylosaurs.
Nodosaurus most likely fed on low-lying vegetation due to its body structure and available fossil evidence.
Nodosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Major fossil sites for Nodosaurus have been found in Wyoming and Colorado.
Nodosaurus used its body armor for defense against predators.
Nodosaurus is significant as one of the earliest well-described nodosaurids.
CT scanning and comparative anatomy have been used to study Nodosaurus fossils.
†Edmondsonia
Edmondsonia was a nodosaurid dinosaur named after the town of Edmondson, Oklahoma, where its fossils were found. It shared the typical nodosaurid features of heavy armor and spiny skin but is known from more fragmentary remains.
- Fossils date to the Late Cretaceous.
- Known for distinctive skull and jaw features.
- Fossils mostly found in Oklahoma.
- Likely had some of the most robust armor among nodosaurids.
Edmondsonia fossils were discovered in Oklahoma.
Edmondsonia is identified as a nodosaurid by its heavily armored body, fossilized skin impressions, and distinctive skull anatomy. It lacked a tail club.
Edmondsonia lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Edmondsonia fossils have been mainly found in the central United States.
Like other nodosaurids, Edmondsonia likely used heavy armor and spikes for defense.
Edmondsonia is distinguished by a unique jaw structure and highly fused osteoderms, unlike some other nodosaurids.
Edmondsonia, like other nodosaurids, was most likely herbivorous.
Edmondsonia lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Edmondsonia fossils were first described in the 2000s.
Paleohistology and morphological comparisons have been used to study Edmondsonia fossils.
Edmondsonia is recognized as a uniquely armored genus with distinct jaw features within Nodosauridae.
†Sauropelta
Sauropelta means "lizard shield," a fitting name for this heavily armored nodosaurid from the Early Cretaceous. It had large shoulder spikes and dense rows of armor plates, making it one of the best-defended herbivores of its time.
- Existed during the Early Cretaceous (~125 million years ago).
- Some of the earliest and most complete armored dinosaur fossils.
- Fossils mainly from North America (Wyoming, Utah).
- Could reach lengths of up to 6 meters.
- Notable for prominent shoulder spikes and extensive dermal armor.
Sauropelta means 'lizard shield,' referring to its protective armor.
Sauropelta lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Major Sauropelta fossils have been found in North America.
Sauropelta had large shoulder spikes, a distinctive feature of its armor.
Sauropelta likely used heavy armor and prominent shoulder spikes for defense.
Sauropelta was herbivorous.
Sauropelta could grow up to 6 meters long.
Sauropelta was quadrupedal and likely grazed on low vegetation.
Conclusion
Nodosauridae nodosaurids were armored herbivores known for their distinctive defensive adaptations, including heavy armor and often spiky osteoderms, without the tail clubs seen in ankylosaurids.
- Lived predominantly during the Cretaceous period.
- Fossil evidence highlights their success as armored plant-eaters.
- Nodosaurids like Nodosaurus and Sauropelta exemplify the diversity within this remarkable group.
Nodosaurids were mainly present during the Cretaceous.
Nodosaurids lack the tail club found in ankylosaurids.
Nodosaurid fossils are most commonly found in North America and Europe.