Dinosaur Classes Flashcards

Study Notes

Dinosaur Classes

Sauropodomorphs:
- A branch of saurischian dinosaurs known for their long necks.
- Divided into prosauropods and sauropods.
Theropods:
- Another branch of saurischian dinosaurs, primarily bipedal.
- Includes Spinosaurs, alvarezsaurs, dromaeosaurs, and tyrannosaurs.
- Notable for higher trochanter attachment which enhances sprinting ability.
Ornithopods:
- A category within ornithischians characterized by bipedal or facilitative bipedal movement.
- Divides into iguanodonts and hadrosaurs.
Pachycephalosaurs:
- A group of ornithischians distinguished by their thick, domed skulls.
- Exclusively bipeds.
Ceratopsians:
- Ornithischians recognized for large facial horns and frills.
- Features scissor-like dental batteries and are obligate quadrupeds.
Stegosaurs:
- Branch of ornithischians known for bony back plates.
- Committed to quadrupedal locomotion.
Ankylosaurs:
- Ornithischians with heavy osteoderm armor and club-like tails.
- Possess small, leaf-shaped teeth and large ribs for accommodating extensive internal organs; obligate quadrupeds.
Prosauropods:
- The first large herbivores, part of the sauropodomorphs.
- Capable of both obligate and facilitative bipedal movement.
Sauropods:
- Large, long-necked herbivores engaged in predator satiation.
- Size serves as a deterrent to predators, with small leaf-like teeth and large rib and gut capacity; exclusively quadrupedal.
Spinosaurs:
- Theropods recognized for their piscivorous diet.
Alvarezsaurs:
- Insectivorous theropods with specialized adaptations.
Dromaeosaurs:
- Characterized by sickle-shaped foot claws and stiff tails; part of the theropod branch.
Tyrannosaurs:
- Defined by small front limbs and serrated teeth.
- Known for behaviors related to durophagy and aggression; also classified as theropods.
Iguanodonts:
- Ornithopods distinguished by large thumb claws.
- Capable of facilitative bipedalism.
Hadrosaurs:
- Duck-billed ornithopods with vertically tilted dental batteries.
- Capable of facilitative bipedal movement, with lower trochanter attachment facilitating endurance.

Description

Test your knowledge of dinosaur classifications with these flashcards. Each card features key terms and definitions related to different branches of dinosaurs, including sauropodomorphs, theropods, and ornithopods. Perfect for anyone interested in paleontology!