anthracosaurian

Anthracosaurian is a term used in paleontology to describe a group of dinosaurs that were herbivorous, had a distinctive body shape, and were known for their ability to run on two legs. The term is derived from the Greek words "anthrax," meaning coal, and "sauros," meaning lizard, reflecting the dark, coal-like coloration of some of these dinosaurs. Anthracosaurians are characterized by their robust build, short forelimbs, and long hindlimbs, which allowed them to move quickly over long distances. They are believed to have been one of the most successful groups of dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period, with many species thriving in a variety of environments. Some of the most well-known anthracosaurian dinosaurs include Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Edmontosaurus. Despite their success, anthracosaurians went extinct along with the non-avian dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.