Kentrosaurus

Kentrosaurus Hennig, 1915 which means “pointed lizard” (Greek old kentron/κεντρον “point” and sauros/σαυρος “lizard”) was a Dinosaure Jurassic related with the Stegosaurus of which he was to some extent the African cousin, which is an example of separate evolution related to the continental drift. The Kentrosaurus was however smaller (4,9m length) and did not have the same osseous armor.

the Kentrosaurus measured 5m for 450kg. There existed at the time of the Jurassic higher, from - 156 with - 150 My. Remainders of Kentrosaurus were only discovered in Eastern Africa, more precisely in Tanzania.

the osseous plates recovering its neck and before its back undoubtedly made it possible the Kentrosaurus to control the temperature of its body. The long points on each shoulder protected from the side attacks. Spines also roughcast its back and its tail. This one ended in two immense points which could inflict fatal wounds with any predator. On the other hand, the neck, the belly and the legs of the Kentrosaurus were hardly protected.

the double line of osseous plates and points extending over the entire length from the spinal column is characteristic of the Stégosaures. The plates were not connected to the spinal column, but overlapping in a thick skin. The double line of osseous plates at the Kentrosaurus starts just behind the head. These plates become increasingly pointed while going until the end of the tail where they are longest and dangerous.

the Stégosaures were very large and had an enormous stomach in order to digest the dry plants and coriaces. Their forefeet were much shorter than their legs posterior, but the length of their intestines leaves think that the Kentrosaurus went on four legs. If it had tried to go only on its legs posterior, its weight would have made it fall down. Perhaps was drawn up it sometimes on its legs posterior to catch sheets in top of the trees. But it did not certainly remain very a long time in this position.

References

Liddell & Scott, 1980, Greek-English Lexicon, Abridged Edition, Oxford University Near, Oxford, the U.K., ISBN 0-19-910207-4

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