Ptilodon

Ptilodon is a genus of hadrosauroid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. The name Ptilodon means "feather tooth," referring to the appearance of its teeth. Only one species, Ptilodon neimongoliensis, is currently recognized. Fossils of Ptilodon have been found in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. This formation is known for its rich dinosaur fossil record, including other well-known species like Tarbosaurus and Saurolophus. Ptilodon is believed to have been a herbivore, feeding on plants. Its exact phylogenetic placement within hadrosauroids has been a subject of some debate, but it is generally considered to be a basal member of the group, meaning it was an early diverging lineage. Fossil discoveries have been limited, primarily consisting of isolated teeth and some skeletal fragments. These remains suggest a medium-sized dinosaur, though precise size estimates are difficult due to the incomplete nature of the fossils. The discovery of Ptilodon contributes to our understanding of the diversity of herbivorous dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous Asia.