Pronunciation: SIT-a-ko-SOR-uh-day
Author: Henry Fairfield Osborn
Year: 1923
Meaning: Parrot lizards (see etymology)
Locomotion: Bipedal (two legs)
Synonyms: None known
Author: Henry Fairfield Osborn
Year: 1923
Meaning: Parrot lizards (see etymology)
Locomotion: Bipedal (two legs)
Synonyms: None known
[Sereno, 2005]Definition
The most inclusive clade containing Psittacosaurus mongoliensis but not Triceratops horridus.
About
Psittacosauridae was coined by Osborn in 1923 but was redundant with Psittacosaurus as its only member. The discovery of Hongshanosaurus bolstered the ranks, but it may actually be synonymous with Psittacosaurus, or a nomen dubium, and if either is the case Psittacosauridae would be redundant again.
A mind-boggling number of species have been assigned to Psittacosaurus down the years, more than makes sense according to some paleontologists. Don't be suprised if the number of psittacosaurids increases as the species of Psittacosaurus itself decreases. Don't be suprised if some species turn out to be mere growth stages of others either.
Click here to search Dinochecker for psittacosaurids.
Etymology
Psittacosauridae is derived from the Greek "Psittakos" (parrot), "sauros" (lizard), and "-idae" (family), referring to their "parrot-like" beaks and close relationship to
Psittacosaurus—the Parrot Lizard.
Relationships
References
• Osborn HF (1923) "Two Lower Cretaceous dinosaurs of Mongolia". American Museum Novitates 95: 1-10
• Sereno PC (2004) "Psittacosauridae" in Weishampel, Dodson and Osmólska (eds.) "The Dinosauria: Second Edition".
