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Psittacosaurus
Psittacosaurus was a herbivore (plant-eater)
that lived in
China, Mongolia and Siberia, during the early Cretaceous period,
about 120 to 100 million years ago.
The name Psittacosaurus was coined by
Henry Fairfield Osborn
and means "parrot lizard".
Psittacosaurus was about 8 feet (2.4 meters) long. It was bipedal (walked on
two legs) and equipped with a powerful beak on its upper jaw.
Psittacosaurus jaws were filled with self-sharpening teeth that would have
been used for cropping and slicing plant material, but were unsuitable for
chewing its food. The animal is known to have swallowed stones
("gastroliths") which would have helped wear down its food as
it passed through its digestive system (probably in a similar manner to
the gizzard in modern birds) - as many as 50 gastroliths have been found
in the abdominal cavities of some specimens.
Fossils
of at least 10 different species of Psittacosaurus have been
found so far in
China,
Mongolia and
Russia,
plus a possible additional species from
Thailand. In fact,
in total
fossils
of over 400 individual animals have been collected so far, including many
complete skeletons, and of every age from hatchling to adult, making it
one of the most studied and best-known dinosaur genera.
One
fossil
specimen found in China was found to have what
appear to have been hollow tubular bristles, each about 6 inches
(16 centimeters) in a single row down its back and tail. The purpose
of these structures are not certain, but one possibility is that they
were used for display and communication. It is also not clear whether
these (or similar) structures were found on all species of
Psittacosaurus, or just on this one particular species.
Psittacosaurus was a herbivore (plant-eater) that lived from 120 to 100 million years ago
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Psittacosaurus Facts
Here is a summary of some of the key facts about Psittacosaurus:
- Psittacosaurus was a genus of dinosaur.
- "Psittacosaurus" means "parrot lizard".
- Psittacosaurus was a member of the Ornithischia ("bird-hipped") order of dinosaurs. What this means, is that although Psittacosaurus was not closely related to birds, it did have similarly shaped pelvic bones.
- Psittacosaurus was a Ceratopsian - a member of a group of related herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaurs with beaks, many of which had neck frills and horns as well.
- Psittacosaurus lived between about 120 million years ago and 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.
- Psittacosaurus lived in China, Mongolia and Siberia.
- Psittacosaurus was a herbivore (plant-eater).
- Psittacosaurus is thought to have swallowed stones which would have been used to help grind up tough plant material (some modern birds do the same thing). Fossils of these stones ("gastroliths") have been found in the same rocks as Psittacosaurus.
- Psittacosaurus was up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long.
- Psittacosaurus weighed upto about 175 pounds (79 kilograms).
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Psittacosaurus Books Here are some books from Amazon.com:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
By Susan H. Gray
Core Learning Library Released: 2014-01-01 Kindle Edition (32 pages)
 | | Product Description: In 1922, a team of scientists endured many hardships while traveling to Mongolia in search of dinosaurs. Readers will reap the benefits of their trials as they learn all about the new dinosaur they discovered there--the Psittacosaurus. |
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By Tamara Green
Brand: Gareth Stevens Pub Library Binding (24 pages)
 | List Price: $19.93* Lowest Used Price: $4.06* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Used Book in Good Condition
Product Description: Describes the physical characteristics and probable behavior of this beaked, plant-eating dinosaur |
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By Frances Swann
Rourke Pub Group Library Binding
 | List Price: $21.93* Lowest New Price: $9.75* Lowest Used Price: $3.49* Usually ships in 1-2 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of this horned-face dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous era. |
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By Christina Peterson
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Paperback (200 pages)
 | List Price: $8.99* Lowest New Price: $8.99* Lowest Used Price: $9.15* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: On the cover is a Psittacosaurus dinosaur which lived in Mongolia 135 to 64 years ago during the Cretaceous era. It had big eyes, parrot like head and long tail. The book is used for elementary and middle students, teachers, homeschooling and school offices. It is perfect for keeping notes and doing lesson plans. |
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By Galich Christian
