Tenontosaurus (T. tillecttorum `Tendon Lizard´) is an extinct genus of ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Aptian and Albian of the Lower Cretaceous period, approximately 125-100 million years ago. It was first discovered in the Cloverly Formation in Montana, United States, in 1979.
It was a herbivorous dinosaur that fed on low plants and moved on two hind legs (although it is also believed that it could walk on 4 legs), it could reach a length of around 6 to 8 meters and weigh around 1,000 kg. It had a small, elongated head with small, sharp teeth, an upward-curving lower jaw, and a high crest on top of its head. He also had a large number of teeth that were continually replaced throughout his life.
The highlight of Tenontosaurus was its long, strong hind limbs, suggesting that it was a fast and agile runner. It also had a long, muscular tail that it probably used for balance while running. It is believed that this dinosaur could reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Tenontosaurus fossils have been found in various parts of North America, suggesting that it was a common dinosaur in that region during the Early Cretaceous. Some fossils have also been found that seem to show evidence of being attacked by predators, suggesting that it was preyed on by some of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs of the time.
Approximate measurements of the Tenontosaurus:
- 1:72 scale - 82mm long (Full replica)
- 1:35 scale - 170 mm long
- 1:20 scale - 295 mm long
