Edmontosaurus Description
Edmontosaurus was a genus of large, duck-billed dinosaur that roamed North America during the Late Cretaceous period. This massive herbivore was characterized by its long, low skull ending in a broad, toothless beak, which it used to crop tough vegetation before grinding it down with dense batteries of teeth located further back in its jaws. Fossil discoveries, including remarkably well-preserved “mummies” with fossilized skin, reveal that Edmontosaurus had leathery, pebbled skin, lacked scales on certain parts of its body, and possessed a fleshy, rooster-like comb on top of its head. It was a facultative biped, meaning it primarily walked on all four limbs while foraging or traveling but could rise onto its hind legs to run or reach higher foliage. Living in vast herds, Edmontosaurus was a gentle giant of its ecosystem, frequently falling prey to top predators of the era like Tyrannosaurus rex.
Could You Outrun an Edmontosaurus?
No, an average human could not outrun a sprinting Edmontosaurus. Computer simulations show this massive dinosaur could hit top speeds of 28 to 35 mph (45 to 57 km/h) when running or galloping. Because average humans only run about 12 to 15 mph, this herbivore would easily leave you behind.
Are You Bigger Than an Edmontosaurus?
No, the Edmontosaurus was much larger than any human. These massive creatures reached lengths of 36 to 43 feet (11 to 13 meters). They stood up to 13 feet (4 meters) tall at the hips. They regularly weighed between 4 to 7 tons, making them heavier than most elephants.
Fun Facts
- They had a soft, rooster-like comb made of flesh rather than bone.
- Their jaws held hundreds of tightly packed teeth that constantly replaced themselves.
- Rare “dinosaur mummies” have been found with perfectly preserved skin texture.
- They traveled in giant groups and potentially migrated thousands of miles.
Dino-mite Equations!
Question #1: An Edmontosaurus runs at 30 miles per hour to escape a predator. How many miles does it travel in 15 minutes?
Answer #1
7.5 miles!
Question #2: One Edmontosaurus weighs 16,000 pounds. A school bus weighs 12,000 pounds. How many school buses equal the weight of three Edmontosaurus dinosaurs?
Answer #2
4!
VelociLogic 