Tarchia was a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurid dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous period. The name means \"brain,\" a brain size presumed to be larger than that of the related form Saichania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarchia was one of the longest ankylosaurs, with an estimated body length of 8 meters. It had a wide, low body, standing on strong, short legs. Ossifications of the skin, called osteoderms, protected the body. In addition, the bony tail club served as an active defense against predators. It was known for a complete skull and a partial skeleton. It had a massive skull with a large brain. It had large spine-like plates on the top and bottom. Its large, gnarled armor plates covered the skull. The beak was broad and rounded. It was a herbivore with teeth that resembled those of most other ankylosaurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The armor was thin-walled and similar to the plates of most ankylosaurs. It lived in a dry environment with other dinosaurs at the same time and in the same place included Tyrannosaurus, Gallimimimus and Saurolophus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarchia reached 8 meters long and 2.5 tons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n