Orodromeus was a genus of herbivorous parkosaurid dinosaur from the Campanian period of the Cretaceous of North America. The name means \"digging runner\" in reference to its speed, based on its long hind limbs and slender build. In 1980, the first orodromid fossil was discovered by Robert Makela during excavation in Teton County, Montana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scientists found eggs and nests that were remarkably well preserved. It contained 19 eggs laid in a precise spiral, with the first egg in the center of the spiral. Further studies found that these eggs were less trampled than those found in the nests of other dinosaur genera, meaning that the hatchlings left the nest as soon as they hatched and fed. These hatchlings probably stayed together after leaving the nest for protection. It was a close relative of Orodromeus and was found to dig burrows. It was a herbivorous dinosaur that fed on low-growing vegetation. It had primitive teeth that fed on fleshy fruits and possibly insects, especially when the animal was young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an adult, it was one of the longest legged hypsilopods for its size. The orodromus had a very long, straight tail supported by many intertwined bony tendons. They used its tail to keep their balance when running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is estimated that Orodromeus reached up to 2.5 meters in length and weighed 3 to 10 kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n