In 2017, California joined a select group of states by officially designating a state dinosaur. The choice of Augustynolophus morrisi, a duck-billed herbivore that roamed California 66 million years ago, reveals fascinating insights about the state's prehistoric past and its commitment to scientific heritage.
California is known for many things: stunning coastlines, towering redwoods, Hollywood, and innovative technology. But in 2017, the Golden State added something unexpected to its list of official state symbols-a dinosaur. The selection of Augustynolophus morrisi as California's official state dinosaur wasn't just a random choice; it represents a fascinating intersection of paleontology, state pride, and educational outreach.
While most Californians may not even realize they have a state dinosaur, the story behind this designation offers a unique window into both prehistoric California and the modern legislative process that brings science into public awareness.
Meet Augustynolophus Morrisi: California's Dinosaur
Augustynolophus morrisi (pronounced aw-gus-tine-oh-LOAF-us) was a duck-billed dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66-68 million years ago. This herbivore belonged to the hadrosaur family, known for their distinctive flat, duck-like bills and elaborate head crests.
Standing about 26 feet long and weighing several tons, Augustynolophus was a substantial creature. Its remains were discovered in Fresno County in 1939 and later in the Moreno Formation of the San Joaquin Valley. What makes this dinosaur particularly special to California is that it is the only dinosaur species known exclusively from California fossil evidence-making it truly a California native.
Why California Needed a State Dinosaur
State symbols serve important cultural and educational purposes. Just as California has the California poppy as its state flower and the grizzly bear on its state flag, having an official state dinosaur creates opportunities for science education and fosters state pride in California's natural heritage.
The push for a state dinosaur came as part of a broader effort to:
- Promote interest in paleontology among young Californians
- Highlight California's rich fossil history
- Draw attention to the state's scientific institutions like the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- Create a tangible connection between modern California and its prehistoric past
As Assemblyman Richard Bloom, who introduced the legislation, noted, "Dinosaurs are cool and highlighting a dinosaur that has such a deep connection to our state will stimulate interest in paleontology and science overall."
The Legislative Journey to Official Recognition
The path to making Augustynolophus the official state dinosaur began in April 2017, when Assemblyman Bloom introduced Assembly Bill 1540. The bill was not without its lighter moments-some lawmakers joked about creating a "Jurassic Park" in California-but it ultimately received strong bipartisan support.
On September 23, 2017, then-Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation, officially adding Augustynolophus morrisi to California's list of state symbols. The bill signing ceremony included paleontologists and enthusiastic schoolchildren, symbolizing the educational focus of the designation.
This wasn't California's first dinosaur-related symbol, however. In 1973, the state had already designated the saber-toothed cat (Smilodon) as its official state fossil-though this Ice Age predator lived much more recently (about 10,000 years ago) and wasn't actually a dinosaur.
Scientific Significance of Augustynolophus
Beyond state pride, Augustynolophus holds genuine scientific importance. As a relatively rare hadrosaurid from the very end of the Cretaceous period, it provides valuable insights into dinosaur evolution just before the mass extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Key scientific aspects of Augustynolophus include:
- It represents one of the last dinosaur species to evolve before the extinction event
- The fossils provide information about Late Cretaceous ecosystems in what is now California
- It demonstrates that even in the final days of dinosaurs, new species were still emerging
- Its discovery helps map dinosaur distribution across western North America
Paleontologists also note that the Moreno Formation, where Augustynolophus was found, preserves a rare glimpse into a coastal environment of the Late Cretaceous, contrasting with the inland habitats that dominate most North American dinosaur discoveries.
Education and Public Outreach
One of the primary motivations for designating an official state dinosaur was to spark educational interest. Since becoming California's official dinosaur, Augustynolophus has featured in various educational programs across the state.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, which houses the most complete Augustynolophus specimens, has developed exhibits and educational materials centered around the state dinosaur. Museum educators report increased interest from schoolchildren specifically asking to see "California's dinosaur" during field trips.
Educational benefits include:
- Providing a gateway subject to get children interested in science
- Creating awareness of California's prehistoric ecosystems
- Offering tangible connections between abstract geologic time and the familiar landscape of modern California
- Supporting STEM curriculum with a local angle that resonates with students
How California's Dinosaur Compares to Other State Dinosaurs
California wasn't the first state to designate an official dinosaur. That honor goes to Colorado, which named Stegosaurus its state fossil in 1982. Since then, several states have followed suit, each choosing dinosaurs with special connections to their territory.
Notable state dinosaurs include:
- Texas: Paluxysaurus jonesi
- Wyoming: Triceratops
- Maryland: Astrodon johnstoni
- New Jersey: Hadrosaurus foulkii
- Missouri: Hypsibema missouriense
What sets California's dinosaur apart is its exclusivity to the state. While dinosaurs like Triceratops have been found across multiple states, Augustynolophus remains uniquely Californian, having been found nowhere else in the world.
This exclusivity mirrors California's tendency toward uniqueness in other areas, from its endemic redwood trees to its distinctive economic and cultural contributions to the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions About California's Official State Dinosaur: The Surprising Story Behind Augustynolophus
When did Augustynolophus become California's state dinosaur?
Augustynolophus morrisi was officially designated as California's state dinosaur on September 23, 2017, when Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1540 into law.
Why was Augustynolophus chosen over other dinosaurs?
Augustynolophus was chosen because it is the only dinosaur species found exclusively in California. This makes it truly native to the state, unlike other dinosaur species that have been discovered across multiple states or countries.
Where can I see Augustynolophus fossils in California?
The most complete Augustynolophus specimens are on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The museum houses the type specimens used to scientifically describe this dinosaur species.
What did Augustynolophus eat?
As a hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur), Augustynolophus was an herbivore. It likely used its specialized teeth to grind tough plant material like conifers, cycads, and other Late Cretaceous vegetation that grew in prehistoric California.
How is the name Augustynolophus pronounced?
The name is pronounced aw-gus-tine-oh-LOAF-us. The dinosaur was named after Mrs. Gretchen Augustyn, a benefactor of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and Dr. William J. Morris, who studied the fossils.
