Dinosaur - Psittacosaurus mongoliensis
SKU:
ITEM # DINO-China-0001
$20,000.00
$20,000.00
Early Cretaceous - (130-100 mya)
China
ITEM # DINO-China-0001
Beautifully mounted example of the dinosaur Psittacosaurus mongoliensis from the Early Cretaceous of China. Psittacosaurus mongoliensis is a member of the Order Ornithischia, Family Psittacosauridae.
Psittacosaurus, from the Greek for 'parrot lizard') is a genus of psittacosaurid ceratopsian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Period of what is now Asia, about 130 to 100 million years ago. It is notable for being the most species-rich dinosaur genus. At least ten extinct species are recognized from fossils found in different regions of modern-day China, Mongolia and Russia, with a possible additional species from Thailand.
All species of Psittacosaurus were gazelle-sized bipedal herbivores characterized by a high, powerful beak on the upper jaw. At least one species had long, quill-like structures on its tail and lower back, possibly serving a display function. Psittacosaurs were extremely early ceratopsians and, while they developed many novel adaptations of their own, they also shared many anatomical features with later ceratopsians, such as Protoceratops and the elephant-sized Triceratops.
Psittacosaurus is not as familiar to the general public as its distant relative Triceratops but it is one of the most completely known dinosaur genera. Fossils of over 400 individuals have been collected so far, including many complete skeletons. Most different age classes are represented, from hatchling through to adult, which has allowed several detailed studies of Psittacosaurus growth rates and reproductive biology. The abundance of this dinosaur in the fossil record has led to its use as an index fossil for Early Cretaceous sediments of central Asia.
Psittacosaurus was an herbivore, a plant eater. It probably ate plants like cycads and other prehistoric plants with its tough, hook-like beak. Psittacosaurus was mainly bipedal, but probably waddled on all fours when grazing. They may have also used their forelimbs to get food from bushes or tree branches.
It generally made its home near dry floodplains often near lakes that had abundant foliage Psittacosaurus lived in semi-arid conditions and needed strong jaw muscles to deal with the tough drought resistant vegetation that grew around there. The remains of this dinosaur were found in China and Mongolia.
Psittacosaurus may have been a herding animal, like some other ceratopsians, Psittacosaurus was mainly bipedal, but probably waddled on all fours when grazing. They also raised their young in a group. If attacked, the herd could stampede, or "circle the wagons" and fend off predators. The large herbivores in herds that relied on horns and attitude to protect themselves Rival males used the parrot-like hook as weapons and may have stood side by side, jabbing at each other with the cheek spike until one yielded. The cheek spike may have caused pain, but not serious injury.
The egg nests of a Psittacosaurus were laid in a circle and in a vertical position. Psittacosaurus eggs are oblong. The individual eggs are 3 to 5 inches long, and only 1 inch across. The eggshell was relatively thick for their small size indicative of the early Cretaceous period eggs. Following the general rule that earlier period dinosaur eggshells were thicker than later period dinosaur eggs. Dinosaur eggs nests like found from the Psittacosaurus are most spectacular. Since the Pssitacosaruus were thought to be good parents (offspring fossils were found of hatchlings still in the nest.) the eggs were either heated by the sound or kept warm by the parents. As few as seven to as many as 36 individuals in a group are in a clutch they will d stay together after hatching, The smallest specimen has a skull of 2.7 cm (1.1 inch) long and measure only 24.8 cm (9.8 inches) in length, making this the smallest dinosaur specimen ever found.
Eighteen species have been assigned to the extinct ceratopsian dinosaur genus Psittacosaurus, although only nine to eleven are considered valid. This is the highest number of valid species assigned to any single dinosaur genus (not including birds). By contrast, most dinosaur genera contain only a single species.
As some species are known only from skull material, species of Psittacosaurus are primarily distinguished by features of the skull and teeth. Several species can be recognized by features of the pelvis as well. Overall size estimates of most species have not been published or are unavailable due to lack of fossil preservation. However, measurements of the skull or femur have been published for all well-established species and can be used as a basis for comparison.
