Balaclav

A Balaclav, Nivesaurus yetiforme, a large mountain-dwelling thescelosaur (an American relative of hypsilophodonts). It feeds mostly on the sparse vegetation along mountain slopes (North America).

The tangle of braided mountain chains in the western third of the continent is relatively new, thrust up to its present height only in Cretaceous times. The open river plains of the Jurassic and the steamy forests of the Cretaceous period the habitats of the most prolific dinosaur communities in the past are now craggy mountains, clothed in glaciers and snow. A few dinosaurs adapted to this new environment, moving in from the regions round about and adopting a lifestyle that would support them there. One such is the 2 metre (6 1/2 ft) long balaclav, one of the specialized modern hypsilophodonts. It evolved insulating layers of fat and fur, an ability to eat the alpine plants and mosses, and a compact shape to preserve its body heat. The balaclav lives in small family groups in the highest mountains. It can often be seen trekking across snowfields and glaciers from one lichenous rock or mossy hollow to another. It can subsist on a very poor diet. Layers of fat insulate the balaclav, and the hairs on the tail and feet help it to grip icy surfaces. Its broad beak and the spade-like nails on the three middle fingers enable it to scrape up lichens and moss, while the longer claws are used for digging up alpine plants.