Named after the location of its discovery, Muttaburra in Queensland, Australia, Muttaburrasaurus is a genus of herbivorous ornithopod notable for its flat skull and blunt snout. It can grow up to 9m in length and weighs over three tons, while its strong jaws and serrated teeth allow it to tear leaves, branches and shrubs with ease.
Discovery
Muttaburrasaurus was discovered by cattle farmer Doug Landon in 1963, when he unearthed parts of a skeleton next to the Thomson River in Muttaburra. His find was officially classified as a new genus in 1981 by Australian paleontologists Alan Bartholomai and Ralph Molnar, and further significant fossil finds have increased knowledge of the genus.
Paleoecology
Muttaburrasaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 100-110m years ago, travelling long distances across Australia in search of forest areas that could provide the vegetation they needed. It lived alongside many herbivores as well as the predator Australovenator, which may have preyed on Muttaburrasaurus.
Cohabitation Preferences
Behaviors are scripted in game files but are not guaranteed to happen. Dominance, territory, and traits determine whether they would actually fight.