Ammosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Prosauropoda · Family: Plateosauridae
A medium-sized member of the prosauropod family, this primitive plant-eater was characterized by a small head, long neck and large body. Discovered in a quarry in Connecticut in the late 1800's, only the back half of the specimen was rescued by Othniel Charles Marsh; the front half having already been sawed into blocks to build a bridge near South Manchester. In 1969, more parts of the Ammosaurus were discovered when a nearby sandstone bridge was demolished.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ammosaurus mean?
The name Ammosaurus means “Sandy Ground Lizard”. It is pronounced AM-uh-SAW-rus.
When did Ammosaurus live?
Ammosaurus lived during the Early Jurassic.
Was Ammosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Ammosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Ammosaurus?
Ammosaurus was about 14 feet (4.3 meters) long, around 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Plateosauridae family.
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