The Edmontonia: An Armored Behemoth

by Dayanis Torres Cruz, age 13

A dinosaur called Edmontonia, when young, had a snout like a hippo and was part of the Ankylosaurus family. This family contains two groups, one of which is the Nodosaurids. The largest group within the Nodosaurids is Edmontonia, which had the appearance of a large rock or table with short, thick legs.

Edmontonia possessed armor covering its neck and back, which served as a shield against predators. Along with the armor protecting its nose, eyes, and brain, Edmontonia also had large spikes located around its neck. Edmontonia had an interesting way of eating because its teeth were positioned in its cheeks. It would snip its food into small bits before consuming it.

Nodosaurids can be traced back to the late Jurassic period. Their remains have been discovered in Canada, Montana, and Texas. Edmontonia was the last of the Nodosaurids.

Protected by its shield and spikes, Edmontonia was the largest in its family. Its unique teeth placement and short body kept it safe from predators. Although these dinosaurs no longer roam the planet, knowledge about their features provides important insights into life during the past and the other creatures that once inhabited the Earth.

[Source: A Guide To Dinosaurs]