Revueltosaurus Facts
Note: Although historically classified as a dinosaur, Revueltosaurus is no longer considered one based on current scientific understanding. It remains a fascinating prehistoric creature.
Pronunciation: reh-VWEL-toe-SORE-us
Name meaning: Revuelto Lizard (after Revuelto Creek)
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Height | 0.3m |
| Length | 1m |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Triassic |
| Period | Late Triassic |
| Type | Other |
| Location | United States |
Although once classified as a dinosaur, Revueltosaurus is now known to be a pseudosuchian archosaur - a relative of modern crocodiles rather than a dinosaur. This fascinating case of mistaken identity fooled palaeontologists for years, as its teeth closely resembled those of early ornithischian dinosaurs. Only when more complete skeletal remains were discovered did scientists realise their error.
Revueltosaurus lived during the Late Triassic period, between 237 and 227 million years ago, in what is now the southwestern United States. At about one metre long, this small reptile was a far cry from the massive dinosaurs that would later dominate the landscape. Its fossils have been found in New Mexico, Arizona, and North Carolina, suggesting it was quite widespread across the ancient supercontinent of Pangaea.
This armoured reptile had a robust build with bony plates protecting its body, typical of many pseudosuchians of its time. Its leaf-shaped teeth were well-suited for processing plant material, though it likely had an omnivorous diet, supplementing vegetation with insects and small animals. The discovery of Revueltosaurus highlights how convergent evolution can produce remarkably similar features in unrelated groups - in this case, the independently evolved plant-processing teeth of pseudosuchians and ornithischian dinosaurs.
What made Revueltosaurus distinctive?
Revueltosaurus had leaf-shaped teeth with serrated edges that were remarkably similar to those of ornithischian dinosaurs. Its body was protected by bony armour plates, and it had a robust, low-slung build typical of early pseudosuchians.
Behaviour
Revueltosaurus likely spent much of its time foraging for food on the ground, using its specialised teeth to process tough plant material. As a heavily armoured animal, it probably relied more on its protective plating than speed to avoid predators in the dangerous Triassic landscape.
Discovery
Revueltosaurus was first described by Adrian Hunt in 1989. The original fossils were discovered at Chinle Formation, New Mexico, USA.
Revueltosaurus FAQ
What did Revueltosaurus eat?
Revueltosaurus was an omnivore with specialised leaf-shaped teeth designed for processing plant material. While vegetation likely formed the bulk of its diet, it probably also ate insects, small animals, and other available food sources.
How big was Revueltosaurus?
Revueltosaurus was quite small, measuring about 1 metre in length and standing roughly 30 centimetres tall at the hip. It weighed approximately 5 kilograms, making it similar in size to a large monitor lizard.
When did Revueltosaurus live?
Revueltosaurus lived during the Late
Triassic period, approximately 237 to 227 million years ago. This was before the age of giant dinosaurs, during a time when many different archosaur groups were experimenting with various body plans.
Where was Revueltosaurus found?
Fossils of Revueltosaurus have been discovered in the United States, specifically in New Mexico, Arizona, and North Carolina. Most specimens come from the famous Chinle Formation, which preserves a rich Late
Triassic ecosystem.
How do you pronounce Revueltosaurus?
Revueltosaurus is pronounced 'reh-VWEL-toe-SORE-us', with emphasis on the middle syllable. The name can be tricky for English speakers due to the Spanish origin of 'Revuelto'.
What does Revueltosaurus mean?
Revueltosaurus means 'Revuelto lizard', named after Revuelto Creek in New Mexico near where the first fossils were discovered. The name honours the geographic location of this important find.
How fast could Revueltosaurus run?
The running speed of Revueltosaurus is unknown, but its heavy armour plating and robust build suggest it was not built for speed. It likely moved relatively slowly and relied on its protective armour rather than quick escape to avoid predators.
What type of dinosaur was Revueltosaurus?
Revueltosaurus was not actually a dinosaur at all! Although originally classified as an ornithischian dinosaur based on its teeth, it's now known to be a pseudosuchian archosaur - a relative of modern crocodiles. This reclassification was a major surprise in paleontology.
Was Revueltosaurus related to birds?
No, Revueltosaurus was not related to birds. As a pseudosuchian archosaur, it belonged to the crocodile lineage of archosaurs, while birds evolved from dinosaurs (which belong to the other main archosaur lineage). These groups split very early in archosaur evolution.
How many Revueltosaurus fossils have been found?
Many Revueltosaurus specimens have been found, mostly consisting of teeth which are quite common in Late
Triassic formations. However, complete skeletal remains are much rarer, which is why the true nature of this animal remained hidden for so long.
