Pronunciation: ko-RON-o-SOR-ee-uh
Author: Sereno
Year: 1986
Meaning: Wreathed lizards (see etymology)
Locomotion: Quadrupedal (four legs)
Synonyms: None known
Definition
The least inclusive clade containing Triceratops horridus and Protoceratops andrewsi.
About
Coronosauria includes all neoceratopsians that are also members of Protoceratopsidae and Ceratopsoidea, but not Leptoceratopsidae, and marks the point in evolution where ceratopsian (horn faced) dinosaurs began to develop bony neck frills.
To support their increasingly heavy nogggins, the first few neck vertebrae of coronosaurs were fused together and they became "obligate quadrupeds": they had to walk on all fours 'cos they were just too front-loaded to walk on two legs.
Etymology
Coronosauria is derived from the Latin "corona" (crown, garland or wreath) referring to the neck frills that its members were beginning to develop, and the Greek "sauros" (lizard) and "ia" (neuter pleural).
Relationships
References
• Ryan MJ, Chinnery-Allgeier BJ and Eberth DA (2010) "New Perspectives on Horned Dinosaurs: The Royal Tyrrell Museum Ceratopsian Symposium (Life of the Past)".
