Heterodontosaurus << heht uhr oh DON tuh sawr uhs >> was a small plant-eating dinosaur that had two or three different kinds of teeth. Most dinosaurs had only one kind. The animal’s name comes from Greek words meaning different, tooth, and lizard. Sharp nipping teeth at the front of a long, narrow beak enabled the dinosaur to snip plants. Grinding teeth in the sides of its jaws chewed up plant matter. In certain individuals, long, tusklike teeth grew near the front of the beak. Some scientists think only males had these teeth and probably used them for self-defense or to attract mates.
The light body of Heterodontosaurus grew about 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long and about 16 to 24 inches (41 to 61 centimeters) tall. The dinosaur probably fled from predators on its long, slender hind legs. A long, tapered tail helped balance its body while running. Heterodontosaurus probably walked on all fours when moving slowly. Its muscular arms ended in five-fingered hands. Three fingers on each hand had claws to dig up roots and insect nests and to grasp plants. Cheek pouches on the sides of the jaws held food until it could be chewed and swallowed.
Heterodontosaurus lived during the early part of the Jurassic Period, which began about 201 million years ago. It inhabited semidesert environments in what is now South Africa.
