Cayden the Zuul (PNSO)

Cayden the Zuul

Measures: 6.8" L X 2.1" W X 1.5" H

Zuul Information:

Zuul is not a dinosaur but rather a genus of ankylosaurine dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 76 million years ago. Its full scientific name is Zuul crurivastator. The genus name "Zuul" is inspired by the fictional monster from the Ghostbusters film franchise. The species name, "crurivastator," means "destroyer of shins" in reference to its formidable tail club.

Zuul was discovered in the Judith River Formation in Montana, Canada. The fossil specimen is remarkably well-preserved and includes a nearly complete skeleton, making it a significant find for paleontologists. The dinosaur belonged to the family Ankylosauridae, known for their armored bodies and tail clubs.

Zuul was a herbivorous dinosaur with a heavily armored body, covered in bony plates called osteoderms. It also had a tail club, a characteristic feature of some ankylosaurids, which it likely used for defense against predators. The dinosaur's skull was wide and short, featuring a beak-like structure for cropping vegetation.

The discovery of Zuul has provided valuable insights into the anatomy and evolution of ankylosaurid dinosaurs, contributing to our understanding of the Late Cretaceous ecosystems and the diversity of armored dinosaurs during that time.