Psittacosaurus mongoliensis
Early Cretaceous
Central Asia
Virtually complete, this Psittacosaurus skeleton is superbly prepared and mounted. Psittacosaurus (meaning parrot lizard) is the most species-rich dinosaur genus with at least ten species recognized from fossils, and is one of the most completely known of the dinosaur genera. These bipedal creatures are known only from the Early Cretaceous of Central Asia and were thought to be pre-cursors to the horned dinosaurs, such as Triceratops and Protoceratops. Psittacosaurus was a fast moving, sheep-sized dinosaur believed to have demonstrated herding behavior like its later relatives. Growth lines in this species' bones (similar to the rings used to date tree age) have led paleontologists to believe its life span was at least 10-11 years. Psittacosaurus mongoliensis is among the larger of the Psittacosaurs, and perhaps the best-known species. Rods have been meticulously inserted inside the bones of the present specimen for stability in assembly and display. Beautifully preserved and expertly mounted in an expressive crouching pose on a custom wooden base.
Length measures 35 ½in