Independently published Paperback (92 pages)
 | List Price: $5.99* Lowest New Price: $5.99* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Gratitude Journal for KidsHelp inspire your child and way to teach thankfulness and gratitude
Details - 90 pages of Gratitude Journal has area for write Today I am grateful for, Something awesome that happened today, My level of Happiness
- Family & Children's activity book
- It's a perfect gift for your kids
- 7 inches By 10 Inches
- Record your kids notes and thoughts that you can look back on for years to come
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By cui zhong lei
Jilin Fine Arts Publishing House Paperback (299 pages)
 | List Price: $5.99* Lowest New Price: $5.99* Lowest Used Price: $28.00* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: As the largest family on the Earth of that period, different kinds of dinosaurs could been seen everywhere. Their kingdom was a mysterious and interesting world.Unlike other popular science readings that narrate stories in a plain and boring way and use simple pictures, this series uses exquisite pictures and lively fairytale narration to tell children knowledge of dinosaurs, enabling children to gain knowledge through happy reading and arousing their desire for knowledge. |
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By Cui Zhonglei
Jilin Fine Arts Publishing House Paperback (19 pages)
 | List Price: $3.99* Lowest New Price: $4.34* Lowest Used Price: $29.91* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Language:Chinese,SoftCover,Pub Date:2013-05-01,publisher:Jilin Publishing Group,description:Paperback, Pub Date :2013-05-01 Pages: 19 Language: Chinese Publisher: Jilin Publishing Group , " the story of ancient dinosaur dinosaur populations · · approached Parrot Dragon 1 : The Journey adventure " Not only has beautiful illustrations , as we... |
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By Catherine Veitch
Miles Kelly Publishing Ltd Released: 2019-05-16 Paperback
 | Lowest New Price: $6.31* Lowest Used Price: $15.42* Usually ships in 3-4 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: A little Psittacosaurus called Sid wakes up one day to find a strange egg in his nest! Sid sets off to return the egg to its home, meeting a range of Cretaceous creatures along the way. With amusing artwork from Ben Whitehouse, this is a terrific read for any little dinosaur fan. |
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By David White
Generic Hardcover
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Jilin Fine Arts Publishing House Paperback
 | Lowest New Price: $21.34* Lowest Used Price: $21.35* Usually ships in 1-2 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here |
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Psittacosaurus Toys Here are some toys/games from Amazon.com:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
Schleich North America Released: 2018-01-01 Multi Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $7.99* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Made of high quality plastic & hand painted!
- Figurine approx. 2.362"D x 5.079"W x 2.717"H
Product Description: Developed with the assistance of parents, teachers and children |
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FloZ Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $35.99* Usually ships in 1-2 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Facts: Psittacosaurus (/?s?t?k??s??r?s/ SIT-?-k?-SOR-?s; "parrot lizard") is a genus of extinct ceratopsian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of what is now Asia, existing between 123.2 and 100 million years ago. It is notable for being the most species-rich dinosaur genus. Up to 11 species are known, from across Mongolia, Siberia, China, and possibly Thailand. The species of Psittacosaurus were obligate bipeds at adulthood, with a high skull and a robust beak. One individual was found preserved with long filaments on the tail, similar to those of Tianyulong, and scales across the rest of the animal. Psittacosaurus probably had complex behaviours, based on the proportions and relative size of the brain. It may have been active for short periods of time during the day and night, and had well-developed senses of smell and vision.
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Collecta Released: 2018-04-26 Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $7.14* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - FUN FACTS: Psittacosaurs means "parrot lizard". It did have a beak and some of them had feathers on their tail.
- AUTHENTICITY: Each prehistoric sculpture has been approved by Anthony Beeson, a well respected expert in palaeoimagery who is also an art librarian, archaeologist and collector, based in the city of Bristol, England.
- PRODUCT SPECS: Psittacosaurs measures 4.33 in L x 1.18 in W x 1.97 in H, and is suitable for childrens ages 3 and up.
