Dinosaur Profile

Stegosaurus

Stegosaurus stenops

Stegosaurus is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs thanks to its large back plates and spiked tail. This armored herbivore lived during the Jurassic in North America.AppearanceStegosaurus had a small head, a bulky body, and a double row of plates running down its back. Its tail ended in four long

Jurassic Herbivore Ankylosaur North America

At a glance

Quick Facts

Key classification, size, geography, and discovery information from this dinosaur profile.

PeriodJurassic

DietHerbivore

Type / CladeAnkylosaur

ContinentNorth America

Length7–9 m (23–30 ft)

Weight7–9 m (23–30 ft)

FormationMorrison Formation

Discovered1877

Stegosaurus is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs thanks to its large back plates and spiked tail. This armored herbivore lived during the Jurassic in North America.

Appearance

Stegosaurus had a small head, a bulky body, and a double row of plates running down its back. Its tail ended in four long spikes that likely served as a powerful defense.

Diet

As a herbivore, Stegosaurus fed on low-growing plants, using its beak to crop vegetation.

Habitat

Fossils are most often found in the Morrison Formation, representing floodplains and forested environments.

Prehistoric highlights

Interesting Facts About Stegosaurus

• Famous for the double row of large plates along its back and spiked tail (“thagomizer”).
• Lived in the Late Jurassic and is commonly found in the Morrison Formation.
• The tail spikes were likely used for defense against predators like Allosaurus.
• The back plates may have helped with display and temperature regulation.

No additional fact notes are available for this profile yet.

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