Augustynolophus Facts
Pronunciation: aw-GUS-tin-oh-LOH-fus
Name meaning: Augustine's crest
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 3.5m |
| Length | 9m |
| Weight | 3.5 tonnes |
| Speed | 25 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Ornithopod |
| Location | North America |
Augustynolophus was a large ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the very end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 72.2 million years ago. This duck-billed dinosaur roamed the coastal plains of what is now California, making it one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist before the great extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs.
As a member of the duck-billed dinosaur group, Augustynolophus possessed the characteristic broad, flattened snout that gave these creatures their nickname. It was a substantial animal, reaching lengths of about 9 metres and standing roughly 3.5 metres tall at the hip. Like other ornithopods, it could move on both two and four legs, likely walking on all fours whilst feeding and rising onto its hind legs to run from danger.
Augustynolophus was a dedicated plant-eater, using its duck-like bill to crop vegetation and its hundreds of small teeth to grind tough plant material. The dinosaur would have fed on ferns, cycads, and early flowering plants that grew in the warm, humid climate of Late Cretaceous California. Its diet required constant feeding to fuel its large body.
What makes Augustynolophus particularly significant is its timing in Earth's history. Living so close to the end of the Cretaceous period, it represents one of the final chapters in the story of non-avian dinosaurs, providing valuable insights into what these magnificent creatures were like just before their extinction.
What made Augustynolophus distinctive?
Augustynolophus had a distinctive duck-like bill typical of hadrosaurs, with a broad, flattened snout perfect for cropping plants. It possessed a moderately-sized crest on its head and hundreds of small grinding teeth arranged in dental batteries for processing tough vegetation.
Behaviour
Augustynolophus likely lived in herds, as evidenced by other duck-billed dinosaurs, providing safety in numbers from predators. It would have been constantly foraging for food, using its flexible neck to reach vegetation at different heights whilst remaining alert for danger.
Discovery
Augustynolophus was first described by Albert Prieto-Márquez in 2014. The original fossils were discovered at Moreno Formation, California, USA.
Augustynolophus FAQ
What did Augustynolophus eat?
Augustynolophus was a herbivore that fed on the plants available in
Late Cretaceous California, including ferns, cycads, conifers, and early flowering plants. It used its broad duck-like bill to crop vegetation and its hundreds of small teeth to grind up tough plant material before swallowing.
How big was Augustynolophus?
Augustynolophus was a large dinosaur, measuring approximately 9 metres in length and standing about 3.5 metres tall at the hip. It weighed roughly 3.5 tonnes, making it comparable in size to a large elephant.
When did Augustynolophus live?
Augustynolophus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, specifically around 72.2 million years ago. This places it very close to the end of the age of dinosaurs, making it one of the last non-avian dinosaurs before the mass extinction event.
Where was Augustynolophus found?
Augustynolophus fossils were discovered in the Moreno Formation in California, USA. The remains were found in marine sediments, suggesting the dinosaur's body was washed out to sea after death and buried in ocean floor sediments.
How do you pronounce Augustynolophus?
Augustynolophus is pronounced 'aw-GUS-tin-oh-LOH-fus'. The name can be broken down into four syllables: Au-gus-ty-no-lo-phus, with emphasis on the second and fifth syllables.
What does Augustynolophus mean?
Augustynolophus means 'Augustine's crest', named in honour of Augustine Lund, who made significant contributions to palaeontology in California. The name refers to the modest head crest that this dinosaur possessed.
How fast could Augustynolophus run?
Augustynolophus could probably reach speeds of around 25 km/h when running on its hind legs to escape predators. Its powerful leg muscles and bipedal running ability would have been essential for avoiding the large carnivorous dinosaurs of its time.
What type of dinosaur was Augustynolophus?
Augustynolophus was an ornithopod dinosaur, specifically a member of the duck-billed dinosaur group (Hadrosauridae). These were large, herbivorous dinosaurs known for their distinctive broad bills and complex tooth arrangements for processing plants.
Was Augustynolophus related to birds?
Like all ornithopod dinosaurs, Augustynolophus was more distantly related to modern birds than theropod dinosaurs were. However, as a dinosaur, it still shares common ancestry with birds, being part of the broader dinosaur family tree that eventually gave rise to modern birds through the theropod lineage.
How many Augustynolophus fossils have been found?
Augustynolophus is known from limited fossil material, primarily skull and jaw fragments found in the Moreno Formation. As a relatively recently described dinosaur (2014), ongoing research may reveal additional specimens in the future.
