Though
placed in the Iguanodont Family, Ouranosaurus
was becoming a Duck-billed Dinosaur (Hadrosaur). This was not that unusual
since scientists believe that the Iguanodont Family was the transition point
from “Beaked” Dinosaurs to Duck-billed Ones. Ouranosaurus had the wide-mouth of the Hadrosaur Family, but not
their specialized teeth. Moreover, He had a smaller “thumb” spike, and a less flexible
“pinky” finger than Iguanodon. Ouranosaurus
lived along the river deltas in the lowlands. Unlike the more versatile Iguanodon, He only ate low lying plants.
What made Ouranosaurus noteworthy was his “sail hump,” which was flat and
short. The neural spines along his back vertebrae indicated that the “sail
hump” was more than a simple flap of skin. Through the years, paleontologists
have pondered what it was used for. Their usual explanation is that it was to
regulate his temperature, since other animals in hot areas often developed often
sails. Their sails collected heat for cool times, and expelled heat during warm
times. Adding to this mystery was that
only a few unrelated Dinosaurs had a sail.
Curiosity over Ouranosaurus’ “sail hump” spawned more ideas. One theory posited
that it was for recognizing others in his group, and for sexual purposes. Perhaps
the “sail hump” was an adaption to living in North Africa, where the fossils of
Ouranosaurus were found. There may
have been times when Ouranosaurus was
forced to go without eating or drinking. Therefore He could have used his “sail
hump” the way Camel uses hers to store food.
I like to think that Ouranosaurus used his “sail hump” for a lot
of things. In nature, the adaptations of plants and animals usually serve many purposes.
Ouranosaurus can teach us how to use
one thing in many ways. Therefore, He does not need to possess a lot of things,
but just only a versatile one. With it, He can accomplish many things. Let Ouranosaurus teach you how to invent new
uses for your possessions. Have Him help you ponder the multiple uses of a
spoon.
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