HYPSILOPHODON: Speed

Note: Front claws may be incorrect.

Discovered in 1849 on the Isle of Wight, Hypsilophodon was first mistaken for a small Iguanodon. Since both species were considered to be “Beaked Dinosaurs” (Ornithopoda), confusion about who was who was common in the early days of paleontology. Finally in 1874, scientists decided that She was a different Genus from Iguanodon. However paleontologists continued to make erroneous assumptions about Hypsilophodon. For example, they believed that She climbed trees like Tree Kangaroo. Then in 1970, paleontologists re-examined their theories about Her. They realized that Hypsilophodon was a fast runner who could not climb trees.

            Once scientists sorted out who Hypsilophodon was, they were amazed by her speed. Besides being small and light, She had long and slender legs. Using her strong thigh muscles, Hypsilophodon could dodge and dart between the larger Dinosaurs. While running on her two feet, She held her long tail straight out for balance. Built for speed, Hypsilophodon could execute sharp maneuvers.

            When faced with the need for a speedy getaway or to avoid being crushed by something larger than you, look to Hypsilophodon for help. Let Her show you how to zip around with ease. Also learn from Her how to finesse tricky corners. When speed is needed, what better teacher than Hypsilophodon?

DINOSAURS: HYPSILOPHODONT FAMILY (“PRIMITIVE BEAKED” ORNITHOPODS): Self-worth

The Hypsilophodont Family and the Iguanodont Family are traditionally grouped together as “Beaked Dinosaurs” (Ornithopoda).  The former would be the “Primitive Beaked” Dinosaurs, and the latter “Advanced Beaked” ones. Moreover, the Hypsilophodonts were considered to be bird-hipped Dinosaurs, who walked on two feet (bipedal). Dinosaurs included in this Family are Drinker, Hypsilophodon, and Leaellynasaura. However, several members of the Hypsilophodont Family are more closely related to Iguanodonts, than to other Hypsilophodonts.         

Since the Hypsilophodont Family was discovered at the beginning of paleontology, They originally were not properly defined. Named in 1886 by O.C. Marsh, Hypsilophodonts were thought to have “bird feet,” which later proved to be incorrect. Later scientists realized that the defining characteristic of this Family was their mouths. These Dinosaurs had beaks, and powerful jaws with simple leaf-shaped teeth. Hence They are now regarded as “Primitive Beaked” Dinosaurs.

Hypsilophodonts were speedy little Dinosaurs, who zipped along the countryside on two legs. Living in the shadow of larger, fiercer Dinosaurs, Hypsilophodonts had to be tough. Successful at grazing on low laying plants, this Family thrived from the early Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous. They even lived in Antarctica, surviving the long dark winters there.

            “Primitive Beaked” Dinosaurs (Hypsilophodonts) are not what people imagine when they ponder Dinosaurs. Though not huge, these swift little Dinosaurs were as fierce as their giant “cousins.” Hypsilophodonts defy our notions of Dinosaurs. These small robust Dinosaurs are as worthy of the title “Dinosaurs” as the others are. Hypsilophodonts exude self-worth by being small but mighty. When you feel unimportant or insignificant, let Them encourage you to have pride at being yourself.