Erlikosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: er-LIK-oh-SORE-us
Name meaning: Erlik's Lizard (after Erlik, a death god in Mongolian mythology)
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 2.5m |
| Length | 6m |
| Weight | 500 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Mongolia |
Erlikosaurus was a fascinating plant-eating theropod that roamed the landscapes of Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous period, between 96 and 89 million years ago. Despite being classified as a theropod—a group traditionally known for fearsome predators like Tyrannosaurus rex—Erlikosaurus had evolved to become a peaceful herbivore with remarkable adaptations for processing plant material.
This unusual dinosaur measured approximately 6 metres in length and stood about 2.5 metres tall at the hip, making it a substantial creature. What made Erlikosaurus particularly special was its well-preserved skull, which remains the most complete cranial material known from any therizinosaurid dinosaur. The skull reveals a relatively small head compared to its body size, with a distinctive beak-like structure perfect for cropping vegetation.
Erlikosaurus possessed the characteristic features of its theropod lineage, including bipedal locomotion and a long tail for balance. However, unlike its carnivorous relatives, it had developed large claws on its hands—not for catching prey, but likely for pulling down branches and stripping leaves. Its teeth were small and leaf-shaped, ideal for processing tough plant material rather than tearing flesh.
Living in the warm, humid environment of Cretaceous Mongolia, Erlikosaurus would have shared its habitat with other dinosaurs including the predatory Alectrosaurus and various smaller theropods. Its discovery has provided invaluable insights into how some theropod lineages abandoned carnivory to exploit plant-based food sources.
What made Erlikosaurus distinctive?
Erlikosaurus had a remarkably well-preserved skull with a beak-like snout and small, leaf-shaped teeth adapted for plant-eating. It possessed large claws on its hands for manipulating vegetation and had a relatively small head compared to its substantial 6-metre body length.
Behaviour
Erlikosaurus likely spent much of its time browsing on vegetation, using its large hand claws to pull down branches and strip leaves. As a bipedal herbivore, it would have moved through forested areas searching for suitable plant material, possibly feeding both at ground level and reaching up into trees.
Erlikosaurus FAQ
What did Erlikosaurus eat?
Erlikosaurus was herbivorous, feeding entirely on plants. Its small, leaf-shaped teeth and beak-like snout were perfectly adapted for cropping and processing vegetation, including leaves, shoots, and possibly fruits from the diverse plant life of Cretaceous Mongolia.
How big was Erlikosaurus?
Erlikosaurus was approximately 6 metres long and stood about 2.5 metres tall at the hip. It weighed an estimated 500 kilograms, making it a substantial dinosaur, though not as massive as the largest theropods or sauropods.
When did Erlikosaurus live?
Erlikosaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 96 to 89 million years ago. This was a time when flowering plants were becoming more diverse and dinosaurs were reaching peak diversity worldwide.
Where was Erlikosaurus found?
Erlikosaurus fossils were discovered in Mongolia, specifically in the Bayan Shireh Formation. The original specimens were found in 1972, providing some of the best therizinosaurid skull material ever discovered.
How do you pronounce Erlikosaurus?
Erlikosaurus is pronounced 'er-LIK-oh-SORE-us', with emphasis on the second syllable. The name comes from Erlik, a death god in Mongolian mythology, combined with the Greek word 'saurus' meaning lizard.
What does Erlikosaurus mean?
Erlikosaurus means 'Erlik's Lizard', named after Erlik, the king of the dead in Mongolian and Turkic mythology. This name reflects both the dinosaur's discovery location in Mongolia and the cultural heritage of the region.
How fast could Erlikosaurus run?
The running speed of Erlikosaurus is unknown, as no detailed studies have been conducted on its locomotion. As a large, bipedal herbivore, it likely moved at a moderate pace while foraging, though it may have been capable of faster speeds when necessary.
What type of dinosaur was Erlikosaurus?
Erlikosaurus was a theropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the family Therizinosauridae. Despite being part of a group known for carnivorous predators, it had evolved to become completely herbivorous with specialised plant-eating adaptations.
Was Erlikosaurus related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Erlikosaurus was related to birds, which evolved from theropod dinosaurs. However, therizinosaurids like Erlikosaurus represent a side branch that evolved towards herbivory rather than leading directly to modern birds.
How many Erlikosaurus fossils have been found?
Erlikosaurus is known from limited fossil material, including a well-preserved skull and some post-cranial fragments from the original 1972 discovery. While not extensive, the skull material is the most complete known from any therizinosaurid, making it scientifically very important.
