Minmi is a genus of small herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous Period of Australia, about 120 to 112 million years ago. The name “Minmi” comes from the Minmi Crossing locality in Queensland, Australia, where the first fossilized remains were found in 1964. The genus is known from a single species, Minmi paravertebra, which is believed to have been around 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length and weighed about 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds).
Apart from its prehistoric namesake, Minmi is also the stage name of Michiko Evwana, a Japanese hip-hop and reggae musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. She is the first soca artist from Japan and has been active in the music industry since the mid-1990s. Minmi’s music is known for its fusion of reggae, hip-hop, and R&B styles, and she has released numerous albums and singles throughout her career. In addition to her music, Minmi has also appeared in several television dramas and films in Japan.
Minmi: An Overview
Minmi is a genus of small herbivorous quadrupedal ankylosaurian dinosaur that lived during the Middle Cretaceous period, about 119 to 113 million years ago. It is the best-known armoured dinosaur from Gondwana, thanks to a nearly complete skeleton found in north-central Queensland, Australia.
Discovery and Naming
Minmi was discovered in 1964 by Stuart William Fergusson near Minmi Crossing in Queensland, Australia, and was named after the location. The type species, Minmi paravertebra, was described by Ralph Molnar in 1980. The holotype specimen, QM F3626, consists of a nearly complete skeleton, including the skull, and is housed at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, Australia.
Geological Period
Minmi lived during the Middle Cretaceous period, which lasted from approximately 125 to 100 million years ago. It was a contemporary of other well-known dinosaurs such as the large theropod Australovenator and the sauropod Wintonotitan, both of which have been found in Australia.
Minmi had a small brain and was covered in primitive armor on its back and belly. It had long limbs, which may have been used to quickly search for cover under bushes when threatened by large predators. It was estimated to be about 3 meters (9.8 feet) long and weighed around 300 kilograms (660 pounds).
Overall, Minmi is an important dinosaur in the study of ankylosaurians and provides valuable insight into the evolution and diversity of these unique dinosaurs.
Physical Description
Size and Build
Minmi is a small herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous Period of Australia. It was about 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and 3 feet (1 meter) tall, and weighed about 500 pounds (225 kilograms). It had a compact, heavily built body and short legs. Its skull was triangular and had a small braincase.
Armor and Defense
Minmi was protected by several types of bony armor covering its head and body, and along the tail. The armor was made up of small, bony plates called osteoderms. These osteoderms were arranged in horizontal rows and had a knobby texture. The armor provided protection against predators, such as large carnivorous dinosaurs. Minmi also had a club-like tail that it could use as a weapon against predators.
In summary, Minmi was a small herbivorous dinosaur that had a compact, heavily built body and short legs. It was protected by several types of bony armor covering its head and body, and along the tail. The armor provided protection against predators, such as large carnivorous dinosaurs.
Paleobiology
Diet
Minmi was a small herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period of Australia, about 120 to 112 million years ago. As with other ankylosaurians, Minmi was primarily a browser, feeding on low-lying vegetation such as ferns, horsetails, and cycads. Its teeth were small and numerous, and were ideal for grinding tough plant material.
Locomotion
Minmi was a quadrupedal dinosaur that had a long tail. Its limbs were short and stout, which made it a slow-moving animal. It is believed that Minmi would have used its tail as a counterbalance while walking, and as a weapon when threatened by predators.
Social Behavior
There is little evidence to suggest that Minmi exhibited any social behavior. It is believed that they were solitary animals, and would only come together during mating season. However, this is purely speculative, and further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
In conclusion, Minmi was a small, slow-moving herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period of Australia. It is an important species for paleontologists, as it is the only known genus of ankylosaurian dinosaur from Australia.
Fossil Record
Fossil Sites
Minmi paravertebra was first discovered in 1964 near Minmi Crossing, Queensland, Australia. The site where the fossils were found is known as the “Minmi site”. The fossilized remains of Minmi were found in a layer of rock that dates back to the Early Cretaceous period, around 110 million years ago. Since then, other specimens of Minmi have been found in the same area, indicating that this dinosaur was once abundant in the region.
Specimen Studies
The discovery of Minmi paravertebra provided scientists with valuable information about the anatomy and behavior of ankylosaurs. The bony armor that covered the body of Minmi was well-preserved, allowing researchers to study the structure and function of these unique features. In addition, the fossilized remains of Minmi included parts of its skull, limbs, and vertebrae, providing insights into the overall anatomy of this dinosaur.
Through careful analysis of the fossils, scientists have been able to reconstruct the appearance and behavior of Minmi paravertebra. They believe that this dinosaur was a herbivore that walked on all fours, using its powerful tail and bony armor to defend itself against predators. The discovery of Minmi and other ankylosaurs has also shed light on the evolution of armored dinosaurs and their role in the ecosystem of the Early Cretaceous period.
Cultural Impact
Minmi has had a significant cultural impact in the scientific and educational fields. The discovery of Minmi paravertebra, the first ankylosaur known from the Southern Hemisphere, has been a breakthrough in the study of dinosaurs. This discovery has helped scientists understand the evolution of ankylosaurs and their distribution across the globe.
Minmi in Media
Minmi has also made its way into popular culture through various media, including documentaries, books, and movies. The discovery of Minmi paravertebra has been featured in several documentaries that explore the history of dinosaurs. The dinosaur has also been referenced in books and movies, making it a well-known name in the world of paleontology.
Educational Importance
Minmi’s discovery has also had a significant impact on education. The dinosaur’s unique features and its place in history have made it a popular topic in science classrooms around the world. Students learn about the dinosaur’s anatomy, behavior, and habitat, which helps them understand the evolution of life on Earth.
Overall, Minmi’s cultural impact has been significant in the scientific, media, and educational fields. The dinosaur’s discovery has helped scientists understand the evolution of ankylosaurs, while its popularity in media and education has made it a well-known name in the world of paleontology.