This expertly prepared and mounted specimen measures 110 cm long. Currently this specimen is being remounted on an invisible mount. Truly a centerpiece for any high-prized collection.
China
ITEM # DINO-China-0001
Beautifully mounted example of the dinosaur Psittacosaurus mongoliensis from the Early Cretaceous of China. Psittacosaurus mongoliensis is a member of the Order Ornithischia, Family Psittacosauridae.
Psittacosaurus, from the Greek for 'parrot lizard') is a genus of psittacosaurid ceratopsian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Period of what is now Asia, about 130 to 100 million years ago. It is notable for being the most species-rich dinosaur genus. At least ten extinct species are recognized from fossils found in different regions of modern-day China, Mongolia and Russia, with a possible additional species from Thailand.
All species of Psittacosaurus were gazelle-sized bipedal herbivores characterized by a high, powerful beak on the upper jaw. At least one species had long, quill-like structures on its tail and lower back, possibly serving a display function. Psittacosaurs were extremely early ceratopsians and, while they developed many novel adaptations of their own, they also shared many anatomical features with later ceratopsians, such as Protoceratops and the elephant-sized Triceratops.
Psittacosaurus is not as familiar to the general public as its distant relative Triceratops but it is one of the most completely known dinosaur genera. Fossils of over 400 individuals have been collected so far, including many complete skeletons. Most different age classes are represented, from hatchling through to adult, which has allowed several detailed studies of Psittacosaurus growth rates and reproductive biology. The abundance of this dinosaur in the fossil record has led to its use as an index fossil for Early Cretaceous sediments of central Asia.
Psittacosaurus was an herbivore, a plant eater. It probably ate plants like cycads and other prehistoric plants with its tough, hook-like beak. Psittacosaurus was mainly bipedal, but probably waddled on all fours when grazing. They may have also used their forelimbs to get food from bushes or tree branches.
It generally made its home near dry floodplains often near lakes that had abundant foliage Psittacosaurus lived in semi-arid conditions and needed strong jaw muscles to deal with the tough drought resistant vegetation that grew around there. The remains of this dinosaur were found in China and Mongolia.
Psittacosaurus may have been a herding animal, like some other ceratopsians, Psittacosaurus was mainly bipedal, but probably waddled on all fours when grazing. They also raised their young in a group. If attacked, the herd could stampede, or "circle the wagons" and fend off predators. The large herbivores in herds that relied on horns and attitude to protect themselves Rival males used the parrot-like hook as weapons and may have stood side by side, jabbing at each other with the cheek spike until one yielded. The cheek spike may have caused pain, but not serious injury.
The egg nests of a Psittacosaurus were laid in a circle and in a vertical position. Psittacosaurus eggs are oblong. The individual eggs are 3 to 5 inches long, and only 1 inch across. The eggshell was relatively thick for their small size indicative of the early Cretaceous period eggs. Following the general rule that earlier period dinosaur eggshells were thicker than later period dinosaur eggs. Dinosaur eggs nests like found from the Psittacosaurus are most spectacular. Since the Pssitacosaruus were thought to be good parents (offspring fossils were found of hatchlings still in the nest.) the eggs were either heated by the sound or kept warm by the parents. As few as seven to as many as 36 individuals in a group are in a clutch they will d stay together after hatching, The smallest specimen has a skull of 2.7 cm (1.1 inch) long and measure only 24.8 cm (9.8 inches) in length, making this the smallest dinosaur specimen ever found.
Eighteen species have been assigned to the extinct ceratopsian dinosaur genus Psittacosaurus, although only nine to eleven are considered valid. This is the highest number of valid species assigned to any single dinosaur genus (not including birds). By contrast, most dinosaur genera contain only a single species.
As some species are known only from skull material, species of Psittacosaurus are primarily distinguished by features of the skull and teeth. Several species can be recognized by features of the pelvis as well. Overall size estimates of most species have not been published or are unavailable due to lack of fossil preservation. However, measurements of the skull or femur have been published for all well-established species and can be used as a basis for comparison.
This expertly prepared and mounted specimen measures 110 cm long. Currently this specimen is being remounted on an invisible mount. Truly a centerpiece for any high-prized collection.