Camptosaurus (Flexible lizard) is a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur from North America. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon.
Description[]
Camptosaurus is a genus of dinosaur from the Jurassic Period. It belonged to a group known as ornithopods, that also included Iguanodon and Lambeosaurus. Large specimens could reach lengths of between 6-7.9m (19.7-26ft) in length, and it was relatively heavily-built. Like most ornithopods, Camptosaurus would have been partially-bipedal, running on its hind legs to escape predators, but would have typically walked on all fours.
Camptosaurus lived in North America and was a herbivore, using its sharp beak to pluck relatively tough vegetation. Its comparatively small size and lack of armor meant it was vulnerable to large predators, so it may have relied on its speed - estimated at around 25km/h - to escape predators. Fossilized footprints suggest it may have roamed in mixed herds with Stegosaurus, possibly alerting the larger herbivore of approaching predators.
Zoo Tycoon[]
Camptosaurus is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Dinosaur Digs expansion pack. In Freeform mode, it is not adoptable until March 1. It is one of the seven dinosaurs featured in the Jurassic Zoo scenario.
Camptosaurus is a Coniferous Forest animal, also requiring some grass and fresh water. Its favorite foliage is the Walchian Conifer Tree, and it requires a Dinosaur Burrow shelter. It can be kept alone or in pairs and do not require a particularly large exhibit. Camptosaurus is also compatible with Stegosaurus and Kentrosaurus, but may attack and kill other non-armored herbivores, including ones larger than itself such as Lambeosaurus.
 Animal Facts
|
|---|
|
The Camptosaurus or "bent lizard" is frequently observed standing on its two back legs. This dinosaur stands taller than a man when upright, and its beak reaches high enough to allow it to eat foliage from trees. The Camptosaurus can also drop to all fours to browse for low-lying vegetation such as cycads. Since the Camptosaurus's front legs are so much shorter than its hind legs, its body leans sharply forward when it stands on all fours. The large, sharp, but toothless beak is used for gathering vegetation while the "cheek teeth" on the sides of the mouth grind the food. Camptosaurus will also consume large rocks to aid its digestion. Camptosaurus herds were once a common sight in many parts of North America and Europe, especially England and Portugal. Although they are difficult to find in the wild today, these herbivorous dinosaurs still prefer to live in herds. Since they spend most of their time roaming their open woodland homes feeding, these herds require lots of space and food. Like many of the other large plant eaters, the Camptosaurus must spend most of its life eating in order to maintain its size. In fact, the Camptosaurus is specially adapted to breathe and eat at the same time: a special second palate in the upper part of the mouth allows Camptosaurus to continue to feed without pausing for breath. Camptosaurus' powerful hoofed back legs help it escape most slower predators. However, when escape proves impossible, Camptosaurus can defend itself. The "thumbs" on its five-fingered arms each end in a sharp claw. Nevertheless, the weaker members of Camptosaurus herds often fall victim to the more powerful Allosaurus. The wise zookeeper will keep predator and prey apart. |
Gallery[]
