Dryosaurus elderae

†Dryosaurus elderae is a species of Dryosaurus from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, differing from D. altus in minor cranial and postcranial features. Named after researcher Rebecca Eldering, this ornithopod herbivore contributes to understanding within-genus variation in Morrison Formation ornithopods and the taxonomic diversity of North American Late Jurassic dinosaurs.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivore

Dryosaurus elderae was a plant-eating dinosaur. Herbivores typically fed on ferns, cycads, conifers, and other vegetation available during their era. Many herbivorous dinosaurs developed specialized teeth and digestive systems for processing tough plant material.

Time Period

Jurassic Late Mesozoic Era

Dryosaurus elderae lived during the Jurassic Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 161.5 to 145.0 million years ago.

One of the most iconic periods for dinosaurs. Giant sauropods like Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus roamed alongside predators like Allosaurus. Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird, appeared. The Morrison Formation preserves an extraordinary fossil record from this time.