Etalosaurus

Etalosaurus is a genus of ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. The name Etalosaurus means "tall lizard" in Greek. Fossils of this dinosaur have been discovered in the Morrison Formation of North America, a well-known fossiliferous region.

Etalosaurus is classified as a member of the basal iguanodontians, a group of ornithopods that represent an early stage in the evolution of more derived forms like Iguanodon. It is known from fragmentary remains, making a complete reconstruction of its appearance challenging. However, based on the available evidence, it is believed to have been a medium-sized herbivore, likely walking on both two and four legs. Its diet consisted of plant material, which it would have processed with its teeth.

The discovery of Etalosaurus contributes to our understanding of dinosaur diversity and evolution during the Late Jurassic. While not as well-known as some of its contemporaries, it helps to fill in the evolutionary gaps and provides insights into the ecosystems of that time. Further discoveries could potentially reveal more about the anatomy and lifestyle of this intriguing dinosaur.