Definition

A type of plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period in North America, known for its nests and caring for its young.

Example

The maiasaur is famous for its fossilized nests that show how it cared for its babies.

Conversation

Did you know that the maiasaur was a really caring dinosaur?

No, I didn't! What makes you say that?

Well, they found fossilized nests that showed the adults took care of their young.

That's fascinating! Dinosaurs were more complex than I thought.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'maiasaur' is derived from 'Maiasaura' (from Greek 'maia' meaning 'great' or 'mother' and 'sauros' meaning 'lizard' or 'reptile'). It refers to a genus of dinosaur known for its nurturing behavior, hence the name 'good mother lizard'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'maia' meaning 'mother' and 'sauros' meaning 'lizard' to remember that 'maiasaur' refers to a dinosaur known as the 'good mother lizard'.

Visually Confused Words