12 Dinosaurs That Start With N

In the annals of Earth’s prehistoric past, the dinosaurs reign as some of the most fascinating and enigmatic creatures to ever walk the planet. Among these extraordinary beings, this article will explore in depth 12 dinosaurs that start with the letter ‘N,’ in addition to a list of 49 dinosaurs that start with the letter ‘N.’ These dinosaurs, spanning the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods, present a captivating dynamic variety of sizes, shapes, and dietary preferences. Each of these ancient beings offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Earth’s prehistoric inhabitants.

12 Dinosaurs That Start With the Letter’ N’

1. Nanshiungosaurus

First on our list of dinosaurs that start with the letter ‘N’ is Nanshiungosaurus. Nanshiungosaurus, a dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, existed around 84 to 71 million years ago. It was a large theropod dinosaur with a bipedal stance. This dinosaur had a moderate size, with an estimated length of about 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters) and weighing up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms).

In terms of diet, the Nanshiungosaurus ate a predominately herbivorous diet. However, the Natural History Museum of London lists this dinosaur as an omnivore. Its diet primarily consisted of plant matter and small prey, like many other dinosaurs.

People have uncovered remains of Nanshiungosaurus in China, specifically in the Guangdong Province. This region was part of a lush, subtropical environment during the Late Cretaceous, which provided an ideal habitat for this dinosaur.

The Nanshiungosaurus had a long tail and neck, which likely helped with balance due to their unique size, shape, and bipedal stance. Additionally, its name Nanshiungosaurus is derived from the region where it was discovered, Nanshiung.

2. Nedoceratops

Next on our list of dinosaurs that start with the letter ‘N’ is Nedoceratops. Nedoceratops, a fascinating dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, roamed the Earth approximately 66 million years ago. This herbivorous dinosaur belonged to the ceratopsid family, characterized by its distinctive solid, unperforated fill and two prominent horns on its forehead.

Nedoceratops was relatively large, with an estimated length of around 15 to 23 feet (4.5 to 7 meters). The approximate weight could be around two tons. As previously mentioned, its most distinctive feature was its frill, adorned with unique patterns and a pair of forward-curved brow horns. This dinosaur is very similar but not the same in appearance as Triceratops. However, it has yet to be discounted as its own genus as of 2023.

Nedoceratops was primarily a herbivore, feeding on a diet of low-lying vegetation, including ferns, conifers, and other prehistoric plants. Its strong beak-like mouth would have been well-suited for cropping these plants.

People have uncovered the fossils of Nedoceratops in North America, particularly in Montana. This area was once lush, warm, temperate forests, providing ample food for this magnificent dinosaur. Moreover, it is believed that this dinosaur also lived across Asia.

In further regards to Nedoceratops’s classification history, experts initially thought to be of the same genus as Triceratops. It wasn’t until 1996 that Nedoceratops was officially identified as its own genus, separate from Triceratops. This revision highlights the ongoing scientific debate and study within the field of paleontology. To this day, the classification of Nedoceratops is still debated by experts.

3. Nemegtosaurus

Nemegtosaurus, a remarkable long-necked dinosaur, lived during the Late Cretaceous period as well, approximately 72 to 68 years ago. It belongs to the titanosaur group and sauropod clade, which are dinosaurs of immense size with long necks.

Moreover, in terms of size, Nemegtosaurus was colossal, with an estimated length of around 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters). However, there isn’t strong enough evidence to determine its estimated height and weight. Its most striking feature was its incredibly long neck. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation high in trees and plants.

Furthermore, its diet is not well-known, once again, due to the lack of evidence in fossils. But, as considered a herbivore, Nemegtosaurus presumably feasted on the lush vegetation of its time. Its diet consisted of ferns, conifers, and other flowering prehistoric plants that were incredibly abundant at that time. Its long neck and small head were well-adapted for reaching and consuming high-growing plants.

People have unearthed the remains of Nemegtosaurus in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia, which today is in the Gobi Desert. It was a region that was once home to a diverse range of dinosaurs and lush vegetation during the Late Cretaceous period. These fossil discoveries have shed light on this region’s incredible diversity of sauropods. Moreover, experts think it was one of the last sauropods to roam the Earth.

4. Neovenator

Fourth on our list of dinosaurs that start with the letter ‘N’ is Neovenator. Neovenator, a formidable predator from the Early Cretaceous period, roamed the Earth approximately 127 to 121 million years ago. This dinosaur was a theropod, known for its bipedal stance and carnivorous habits.

In terms of size, Neovenator was a substantial dinosaur, with an estimated length of around 23 to 33 feet (7 to 10 meters). It possessed a long, evenly proportioned body with sharp claws and teeth, well-suited for hunting, and a large head.

As a carnivore, Neovenator had a diet consisting of other smaller or potentially larger dinosaurs. Its sharp teeth and claws were formidable weapons in capturing and consuming prey. Moreover, each “hand” and “foot” has three very sharp claws, totaling 12 claws in all.

People have discovered the fossils of Neovenator in the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. This region was once a floodplain full of vegetation during the Early Cretaceous, where this dinosaur would have lived and hunted.

An intriguing fact about Neovenator is that it is one of the largest theropods from the Early Cretaceous of Europe. Its discovery has provided a variety of valuable insights into the diversity of predatory dinosaurs in this region during that time period.

5. Neuquensaurus

Neuquensaurus, a colossal herbivorous dinosaur, lived around 80 to 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. This saltasaurid sauropod was among the smaller sauropods ever to walk the Earth.

In terms of size, Neuquensaurus was still genuinely immense, with estimates suggesting a length of about 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) and a weight that could have exceeded many tons. Its long neck and tail, along with a robust body, allowed it to reach and consume vegetation high in trees.

Neuquensaurus grazed on a diet of conifers, ferns, cycads, and other plant matter as a herbivore. Its massive size and long neck made it well-suited for browsing the branches of trees.

People have uncovered remains of Neuquensaurus in South America. Moreover, they have been particularly discovered in Argentina. This region during the Late Cretaceous overall had lands filled with warm, luscious forests with plenty of vegetation.