Overview
Name meaning: Tree/Oak Lizard
Time Period: Oxfordian to early Tithonian ( Late Jurassic )
Locations: USA-Morrison formation
Taxonomy: Ornithischia-Cerapoda-Ornithopoda-Dryosauridae
Subspecies: D. altus
Characteristics
Dryosaurus was a forest-dwelling dinosaur, It was in the family Iguanodontia formerly Hypsilophodontidae. It was quick and slender so it could feed in the forests of the Morrison Formation, quickly weaving through the trees so that theropods like Allosaurus couldn't catch it. It had proportionally large eyes for its skull implying a keen sense of vision. Looking out for predators while foraging, Dryosaurus was likely a very skittish animal, potentially living in occasional groups like deer
History
Named in 1878 by Professor Othniel Charles Marsh as a new species of Laosaurus, Laosaurus Altus, Altus meaning tall. But in 1894 enough was found that it was classified as its own species
Media Deptictions
Jurassic World Evolution it is featured in the Herbivore species pack. Dryosaurus is the only species of its kind and is thus very unique. Making chirping noises and large, cute eyes certainly makes it a contender for the cutest species. It has very bright skin colors, my favorite being the color and pattern that makes it look like a Day Gecko.