Minmi
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Ankylosauria · Family: Nodosauridae
Minmi displays structures that differentiate it from other nodosaurs, most notably belly armor which is not known on other armored dinosaurs. Curiously, there is no evidence of armor on Minmi's back, a characteristic of more heavily armored and larger ankylosaurs. It also had bony plates on the side of its lower vertebrae, the purpose of which is unknown. The first ankylosaur found in Australia and the only one from the southern hemisphere, its presence there suggests a land route to Australia via South America during the Early Cretaceous Period. Minmi is also notable for being the dinosaur with the shortest name.
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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 Minmi mean?
The name Minmi means “Named for the Minmi Crossing in Queensland, Australia”. It is pronounced MIN-mee.
When did Minmi live?
Minmi lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Minmi a carnivore or a herbivore?
Minmi was a herbivore.
How big was Minmi?
Minmi was about 9.8 feet (3 meters) long, around 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) tall, weighing up to 3,750 pounds (1,701 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Nodosauridae family.
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