Hadrosaurus foulkii
A duckbilled dinosaur, Hadrosaurus foulkii roamed the forests and
swamps along the bays of New Jersey's ancient seacoast. Today its bones are
found in ancient marine deposits with fossil seashells. It was about twenty-five
feet long, probably weighed 7 to 8 tons and stood about 10 feet tall. We
think Hadrosaurus stood on its hind feet when running, but used it
front feet to support its head while grazing. Its abundant blunt teeth confirm
that Hadrosaurus was a vegetarian, a peaceful plant eater that could
chew tough-stemmed twigs and leaves. Hadrosaurus lived about 80 million
years ago late in the Cretaceous Period.
Hadrosaurus is a famous dinosaur because it was the most complete dinosaur
skeleton unearthed anywhere in the world when it was discovered and
scientifically documented in 1858. It was also became the first mounted dinosaur
skeleton displayed anywhere in the world in 1868!
Hadrosaurus foulkii became the official State dinosaur of New Jersey in 1991
after years of hard work by a teacher, Joyce Berry, and her fourth grade
classes at Strawbridge Elementary School in Haddon Township. As a result
of their efforts, New Jersey has a truly unique symbol of its prehistoric
past.
For more information on Hadrosaurus foulkii please contact the
New Jersey State Museum
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