A close relative of Geranosaurus, Heterodontosaurus was more advanced and larger. These small dinosaurs would have been on earth at the same time as Herrerasaurus and Fabrosaurus. All three kinds date back to the late Triassic, more than 190 million years ago. Heterodontosaurus remains have been foundin South Africa, Argentina, and China. This animal had one thing in common with people: three different types of teeth. It had sharp, cutting teeth at the front, fangs at the front of the lower jaw, and molars in the back for grinding.

Heterodontosaurus had three toes on each foot and a claw at the back of its heel. It had five fingers on each hand. Like most other members of this family, Heterodontosaurus was small, about 4 feet long. Some of these dinosaurs had muscles in their cheeks. They probably had a mixed diet of small insects and plant roots, with seeds, nuts, and prin-dtive forms of fruit. Heterodontosaurus had small, grasping hands that could forage and grub around for juicy food. There were no defensive weapons on its body. Only the speed of its legs would help it escape attack.

Location: South Africa, Lesotho

Diet: Low-growing plants

Size: Length 1.2m

      Weight 2.5kg

Classification:

Family Heterodontosauridae

Suborder Ornithopoda

Order Ornithischia

Time (million years ago): 205