Investigata

Investigata refers to a genus of small, herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 to 120 million years ago. These dinosaurs are known primarily from fossilized remains found in Patagonia, Argentina. The genus name, "Investigata," is derived from the Latin word for "investigated," reflecting the ongoing scientific study of these creatures.

Members of the Investigata genus were ornithopods, a diverse group of bipedal or facultatively bipedal, herbivorous dinosaurs. They are characterized by their relatively small size, with adult individuals estimated to have been around 1 to 2 meters in length. Their skeletal features suggest adaptations for a terrestrial lifestyle, likely inhabiting open woodlands or plains where they would have grazed on low-lying vegetation.

The fossil evidence for Investigata, while limited, has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of small ornithopods in South America during the Cretaceous. Their presence contributes to our understanding of the prehistoric ecosystems of the Southern Hemisphere and the ecological roles played by these small herbivores. Ongoing paleontological research continues to uncover more about Investigata and its place within the broader dinosaurian family tree.