Othnielia was a Dinosaure Herbivore which lived in the United States (Utah and Wyoming) with the Jurassic superior (149-142 my).

Etymology

Othnielia owes its name with an American hunter of fossils of the 19th century and professor of the Université of Yale, Othniel Charles Marsh.

With its discovery in 1877, this last gave him the name of Nanosaurus. But it was famous later 100 years in the homage of this pioneer of the Paléontologie.

Stature

This dinosaur of small size measured on average 0,50 meter height for 1,40 meter length and was to weigh between 20 and 25 kg. Othnielia thus had the characteristics of typical Hypsilophodonte: long legs and a tail, a light body and short arms equipped with five fingers. Its teeth alone present a difference. They were smaller than those of other standard Hypsilophodontes in the same way, and entirely covered with enamel, being used to crush food.

Lifestyle

The presence of enamel on its teeth could be explained by the fact why Othnielias ate can be hard and fibrous plants. This type of food would explain also the presence of bajoues intended to retain food in its mouth during the chewing.

This dinosaur is contemporary of Apatosaurus, Diplodocus or Brachiosaurus, of Stégosaurus or D' Allosaurus. ----