Heterodontosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Ornithopoda · Family: Heterodontosauridae
Found in southern Africa, Heterodontosaurus was a small, primitive dinosaur with large eyes above a short face and an odd assortment of teeth that inspired its name "different-toothed lizard". It had three kinds of teeth
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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 Heterodontosaurus mean?
The name Heterodontosaurus means “Different-Toothed Lizard”. It is pronounced het-er-uh-DON-tuh-SAWR-us.
When did Heterodontosaurus live?
Heterodontosaurus lived during the Early Jurassic.
Was Heterodontosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Heterodontosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Heterodontosaurus?
Heterodontosaurus was about 40 inches (0.9 meters) long, around 18 inches (0.45 meters) tall, weighing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Heterodontosauridae family.
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