Gargoyleosaurus is an extinct herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 154 to 144 million years ago. It was a member of the ankylosaur family, known for their armor-like bony plates that covered their body. Gargoyleosaurus was a small to medium-sized ankylosaur, reaching only 3-3.5 meters in length and weighing between 300-754 kilograms.
Much of the skull and skeleton of Gargoyleosaurus has been recovered, and it displays cranial sculpturing, including pronounced deltoid quadratojugal and squamosal bosses. It had a large, flattened head with a crest of spikes and a long neck with a crest of spikes. Its beaked mouth contained grinding teeth, and it had a bony covering on its back, sides, and tail.
Gargoyleosaurus is an interesting dinosaur to study due to its unique physical characteristics and its place in the ankylosaur family. Its discovery and classification provide insight into the evolution of armored dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic period.
Discovery and Naming
First Discovery
Gargoyleosaurus is a genus of ankylosaur that was first discovered in 1995 by Jeffrie Parker and Tyler Pinegar at the Bone Cabin Quarry West locality in Albany County, Wyoming. The fossil remains of Gargoyleosaurus were found in exposures of the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, which dates back to the Kimmeridgian to Tithonian stages. The holotype, which is the specimen used to describe the new species, was found partially articulated and reasonably complete.
Etymology
The name Gargoyleosaurus is derived from the Greek word “gargouille,” which means “gargoyle,” and the Greek word “sauros,” which means “lizard.” The genus name refers to the bony, knobby covering on the dinosaur’s back, sides, and tail, which resembles the grotesque figures found on Gothic architecture. The species name, parkpinorum, honors the Park and Pinegar families, who owned the land where the first Gargoyleosaurus fossil was discovered.
In summary, Gargoyleosaurus was first discovered in 1995 in Wyoming by Jeffrie Parker and Tyler Pinegar. The dinosaur’s name comes from the bony, knobby covering on its body, which resembles the grotesque figures found on Gothic architecture, and the species name honors the families who owned the land where the first fossil was found.
Physical Description
Size and Build
Gargoyleosaurus was a small to medium-sized ankylosaur that grew to be about 13 to 16 feet in length and weighed around 1,100 to 1,500 pounds. It was a four-legged dinosaur that had a stiff tail and a series of spikes running along each side of its body. The dinosaur was roughly 3.3 feet tall to the top of the shoulder and may have weighed about a ton.
Armor and Defense
Gargoyleosaurus was heavily armored, with a bony, knobby covering on its back, sides, and tail, as well as bony plates protecting its head. The armor was made of osteoderms, which were bony structures that grew in the skin and provided protection from predators. The dinosaur’s armor was so effective that it was able to protect itself from even the most ferocious predators of its time. The long, narrow beak of Gargoyleosaurus was also used for defense, as it could be used to deliver powerful blows to attackers.
In summary, Gargoyleosaurus was a small to medium-sized ankylosaur that was heavily armored and had a long, narrow beak. The dinosaur’s armor was made of osteoderms, which provided protection from predators, and its beak was used for defense.
Paleobiology
Diet
Gargoyleosaurus was an herbivore, feeding on various types of vegetation such as ferns, cycads, and conifers. It had a beak-like mouth and small, leaf-shaped teeth that were well-suited for biting and grinding plant material. Its jaw muscles were also well-developed, indicating that it had a powerful bite.
Locomotion
Gargoyleosaurus was a quadrupedal dinosaur, walking on four legs. Its limbs were relatively short and stout, which would have made it a slow-moving animal. However, its sturdy build and armor plating would have provided it with protection from predators.
Social Behavior
There is currently no evidence to suggest that Gargoyleosaurus exhibited any social behavior. However, it is possible that they lived in small herds or family groups for protection against predators. The discovery of multiple individuals in the same fossil site suggests that they may have lived in close proximity to one another.
Geological Context
Geological Period
Gargoyleosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, which lasted from approximately 163.5 to 145 million years ago. During this time, the Earth experienced a warm and humid climate, with dense forests and shallow seas covering much of the land.
Habitat Evidence
Gargoyleosaurus fossils have been found in the Morrison Formation, a geological formation that stretches across several western US states. The Morrison Formation is known for its diverse fossil assemblages, including dinosaurs, mammals, and plants.
Based on the sedimentary rocks and fossil evidence found in the Morrison Formation, it is believed that Gargoyleosaurus lived in a semi-arid environment with seasonal rainfall. The area was likely dominated by open woodlands and floodplains, with occasional rivers and lakes providing water sources for the local fauna.
In addition to Gargoyleosaurus, the Morrison Formation is home to other famous dinosaurs such as Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus. The fossils found in this formation provide valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of the Late Jurassic period.
Classification
Taxonomic Family
Gargoyleosaurus belongs to the Thyreophora group of dinosaurs, which means “shield bearers” in Greek. This group includes armored dinosaurs such as stegosaurs and ankylosaurs. Gargoyleosaurus is a member of the Ankylosauria suborder, which is characterized by their heavily armored bodies and club-like tails. Specifically, Gargoyleosaurus belongs to the family Ankylosauridae, which includes other ankylosaurids such as Ankylosaurus and Euoplocephalus.
Evolutionary Significance
Gargoyleosaurus is an important dinosaur for understanding the evolution of ankylosaurids. It is one of the earliest known ankylosaurids, dating back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 154-144 million years ago. Gargoyleosaurus has a unique combination of features that distinguish it from other ankylosaurids, such as its distinctive skull and tooth morphology. These features provide important insights into the early evolution of ankylosaurids and their adaptations to their environments.
Overall, Gargoyleosaurus is a fascinating dinosaur that has contributed greatly to our understanding of armored dinosaurs. Its unique features and early appearance make it an important piece of the puzzle in reconstructing the evolutionary history of ankylosaurids.
Gargoyleosaurus in Popular Culture
Gargoyleosaurus is a relatively unknown dinosaur in popular culture. However, it has made some appearances in media over the years.
In the popular video game “ARK: Survival Evolved,” Gargoyleosaurus is a tamable creature that players can ride and use for defense. In the game, it is depicted as a slow-moving but heavily armored dinosaur that can withstand a lot of damage.
In the book “Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages,” Gargoyleosaurus is briefly mentioned as one of the lesser-known ankylosaurs. The book describes it as having a “gargoyle-like” appearance due to its unique skull shape.
Gargoyleosaurus has also been featured in various documentaries and TV shows about dinosaurs. In the BBC series “Walking with Dinosaurs,” a Gargoyleosaurus is briefly shown in the background of a scene set in the Late Jurassic period.
Overall, while Gargoyleosaurus may not be as well-known as some of its dinosaur counterparts, it has still managed to make some appearances in popular culture over the years.