Propanoplosaurus, a new nodosaur

Adam Khor

There's a number of interesting facts that make this fossil special; for starters, it is a hatchling, and it was found in Maryland (dinosaur remains, and especially nodosaur remains, are extremely rare to find in the eastern coast of the US- let alone nodosaur hatchling remains). But perhaps the most amazing part is that the fossil contains no bones; it is simply an impression or mold of the creature's tiny body.

Although the fossil had been in display in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, it was only recently named and described. Its specific name is marylandicus, after the place where it was found.

Lots of interesting things to learn about baby ankylosaurs from this fossil

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2011/09/marylands-adorable-baby-ankylosaur/

Adam Khor

Discovery News' article on Propanoplosaurus. I know DN is not always reliable but, the article got me excited when it stated that Maryland "may be home to the world's biggest pterosaur".

Also interesting is that the baby Propanoplosaurus seems to have had "long legs to allow running" and a "cute", shortened snout, which would suggest that its parents cared after it for a while but at the same time, that the baby was able to run away from danger if necessary.

http://news.discovery.com/animals/newborn-dinosaur-maryland-110919.html