Hypsilophodon may have been the most successful dinosaur that scientists have uncovered so far on Earth. Hypsilophodon could outrun the predators that lived around it and was able to eat plant food that other dinos couldn't swallow. This combination of speed and a specialized diet helped hypsilophodon spread and multiply in huge numbers across what are now three continents.
Chew on That: Unlike most plant-eaters, hypsilophodon had small teeth in its beak. The dino was also one of the first plant eaters known to be able to chew its food. This allowed the reptile to thrive by eating tough plants other animals couldn't stomach.
Fast Escape: This reptile's small size and light build show it was a speedy little guy. Plus, large nostrils mean it had a good sense of smell. Not only could hypsilophodon smell enemies from far away, it could be long gone by the time the danger arrived.
The Land Before Time[]
Even a fossilized version of this dino looks ready to run.
Experts think that this dino's skill at avoiding danger and its ability to eat what others couldn't made it the most common and successful plant-eater during the 30 million years it lived on Earth. Not only did this dino survive in the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, it also lived across a vast area of land. Fossils have been found from North America to Europe and even into Asia. When hypsilophodon lived, the three continents were joined in a single mass, called Laurasia, and the dino thrived across this vast territory.
Good of the Many: Many sets of hypsilophodon fossils have been found in groups, showing that the dino lived in small herds. Such a life helped them detect enemies better, and made it difficult for attackers to single out a target when herd members ran away.
No Treehouse: When this dino was first identified, scientists thought its light build suited it to a life in trees, where it would have been safe from many predators. Further study show that its heavy claws and feet would have been better suited to the ground.
Sniff, Sniff-911![]
While a small herd of hypsilophodons are grazing on some low-growing shrubs, one of them catches an odd scent in the air. It rears up to warn the rest of the herd of potential danger and, suddenly, a baryonyx charges in. The small dinos scatter, confusing the predator just long enough to let every member of the herd escape its terrible jaws.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- Nowadays, while in need of much more research, it is believed that the only true Hypsilophodon lived on the Isle of Wight in Britain, and all the other fossils attributed to the species elsewhere are separate close relatives. Some in Europe are now classified under the name Valdosaurus.
- The pose of the baryonyx in "Sniff, Sniff-911!" is the same pose the baryonyx is in for its card art.
- The heading “The Land Before Time” is a reference to the Dino-centric animated film franchise of the same name.
- The hypsilophodon is featured in Fossil Finders on Monster Mania 67.
- The skull used in the game is the same one on the back of the knowledge card.