| “ | These animals are members of the hadrosaur family - the most common group of dinosaurs in the late Cretaceous. | ” |
Anatotitan was a hadrosaur from the Cretaceous. It was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs on Earth before the mass extinction event.
Physical appearance and biology
Anatotitan was a large hadrosaur. It had very large and wide hind legs and its front legs were short and chunky.
Anatotitan had a large bill that resembled that of a modern duck - hence its name. Inside its mouth was a large battery of teeth, designed to grind vegetation.
In Walking with Dinosaurs, Anatotitan was mainly yellow with brown stripes and bill. Its underbelly and feet were white.
Behavior and traits
Anatotitan was among the last members of a dynasty of dinosaurs called the hadrosaurs. Like the other members of the group, it was characterized by a large, duck-like bill. Within the bill was a large battery of teeth. These teeth were perfect for stripping vegetation and then chewing it rather than the more primitive method of swallowing it and lets its digestive system do all the work.
Despite its relatively large size, Anatotitan was preyed upon by the North American apex predator, Tyrannosaurus rex. However, although it had very few weapons of choice, it had the ability to run rather quickly. Like its ancestors, it could run on its hind legs. However, its speed never always guaranteed it safety.
In Walking with Dinosaurs
Death of a Dynasty
A large herd of Anatotitan were traveling across a large ash field to one of the many islands of greenery littered haphazardly around the landscape.
Later, the herd was by a lake drinking and feeding on the surrounding vegetation. However, while they were feeding, they were being patrolled by a Deinosuchus. Then, the herd sensed danger and scattered. The danger was a female Tyrannosaurus. One Anatotitan had a delayed reaction to the predator and was unable to flee in time. The herbivore was quickly slaughtered by the tyrannosaur.
When the massive comet collided with Earth, Anatotitan along with all the other non-avian dinosaurs were wiped out.
Behind the scenes
List of appearances
- Walking with Dinosaurs
- 101. New Blood (cameo, non-canonical)
- 106. Death of a Dynasty
- Walking with Dinosaurs: A Natural History
- The Complete Guide to Prehistoric Life