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Cyberpunk Dinosaur NFT (Collection)

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Edmontosaurus: The Duck-Billed Dinosaur
The Edmontosaurus, meaning "Edmonton lizard," was a large herbivorous dinosaur that lived approximately 73 to 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. As one of the last and most well-known hadrosaurids (duck-billed dinosaurs), Edmontosaurus is famous for its adaptability and widespread range.

Physical Characteristics:
Size and Build:

Edmontosaurus measured about 12 meters (39 feet) in length, stood around 4 meters (13 feet) tall at the hips, and weighed up to 4 tons.
It had a robust, bipedal/quadrupedal build, allowing it to shift between walking on two legs or four depending on the situation.
Skull and Beak:

Its long, flat skull ended in a broad, toothless beak, ideal for cropping vegetation.
Edmontosaurus had rows of hundreds of tightly packed teeth in its cheeks, forming a "dental battery" for grinding tough plants.
Tail and Limbs:

A long, muscular tail provided balance, particularly when walking or running on two legs.
Its forelimbs were strong and adapted for quadrupedal movement, but its hind limbs were more powerful, enabling bipedal locomotion when necessary.
Skin and Soft Tissues:

Fossilized skin impressions reveal that Edmontosaurus had scaly, pebbly skin with no evidence of feathers. Some specimens also show possible preserved structures of a fleshy crest or wattle on its neck.
Diet and Feeding Behavior:
Diet: Edmontosaurus was a herbivore that fed on a variety of plants, including conifers, ferns, and flowering plants. Its teeth and jaw structure made it highly efficient at grinding fibrous vegetation.
Feeding Techniques:
It likely grazed on low-lying plants but could rear up on its hind legs to reach higher vegetation.
Behavior and Habitat:
Habitat:

Edmontosaurus lived in diverse environments, including coastal plains, river valleys, and forests, across what is now North America.
Fossils have been found in Alberta, Montana, and South Dakota, among other locations.
Behavior:

Edmontosaurus likely lived in herds, providing protection against predators like Tyrannosaurus rex.
Fossil evidence of nesting sites suggests it engaged in communal nesting and possibly cared for its young.
Defense Mechanisms:

Although it lacked physical defenses like horns or armor, Edmontosaurus relied on its speed, size, and herd behavior to deter predators.
Fossil Discoveries:
The first Edmontosaurus fossils were discovered in 1912 in Alberta, Canada, by Lawrence Lambe. Initially described as two separate species, they were later consolidated under the name Edmontosaurus.
A famous specimen, nicknamed "Dakota," includes exceptionally well-preserved soft tissues, providing unparalleled insight into its skin and musculature.
Extinction:
Edmontosaurus was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs, disappearing around 66 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.

Cultural Legacy:
Edmontosaurus is often featured in museums and documentaries as an example of a successful and widespread herbivore.
Its role as prey to apex predators like T-Rex has made it a popular dinosaur in popular culture.
Interesting Facts:
Dental Battery: Edmontosaurus could have up to 300 teeth in use at any time, with many more in reserve, making it one of the most efficient plant-eaters of its time.
Preserved "Mummy": The "Dakota" specimen includes fossilized skin, muscles, and possibly ligaments, providing an unprecedented look at dinosaur anatomy.
Widespread Range: Fossils of Edmontosaurus have been found across a wide geographic area, showcasing its adaptability to different environments.
