Micropachycephalosaurus hongtuyanensis

Micropachycephalosaurus hongtuyanensis

Period

Cretaceous

Location

China

Length

1 metre

Weight

2.3 – 4.5 kg

Diet

Herbivore

Category

Dinosaurs - Ceratopsians

Family

Marginocephalia

About Micropachycephalosaurus hongtuyanensis

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Micropachycephalosaurus, a relatively small and somewhat unusual dinosaur, was a herbivorous species that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 75 million years ago, in what is now modern-day China. With a name that translates to “small thick-headed lizard,” this dinosaur was part of the Pachycephalosauridae family, known for its distinctive, thick skulls, though in Micropachycephalosaurus, the skull wasn’t as heavily domed as those of its larger relatives. Growing to only about 1 meters (3 feet) in length, it was much smaller than other pachycephalosaurs, which were often much larger and more robust. Its relatively lightweight frame, with a small, bipedal body, suggests it was a quick and agile dinosaur, likely using its speed to evade predators rather than relying on its skull for combat, unlike the more aggressive, headbutting pachycephalosaurs. The thickened portion of its skull, though not as pronounced, was still likely used in defense or in intraspecific competition, where individuals might have used their skulls to push or fight over territory, mates, or social status. The environment it inhabited would have been a mix of forested and open areas, with a diet likely consisting of low-lying plants, ferns, and possibly small shrubs. Micropachycephalosaurus’ relatively small size and unusual features make it a fascinating example of the diversity within the Pachycephalosaur group, showing how adaptations can vary even within closely related species. It is also the dinosaur with the longest name with 23 letters.