Rikisaurus

Rikisaurus is a genus of small, bipedal ornithischian dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now North America. The genus is known from very fragmentary remains, primarily consisting of isolated teeth and a few bone fragments. These fossils suggest that Rikisaurus was a herbivore, likely feeding on low-lying vegetation. Its small size, estimated to be around one meter in length, indicates it may have been prey for larger carnivores of its time. The exact classification of Rikisaurus within Ornithischia has been a subject of debate among paleontologists due to the limited fossil evidence. Some researchers have suggested it might be related to heterodontosaurids or early ornithopods. The name Rikisaurus is derived from the Greek word "rikos," meaning "bent," possibly referring to the shape of the preserved dental fragments, and "sauros," meaning "lizard." Due to the scarcity of its remains, much about the life and ecology of Rikisaurus remains speculative. Further discoveries are needed to provide a more complete understanding of this ancient dinosaur.