Mussaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Prosauropoda · Family: Plateosauridae
With the discovery in southern Argentina of adults and young hatchlings, Mussaurus is the earliest known dinosaur baby and the eggshells represent the oldest known dinosaur eggs. While no whole eggs have been discovered, only eggshells inthe vicinity of the Mussaurus hatchlings, the eggshells are presumed to belong to Mussaurus. A plateosaurid prosauropodlike Coloradisaurus, they represent the only South American prosauropods; other South American prosauropods are all members of Melanorosauride.
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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 Mussaurus mean?
The name Mussaurus means “Mouse Lizard”. It is pronounced moose-SAWR-us.
When did Mussaurus live?
Mussaurus lived during the Late Triassic.
Was Mussaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Mussaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Mussaurus?
Mussaurus was about 26 feet (7.9 meters) long, around 10 feet (3 meters) tall, weighing up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Plateosauridae family.
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