Ouranosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Ornithopoda · Infraorder: Iguanodontia · Family: Iguanodontidae
Ouranosaurus was found in the Sahara Desert of Niger, Africa. Related to the Iguanodon, but unlike Iguanodon, Ouranosaurus had very high spines in its vertebrae that ran down the middle of its back and tail. These spines may have supported a sail or fin that helped keep it from overheating. It resembled a contemporary theropod, Spinosaurus.
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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 Ouranosaurus mean?
The name Ouranosaurus means “Valiant Lizard”. It is pronounced ooh-RAN-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Ouranosaurus live?
Ouranosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Ouranosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Ouranosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Ouranosaurus?
Ouranosaurus was about 23 feet (7.0 meters) long, around 10 feet (3.1 meters) tall, weighing up to 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Iguanodontidae family.
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