People of all ages enjoy learning about dinosaurs. Some science lovers admire these pre-historic beasts because they open a window to what Earth once looked like. Many children love dinosaurs because of their monstrous appearance. No matter your age, anyone can devour some dinosaur knowledge or, in this case, a few interesting facts about the Stegosaurus!
They Had Small Brains
Some dinosaurs were more intelligent than others because of their brain size. The Stegosaurus was not among those beasts. Their brain-to-body ratio was uneven, and this four-ton creature’s brain was the size of a walnut. Scientists believe a reason for this is because the Stegosaurus was a herbivore. This dinosaur did not have to hunt its prey tactically. Those walnut-sized brains could also explain why this Mesozoic beast ate rocks occasionally.
The Reason for Its Spikes Is Unknown
Scientists have plenty of theories for why this dinosaur had spikes lining its back, but have yet to come to an agreement. So far, there are two possible reasons for these spikes. First, they may have served as a defense mechanism against lurking predators. The second theory is that the spikes had no purpose at all.
They Weren’t Helpless
While we don’t know why Stegosauruses had plates along their back, their big tail spines, or thagomizer, were the perfect defense weapon. A hit from the thagomizer could do some serious damage. This defense was essential to Stegosauruses’ survival because they were slow beasts and lacked the wit to match predators.
They’re a Popular Beast
Although millions of years have passed since they walked our planet, the Stegosaurus lives on. This creature is one of the most popular dinosaurs amongst children, right behind the T-Rex and the Velociraptor! Stegosauruses are one of the first dinosaur types that come to mind when we think about the Jurassic period.
They Lived in Herds
Safety increases in numbers, and like many animals today, Stegosauruses lived in herds. Another interesting fact about the Stegosaurus is that these herds included all ages, with older beasts protecting and caring for the young. Various mammals in the Holocene—including lions, canines, and elephants—have similar social structures because it makes survival easier.
They’re a State Dinosaur
While some states in the U.S. have a representative bird or flower, others have a state dinosaur! Some of these Mesozoic beasts lived in modern-day Colorado. The Stegosaurus became Colorado’s official state dinosaur pay tribute to the beast. This is the state dinosaur because the first Stegosaurus fossils were found in the Morrison Formation.
By making the Stegosaurus the dinosaur of Colorado, we honor our planet’s past and the creatures that once walked it.
