Cetiosaurus
Cetiosaurus, meaning 'whale lizard', is a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 171 to 165 million years ago. It is notable for being the first sauropod to have its bones described and is the most complete sauropod discovered in England. Despite its name, originally reflecting a mistaken belief it was a marine creature, Cetiosaurus was a quadrupedal, long-necked land-dweller.
Key Facts
- ›Cetiosaurus lived during the Middle Jurassic Period, about 171 to 165 million years ago.
- ›It was a quadrupedal, long-necked herbivore with a relatively short tail and neck compared to other sauropods.
- ›Estimated to be around 16 meters (52 ft) long and weigh approximately 11 tonnes (12 short tons).
- ›The genus name 'Cetiosaurus' means 'whale lizard', derived from Greek, reflecting an early misconception of it being a marine animal.
- ›Cetiosaurus oxoniensis was officially designated as the type species in 2014.
- ›Fossils have been found in England and potentially France, Switzerland, and Morocco.
- Quadrupedal, long-necked, small-headed herbivore
- Shorter tail and neck than most sauropods
- Relatively long forelimbs, equal in length to hindlimbs
- Dorsal vertebrae with limited air chambers
- Estimated length of 16 meters
- Estimated weight of 11 tonnes
Barapasaurus, Patagosaurus, Chebsaurus
England, France, Switzerland, Morocco
About Cetiosaurus
What is Cetiosaurus?
Cetiosaurus, a name that translates to 'whale lizard' from Greek, is a significant genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur. It roamed the Earth during the Middle Jurassic Period, specifically between 171 and 165 million years ago, in regions that now include Britain and likely France. Its discovery is historically important, as Cetiosaurus holds the distinction of being the first sauropod whose bones were formally described, and it represents the most complete sauropod fossil assemblage found in England.
Discovery and Misconceptions
When Sir Richard Owen first named Cetiosaurus in 1842, he mistakenly believed it to be a marine creature, possibly an extremely large crocodile, rather than a land-dwelling dinosaur. This misconception was reflected in its name. Over time, numerous species were assigned to the Cetiosaurus genus, but many have since been reclassified into other genera or are considered dubious due to poor fossil material. The species Cetiosaurus oxoniensis was officially established as the new type species in 2014, based on several more-or-less complete specimens discovered from 1868 onwards, which provide substantial skeletal information excluding the skull.
Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle
Cetiosaurus was a quadrupedal animal characterized by its long neck and relatively small head. Compared to many other sauropods, it had a shorter neck and tail, but its forelimbs were notably long, almost matching the length of its hindlimbs. Estimates place its average length at around 16 meters (52 feet) and its weight at approximately 11 tonnes (12 short tons). Its dorsal vertebrae possessed a more primitive, heavier build with fewer air chambers than those found in later sauropods. While the skull remains largely unknown, other skeletal elements provide a good understanding of its anatomy and herbivorous lifestyle.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Cetiosaurus mean?
The name Cetiosaurus means 'whale lizard'. It comes from the Greek words 'keteios' (sea monster, later whale) and 'sauros' (lizard). This name was given because its describer, Sir Richard Owen, initially believed it to be a marine creature.
When did Cetiosaurus live?
Cetiosaurus lived during the Middle Jurassic Period, specifically during the Bajocian and Bathonian ages, approximately 171 to 165 million years ago.
What did Cetiosaurus eat?
Cetiosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it primarily ate plants. Its long neck would have aided in reaching vegetation.
How large was Cetiosaurus?
Cetiosaurus is estimated to have been about 16 meters (52 feet) long and to have weighed roughly 11 tonnes (12 short tons). It had a moderately long neck and tail, with forelimbs that were relatively long.
Where were Cetiosaurus fossils found?
The most complete fossils of Cetiosaurus have been found in England, particularly in Oxfordshire. Fossilized remains once assigned to Cetiosaurus have also been found in France, Switzerland, and Morocco.
What is the most complete species of Cetiosaurus?
Cetiosaurus oxoniensis is the most complete sauropod found in England and was officially made the new type species in 2014. It is known from three relatively complete specimens, which together contain most of the bones except for the skull.
Related Dinosaur species
Cetiosauriscus
Cetiosauriscus was a herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived in England during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 166 to 164 million years ago. Characterized by a moderately long tail and forelimbs as long as its hindlimbs, it reached an estimated length of 15 meters and a weight of 4 to 10 tonnes. Its fossils were discovered in the Oxford Clay Formation.
Cruxicheiros
Cruxicheiros was a large theropod dinosaur that inhabited England during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 167 million years ago. Its name, meaning "cross hand," references the "Cross Hands Quarry" where its fossils were discovered. While much of its anatomy remains unknown due to limited fossil evidence, it is classified within the Tetanurae group, which includes well-known theropods like Tyrannosaurus and Spinosaurus.
Acanthopholis
Acanthopholis is a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur belonging to the family Nodosauridae. It lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in England and is characterized by its distinctive armor, including keeled plates and prominent spikes along its neck and shoulders. The genus name translates to "spiny scales."