heterodontosaurian

Heterodontosaurian is a collective term referring to dinosaurs belonging to the family Heterodontosauridae. These small, herbivorous dinosaurs are known for their unusual dentition, which includes differentiated teeth. The name itself, meaning "different-toothed lizard," highlights this distinctive feature. Heterodontosaurids are among the earliest known ornithischian dinosaurs, appearing in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. Fossils have been found in various parts of the world, including South Africa, China, and North America.

The most notable characteristic of heterodontosaurids is their heterodont dentition. They possessed incisors at the front of their jaws, followed by a large, canine-like tooth, and then cheek teeth adapted for grinding. This arrangement suggests a varied diet, possibly including tough plant material. Some researchers have proposed that the large canine-like teeth may have been used for display or defense, rather than for feeding.

Heterodontosaurids were generally small dinosaurs, typically no larger than a turkey. They had relatively long tails, likely used for balance. Their hind limbs were longer than their forelimbs, indicating they were likely bipedal, though they may have been capable of quadrupedal locomotion. Their evolutionary position is somewhat debated, but they are consistently placed within the Ornithischia, the bird-hipped dinosaurs.