Product Description: CollectA's replica of the Psittacosaurus is detailed and lifelike down to the quill-like structures on its tail. The Psittacosaurus lived in Asia between 123 - 100 million years ago. Fossil remains of over 400 Psittacosaurus individuals have been found to date. This dinosaur walked on its hind legs and had a beak-like mouth in its large head. The quill-like structures on the tail of the Psittacosaurus shown in this figure appeared on at least one species of this dinosaur. The Psittacosaurus was a small dinosaur, reaching up to 6.5 feet in length and weighed up to 44 pounds. The Psittacosaurus had sharp teeth to cut through tough plants, but did not chew. Instead, like today's birds, the Psittacosaurus swallowed stones to help with digestion. This beautifully sculpted, collectible figure from our Prehistoric Life Collection measures 4.3''L x 2''H. Each figure in our Prehistoric Life Collection has been approved by archeologist Anthony Beeson, a well-respected expert in paleoimagery. All CollectA models are individually hand crafted to the highest standards and made with the finest and safest phthalate-free, lead-free materials. Create a natural world in miniature with high quality toy replicas from CollectA. Our mission is to educate collectors and to provide the greatest opportunity for creative play. |
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Dino Mecard Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $19.99* Usually ships in 1-2 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Korean TV animated series "Dino MECARD" (Turning Mecard Follow-up series) character item
- PSITTACO can be shooting from All Dino MECARD Capture-Car (for example, TITHON, DEVONNE,.., Not included)
- Components : 1 Tiny dinosaur figure (PSITTACO) , 2 Mecards, 1 Egg capsule,1 Dinosaur manual (Korean)
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Jurassic World Toys Released: 2018-04-16 Gray Toy
 | List Price: $29.99* Lowest New Price: $24.73* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Get ready for thrilling action and adventure with Jurassic World!
- Mosasaurus will thrill fans with its massive size and movie-inspired design!
- Colors and decorations may vary.
Product Description: Get ready for thrilling action and adventure with Jurassic World! Mosasaurus, the colossal swimming creature, is back again and makes a bigger splash than ever in the film! This action figure is inspired by the movie and comes in a massive size that will thrill fans! Mosasaurus features authentic textured skin, realistic sculpting and articulation that makes this colossal creature come to life! Colors and decorations may vary. |
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Kolobok Soft Psittacosaurus Toy (Entertainment)
 | Lowest New Price: $16.99* Usually ships in 1-2 business days* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - 🦕【 Safety First】: Made of high quality, non-toxic PVC plastic with cotton filling inside; Safe for kids from age 6; Do not eat
- 🦕 【Brain Power】: Realistic bendable 3d model can be used as educational toy and helps to enhance child development
- 🦕 【Features】: Standing Psittacosaurus ancient animal soft replica; Figurine Size: 11.8 inch; No original Box
Product Description:
Imagine hours of fun playing with realistic ancient reptile designed especially for your unique collection. Attract your children's attention or play together with them to enhance parents-child relationship and have amazing gameplay experience. Are you ready for the adventure? Get your set Now! Benefits: ☺Exercises imagination and creativity; helps kids, toddlers and teens to learn with pleasure while playing and having fun. ☺Enhances kid's hand-eye coordination, motor skills, shape and color recognition. ☺Bring new ideas and possibilities for playground, collections or display cases. ☺Great educational gift for boys and girls birthdays and party favors. Features: --Material: high-quality non-toxic plastic --Highly detailed and hand painted 3d model --Colors: as shown in the picture --Reptile Size: 11.8*3.5*7.5 inch --Has no smell Package Include: --1 Soft Psittacosaurus Please Notice: 1. This product is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. Cannot be eaten. 2. This model comes Without original box. ★ Brand name: Kolobok. ★ We care what our customers feel and think. If you have any questions or need additional information about the product, please feel free to contact us anytime and we will be happy to help! |
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Peaceable Kingdom Toy
 | List Price: $17.99* Lowest New Price: $17.99* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Dinosaur Escape is the award winning game where kids help the three dinosaurs escape from a volcano threatening to erupt
- Children learn memory skills, strategy and important social development skills with no reading required
- For 2 to 4 players ages 4 years and older; Peaceable Kingdom packaging is all designed to be frustration free - naturally!
