Heterosaurus (hett-ur-oh-sore-us)

Heterosaurus is an iguanodont dinosaur native to and only found in Pellucidar. It was discovered by Professor Morrison Westernraugh in 1925 during his expedition into the Amazon Rainforest. They are ornery and stubborn creatures who often duel with the Manospondylus .

Basic Information

Anatomy

The dinosaur resembles an iguana with its scaled and bumpy hide. The horn on its nose serves as a minor, crude defense mechanism.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all reptiles, they reproduce by laying eggs. Heterosaurs dig nests very much like varanids and obscure them with foliage in the dirt.

Ecology and Habitats

They form small colonies like lizards and relax, dining on the plants and leaves about them with minimal care.

Behaviour

Despite being herbivores, they are quite aggressive and often wrestle with one another. They are the only other creatures beside the Elosaurus  willing to fight a Manospondylus. Fights between them are evenly matched, and the latter tends to back down most of the time.

Civilization and Culture

History

Heterosaurus is some sort of iguanodont according to genetic analysis, but the exact point of origin is difficult to pin down. Like all of Pellucidar's saurian inhabitants, the progenitors were taken from the surface world by the Elder Things and added into the simulated environment, evolving and adapting over time to their new home.

Gallery

Heterosaurus.jpg

A pair of Heterosaurs bask in the dirt. Drawn by Professor Westernraugh.

manospondylus_vs_heterosaurus.jpg

A Heterosaurus defends itself from an encroaching Manospondylus. Drawn by Professor Westernraugh.

Scientific Name

Heterosaurus neocomiensis

Conservation Status

Rare

Geographic Distribution

• Pellucidar