Late Jurassic, 152–145 million years agoReputable sourceWell documented
Stegosaurus, the Plated Dinosaur
On the timeline · around Late Jurassic, 152–145 million years ago · The Jurassic
What happened
Stegosaurus, a large Late Jurassic plant-eater of the Morrison ecosystem, carried two rows of tall bony plates along its back and a spiked tail for defence.
Why it matters
Its distinctive plates — probably used for display and to help control body temperature — make Stegosaurus one of the most instantly recognisable of all dinosaurs.
Sources
- Natural History Museum. Stegosaurus · Reputable source