Psittacosaurus (Noun)
Meaning
Primitive dinosaur actually lacking horns and having only the beginning of a frill; long hind limbs and short forelimbs; may have been bipedal.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The psittacosaurus, with its distinctive short forelimbs and long hind limbs, was well-suited for a life of running and possibly bipedal movement.
- In many ways, the psittacosaurus represents a primitive stage in the evolution of ceratopsian dinosaurs, lacking horns and having only a hint of a frill.
- Studies of psittacosaurus fossils have led some scientists to believe that this dinosaur may have spent at least some of its time on two legs.
- Psittacosaurus was likely a relatively fast and agile dinosaur, using its powerful hind limbs to propel itself forward at high speeds.
- One of the most fascinating aspects of the psittacosaurus is its transitional body plan, showing both the characteristics of early ceratopsians and the traits of more primitive dinosaurs.