Maiasaura
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Ornithopoda · Infraorder: Iguanodontia · Family: Hadrosauridae
It was the discovery of a hadrosaur crèche in Montana that provided evidence of nurturing behavior in dinosaurs. Remains of Maiasaura nestlings revealed worn teeth, which suggests that they were fed by their parents until they were able to leave the nest. In addition, broken shells in the bottom of the nests were in such small pieces that the dinosaurs who hatched from them must have stayed to walk and lie on the pieces until they were broken in very small fragments. These facts among others led to a revision of our view of dinosaur behavior.
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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 Maiasaura mean?
The name Maiasaura means “Good Mother Lizard”. It is pronounced mah-ee-ah-SAWR-uh.
When did Maiasaura live?
Maiasaura lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Maiasaura a carnivore or a herbivore?
Maiasaura was a herbivore.
How big was Maiasaura?
Maiasaura was about 30 feet (9.1 meters) long, around 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Hadrosauridae family.
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