Dakotadon_lakotaensis
Dakotadon
Extinct genus of dinosaurs
Dakotadon (meaning "Dakota tooth") is a genus of iguanodont dinosaur from the Barremian-age Lower Cretaceous Lakota Formation of South Dakota, USA, known from a partial skull. It was first described in 1989 as Iguanodon lakotaensis, by David B. Weishampel and Philip R. Bjork.[1] Its assignment has been controversial. Some researchers suggest that "I." lakotaensis was more basal than I. bernissartensis, and related to Theiophytalia,[2] but David Norman has suggested that it was a synonym of I. bernissartensis.[3] Gregory S. Paul, working on a revision of iguanodont species, gave "I." lakotaensis its own genus (Dakotadon) in 2008.[4] He measured its length at 6 metres (20 ft) and body mass at 1 metric ton (1.1 short tons).[5]