Product Description: Dinosaur Escape - The Game where the Escape is On! In this game, which has won multiple awards including the Oppenheim Gold Seal, players work as a team to get all three dinosaurs safely to Dinosaur Island before the volcano erupts! Roll the die and move the dinosaur movers around the board and uncover the matching dinosaurs under the fern tokens. But if you turn over the T-Rex, RUN! If players can find and help all three lost dinosaurs escape to Dinosaur Island before completing the 3D volcano puzzle, everyone wins! Game includes 1 game board, 3 dinosaur movers, 1 die, 12 fern tokens, 5 volcano puzzle pieces, volcano stand and instructions for game play.Children will learn:
- Simple Strategy - Memory - Problem Solving - Following Directions - Cooperation What's a cooperative game? It's a game where everyone plays together, no one is left out, and everybody has fun! Players work as a team against a common obstacle, not against each other. Cooperative games emphasize play, not competition. Kids work together, help each other and, most importantly, they play for FUN! Cooperative Games foster: - Non-stressful play situations - Emotional development - Shared decision making - Creative problem solving - A sense of community - Positive self esteem - Playfulness Since 1983 play has been the heart and soul of Peaceable Kingdom. Silly play, special play, wholehearted play! We create experiences to help kids play well together, so they can play well in the world. Our games and gifts connect kids and families, encourage learning and self-expression and let imaginations soar. And if a piece of your Peaceable Kingdom game or gift gets lost in all that fun, we will gladly send you a replacement piece - just contact us directly with your need! When play comes from the heart and feeds the soul, that's Peaceable Kingdom! |
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By Schleich
SCHLEICH Released: 2018-01-01 Accessory
 | Lowest New Price: $2.00* Lowest Used Price: $7.48* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - Highly detailed
- Hand-painted
Product Description: The Schleich figures are modelled with attention to detail, hand-painted with care, and provide educationally valuable playtime. The Dinogorgon lived over 250 million years ago where South Africa and Tanzania now lie. |
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Safari Toy
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Safari Ltd. Multi Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $11.99* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 19:09 Pacific 10 Dec 2019 More Info)
Click Here | - PEACEFUL DINOSAUR: Psittacosaurus, or the 'parrot lizard', was a small plant eating dinosaur that lived in Mongolia and China during the Early Cretaceous, 100 to 120 million years ago. About the size of a large dog, this peaceful creature used its beak and rough teeth to cut and crush tough plants.
- MADE WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING STANDARDS: All Safari Ltd. figurines have been individually hand painted with careful detail. They feature quality construction from BPA, phthalate, and lead-free materials to ensure your family's safety.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: This accurately bristled figure is 5.25 inches long and 1.75 inches high. Its spotted brown color, darker on top and lighter below, reflects the latest scientific discoveries.
Product Description: Psittacosaurus, or the 'parrot lizard', was a small plant eating dinosaur that lived in Mongolia and China during the Early Cretaceous, 100 to 120 million years ago. About the size of a large dog, this peaceful creature used its beak and rough teeth to cut and crush tough plants. Psittacosaurus was first discovered in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, during an expedition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in 1922. Psittacosaurus was described and named the following year. Its name translates as 'parrot lizard' because it had a deep, curved beak reminiscent of a parrot's. Like all Safari Ltd products, this figurine has been individually hand painted, features quality construction from phthalate and lead-free materials, and includes an educational hangtag in 5 languages. Realistic, educational, and fun, this figurine is suitable for a range of interests, including collectors, enthusiasts, teachers, and kids. Admire it on a shelf, use it in the classroom, or simply enjoy playing with it. This accurately bristled figure is 5.25 inches long and 1.75 inches high. Its spotted brown color, darker on top and lighter below, reflects the latest scientific discoveries. |
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