Minmi
| Minmi Fossil range: Early Cretaceous | |
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| Scientific classification
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Order |
Ornithiscia |
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Suborder |
Eurypoda |
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Genus |
Minmi' |
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Species |
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Minmi was a small Ankylosaurid that lived in Australia in the Early Cretaceous. It was first described by Ralph Molnar in 1980. Minmi used to hold the title for the dinosaur with the shortest genus name but that title has since fallen to Mei. It is possible that during annual migrations to retreat from the freezing winters at the south pole that Minmi accompanied large herbivores such as Muttaburrasaurus for protection.
Although Minmi was well protected on the top half of its body, there was very little protection on its belly. If an Allosaur could manage to role the creature over then Minmi would be helpless.
Discovery and species[]
Minmi was found near the Minmi Crossing, in the Bungil Formation, near Roma, Queensland, Australia. It was first described in 1980 by Ralph E. Molnar, who also named the type (and only known) species.
Description[]
Minmi had four long (for an ankylosaurian) legs, with hind legs that were larger than front legs, a short neck and a wide skull with a very small brain. The dinosaur grew to about 2 metres (6.6 ft) long[2] and was roughly 1 m (3 ft) tall to the top of the shoulder. Minmi probably moved relatively slowly on four legs, based on its estimated mass and its leg length as determined by scientists from fossilized tracks.