Platypelta Facts
Pronunciation: PLAT-ee-PELL-ta
Name meaning: Flat Shield
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 1.5m |
| Length | 5m |
| Weight | 2 tonnes |
| Speed | 15 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Ankylosaur |
| Location | Canada |
Platypelta was a heavily armoured ankylosaur that roamed the ancient landscapes of western Canada during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago. This formidable herbivore was built like a living tank, with its body covered in bony plates and spikes that provided excellent protection against predators such as tyrannosaurs that shared its environment.
Measuring around 5 metres in length and standing about 1.5 metres tall at the hip, Platypelta was a medium-sized member of the ankylosaur family. Its most distinctive feature was its broad, flattened back covered in rows of bony osteoderms (armoured plates) that gave it its name, meaning 'flat shield'. Unlike some of its relatives, Platypelta had a relatively low profile, with a wide body and short legs that kept it close to the ground.
As a herbivore, Platypelta fed on low-growing plants, ferns, and cycads that carpeted the Late Cretaceous landscape. Its small teeth and weak jaw muscles suggest it was a selective feeder, carefully choosing tender shoots and leaves rather than tough, fibrous vegetation. The dinosaur's broad gut would have housed bacteria to help break down plant material.
Platypelta lived in what is now the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, an area that was once a warm, humid coastal plain dotted with rivers and lush vegetation. This environment supported a diverse ecosystem of dinosaurs, making it one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world.
What made Platypelta distinctive?
Platypelta had an unusually broad, flattened back covered in distinctive bony armour plates arranged in regular rows. Its low-slung body profile was wider than many other ankylosaurs, and it possessed a relatively small head compared to its robust, tank-like torso.
Behaviour
Platypelta likely lived in small groups, using its excellent armour as a primary defence strategy when threatened by predators. When attacked, it probably crouched down to protect its vulnerable belly while presenting its heavily armoured back and sides to would-be attackers.
Discovery
Platypelta was first described by Walter Coombs Jr. in 1982. The original fossils were discovered at Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada.
Platypelta FAQ
What did Platypelta eat?
Platypelta was a herbivore that fed on low-growing plants, ferns, cycads, and tender shoots. Its small teeth and relatively weak jaw muscles suggest it was quite selective about what it ate, preferring softer vegetation over tough, fibrous plants.
How big was Platypelta?
Platypelta was a medium-sized ankylosaur, measuring approximately 5 metres in length and standing about 1.5 metres tall at the hip. It weighed around 2 tonnes, making it a substantial but not enormous dinosaur.
When did Platypelta live?
Platypelta lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago. It existed during a very specific time slice, making its fossils valuable for dating rock formations.
Where was Platypelta found?
Platypelta fossils have been discovered in the Dinosaur Park Formation of southern Alberta, Canada. This formation represents an ancient coastal plain environment that was once warm, humid, and rich with diverse plant and animal life.
How do you pronounce Platypelta?
Platypelta is pronounced 'PLAT-ee-PELL-ta', with emphasis on the first syllable. The name rolls off the tongue quite easily once you break it down into its component parts.
What does Platypelta mean?
Platypelta means 'flat shield' in reference to the dinosaur's distinctively broad, flattened back that was covered in protective bony armour plates arranged in regular rows, giving it a shield-like appearance.
How fast could Platypelta run?
Platypelta could probably reach speeds of around 15 km/h when necessary, though as a heavily armoured dinosaur, it likely relied more on its defensive capabilities than speed to avoid predators.
What type of dinosaur was Platypelta?
Platypelta was an ankylosaur, specifically a member of the Ankylosauridae family. These were heavily armoured, herbivorous dinosaurs known for their tank-like build and defensive capabilities.
Was Platypelta related to birds?
Platypelta was not closely related to birds. As an ornithischian dinosaur, it belonged to the 'bird-hipped' group, but this is misleading - birds actually evolved from saurischian dinosaurs. Platypelta represents a completely different evolutionary branch.
How many Platypelta fossils have been found?
Platypelta is known from limited fossil material, primarily from the type specimen discovered in Alberta. Like many ankylosaurs, complete skeletons are rare, and our knowledge is based on partial remains including distinctive armour plates.
