Xiaosaurus
Order: Ornithischia (not confirmed)
Xiaosaurus is known from fragmentary remains recovered in China at the Dashanpu quarry, a site that has produced some of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever discovered. The remains of Xiaosaurus, however, are only complete enough to place it inthe ornithischian order of dinosaurs. This means that it was bird-hipped, bipedal, and herbivorous.
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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 Xiaosaurus mean?
The name Xiaosaurus means “Small Lizard”. It is pronounced Zhou-SAWR-us.
When did Xiaosaurus live?
Xiaosaurus lived during the Middle Jurassic.
Was Xiaosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Xiaosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Xiaosaurus?
Xiaosaurus was about 3.3 feet (1 meter) long, around 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) tall.
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