Hadrosaurus - Meaning:big lizard

Hadrosaurus (HAD-row-SORE-us) lived near what is now the coast of New Jersey, U.S.A., in the late Cretaceous Period - around 80 million years ago. Most sources agree that it had a length of 7 metres to 10 metres, a height of 3 metres, a weight of around 7 tons.

It was likely bipedal for the purposes of running, but could use its forelegs to support itself while grazing - like all hadrosaurids, Hadrosaurus was herbivorous. Its teeth suggest it ate twigs and leaves.

In 1858, a skeleton of a dinosaur from this genus was the first full dinosaur skeleton found in North America and, in 1868, it became the first ever mounted dinosaur skeleton.

Hadrosaurus foulkii is the only species in this genus and, as of 1991, is the official state dinosaur of New Jersey - a decision brought about by a local teacher, Joyce Berry.