Cedarpelta is an extinct genus of basal ankylosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now the Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation. The type and only species, Cedarpelta bilbeyhallorum, is known from multiple specimens including partial skulls and postcranial material. It was named in 2001 by Kenneth Carpenter, James Kirkland, Don Burge, and John Bird.
Cedarpelta was a small to medium-sized dinosaur, measuring about 6-7 meters in length and weighing around 2 tons. Its body was covered in bony armor plates and spikes, providing protection against predators. It also had a large, bony club at the end of its tail, which it could use for defense. Cedarpelta is believed to have been a plant-eating dinosaur, feeding on low-lying vegetation such as ferns and horsetails. The discovery of Cedarpelta has provided valuable insights into the evolution of ankylosaurid dinosaurs and their ecology during the Late Cretaceous period.
Discovery and Naming
Discoverers
Cedarpelta was discovered by Evan Hall and Sue Ann Bilbey in Carbon County, Utah. The partial remains of this ankylosaur were found at the CEM site near the Price River while the two were visiting an excavation in the surrounding area. The fossils were found in the Cedar Mountain Formation, which is known for its rich geological history.
Etymology
Cedarpelta is named after the Cedar Mountain Formation in Utah, where it was discovered. The name “Pelta” is derived from the Greek word “pelte”, which means “small shield”. This is in reference to the bony plates that protected the dinosaur’s body. The name “Cedarpelta” therefore means “Cedar (Mountain) shield”. The species name “bilbeyhallorum” is a combination of the surnames of the two discoverers, Evan Hall and Sue Ann Bilbey.
The discovery of Cedarpelta has contributed significantly to our understanding of the ankylosaur family. The fossils of Cedarpelta have provided valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of these armored dinosaurs.
Classification
Taxonomy
Cedarpelta is an extinct genus of basal ankylosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. The type and only species, Cedarpelta bilbeyhallorum, is known from multiple specimens including partial skulls and postcranial material. It was named in 2001 by Kenneth Carpenter, James Kirkland, Don Burge, John Bird, and Raymond Lewis.
Cedarpelta belongs to the family Ankylosauridae, which is a group of herbivorous, quadrupedal dinosaurs known for their distinctive body armor. Ankylosaurids are characterized by their bony plates and spikes that cover their bodies, which provide protection against predators. Cedarpelta’s body was covered in bony armor plates and spikes, making it look like a walking shield.
Evolutionary Significance
Cedarpelta lived during the Early Cretaceous period, specifically during the Aptian to Albian epochs. This places it in a time of significant evolutionary change, as many new species were emerging during this period. Cedarpelta’s classification within the Ankylosauridae family is significant because it helps scientists better understand the evolution of this group of dinosaurs.
Ankylosaurids are thought to have evolved from earlier, more primitive dinosaurs. Cedarpelta’s basal position within the family suggests that it may have retained some of the characteristics of these earlier dinosaurs. By studying Cedarpelta and other basal ankylosaurids, scientists can gain insight into the early evolution of this group of dinosaurs and how they developed their unique body armor.
Description
Physical Characteristics
Cedarpelta was a dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Its body was covered in bony armor plates and spikes, which provided protection against predators. The dinosaur also had a large, bony club at the end of its tail, which it could use for defense. Cedarpelta had a broad, triangular skull with a beaked mouth, and its eyes were set high on its head.
Size Estimates
Cedarpelta was a small to medium-sized dinosaur, measuring about 6-7 meters in length and weighing around 2 tons. Its size estimates are based on the fossils that have been found so far. The dinosaur had a wide, bulky body, and its legs were short and stout. Cedarpelta’s body shape was similar to that of a modern-day armadillo. It is believed that Cedarpelta was a herbivorous dinosaur, as its teeth were flat and suited for grinding plant material.
In conclusion, Cedarpelta was a unique dinosaur with a distinctive appearance and size. Its bony armor plates and spikes made it a formidable opponent against predators, and its large, bony tail club made it even more so. Cedarpelta’s broad, triangular skull and beaked mouth, along with its high-set eyes, made it a fascinating creature to study.
Paleobiology
Diet
Cedarpelta was a herbivorous dinosaur, meaning that it only ate plants. The shape of its teeth suggests that it fed on tough vegetation, such as ferns and cycads. Cedarpelta’s teeth were flat and wide, which would have allowed it to grind up tough plant material. Its beak-like mouth would have been useful for snipping off vegetation.
Habitat
Cedarpelta lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 98.2 to 93 million years ago. It lived in what is now the Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation, which was located in what is now Utah. At the time, this area was a floodplain with a warm and humid climate. Cedarpelta would have lived alongside other dinosaurs such as Utahraptor and Falcarius.
Fossil Record
Geological Period
Cedarpelta is an extinct genus of basal ankylosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. The fossil record suggests that Cedarpelta lived during the Cenomanian to lower Turonian stage, approximately 98.2 to 93 million years ago. This was a time when the Earth was a vastly different place, with a much warmer climate and a greater diversity of creatures.
Location of Finds
Cedarpelta fossils have been found in Utah, in the Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation. Multiple specimens have been discovered, including partial skulls and postcranial material. The type and only species, Cedarpelta bilbeyhallorum, has been identified from these specimens.
The Natural History Museum reports that a skull and partial skeleton of Cedarpelta have been found. Taxonomy: Dinosauria, Ornithischia, Thyreophora, Ankylosauria, Ankylosauridae. Named by: Carpenter, Kirkland, Burge and Bird (2001) Type species: bilbeyhallorum.
Overall, the fossil record of Cedarpelta provides valuable insights into the diversity of creatures that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. The discovery of multiple specimens has allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the anatomy and behavior of this fascinating dinosaur.
Cedarpelta in Popular Culture
Cedarpelta may not be as well-known as some of the other dinosaurs, but it has still made appearances in popular culture. Here are a few examples:
- Jurassic World Evolution: Cedarpelta is one of the dinosaur species that can be created and managed in this popular video game.
- Dino Dan: Cedarpelta is featured in an episode of this children’s television show, where it is described as a “walking shield.”
- The Isle: Cedarpelta is also a playable dinosaur in this online multiplayer game.
While Cedarpelta may not be as famous as some of its dinosaur cousins, it has still left its mark on popular culture. Its unique appearance and interesting features make it a fascinating subject for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.