Repenomamus

Repenomamus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Repenomamus robustus, which was discovered in the Djadochta Formation of Mongolia. Repenomamus is one of the few known hadrosaurids from the Late Cretaceous of Asia, and it is notable for its robust build and large size.

The holotype specimen of Repenomamus robustus, known as IGM 100/1155, consists of a partial skull, several vertebrae, and limb bones. The skull is relatively small compared to the body size, and it features a distinctive beak-like structure. The postcranial skeleton is robust, with thick bones and a large body size, suggesting that Repenomamus was a large-bodied herbivore.

Repenomamus is classified within the Hadrosauridae family, which includes many of the most well-known dinosaurs such as Edmontosaurus and Parasaurolophus. It is further placed within the subfamily Saurolophinae, which is characterized by its distinctive crest or frill on the skull. However, Repenomamus lacks this distinctive feature, which sets it apart from other saurolophines.

The discovery of Repenomamus provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of hadrosaurids during the Late Cretaceous. Its robust build and large size suggest that it may have occupied a unique ecological niche, potentially specializing in the consumption of tough, fibrous plant material. Further study of Repenomamus and its relatives will continue to shed light on the evolution of these iconic dinosaurs.