Dasosaurus
Dasosaurus is an extinct genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous period, known from the Itapecuru Formation of Brazil. The single species, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, was a medium-to-large quadrupedal herbivore, estimated to be around 20 meters long and sharing morphological similarities with the titanosauriform Garumbatitan.
Key Facts
- ›Lived during the Early Cretaceous period (Aptian stage).
- ›Discovered in the Itapecuru Formation of Brazil.
- ›Named Dasosaurus tocantinensis by Elver L. Mayer and colleagues in 2026.
- ›Estimated to be approximately 20 meters (66 ft) long.
- ›Belongs to the somphospondylan sauropod group.
- ›Its morphology is similar to Garumbatitan, a titanosauriform from Spain.
Medium-To-Large Sauropod, Approximately 20 Meters Long, Morphology Similar To Garumbatitan
Garumbatitan
Brazil
About Dasosaurus
What is Dasosaurus?
Dasosaurus is an extinct genus of sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Early Cretaceous period, specifically the Aptian stage. The only known species, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, was discovered in Brazil, within the Itapecuru Formation. This large herbivore is classified as a somphospondylan sauropod and is notable for its similarities to another titanosauriform, Garumbatitan, found in Spain.
Discovery and Naming
The fossil material of Dasosaurus was unearthed by archaeologist Daniel Ribeiro da Silva in Davinópolis, Maranhão, Brazil. The discovery, announced in 2021, revealed a significant collection of bones including phalanges, ribs, ulna, radius, tibia, fibula, femur, pubis, ischium, and numerous caudal vertebrae. In 2026, paleontologists Elver L. Mayer and his colleagues formally described Dasosaurus tocantinensis. The genus name, Dasosaurus, is derived from the Greek words 'dasos' (forest) and 'saurus' (lizard), referencing its discovery in a heavily forested region of Brazil. The species name, tocantinensis, honors the nearby state of Tocantins.
Characteristics and Classification
Dasosaurus is estimated to have been a medium-to-large sauropod, reaching approximately 20 meters (66 feet) in length. As a quadrupedal herbivore, its diet likely consisted of plant matter. Phylogenetic analyses place Dasosaurus within the somphospondylan group of sauropods, indicating a relationship with other large, long-necked dinosaurs. Its morphological resemblance to Garumbatitan suggests potential evolutionary connections or convergent evolution within the sauropod lineage of the Early Cretaceous.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dasosaurus live?
Dasosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous period, specifically the Aptian stage. This places its existence millions of years ago.
Where were the fossils of Dasosaurus found?
The fossil remains of Dasosaurus were discovered in outcrops of the Itapecuru Formation, located in Davinópolis, Maranhão, Brazil. This region is part of the Amazônia Legal.
What does the name Dasosaurus mean?
The scientific name Dasosaurus combines the Greek word 'dasos,' meaning 'forest,' referencing its Amazonian type locality, and 'saurus,' meaning 'lizard.' The species name, tocantinensis, refers to the nearby state of Tocantins.
How large was Dasosaurus?
Dasosaurus was a medium-to-large sauropod, with an estimated length of approximately 20 meters (66 ft). It was comparable in size to its relative, Garumbatitan.
What type of dinosaur was Dasosaurus?
Dasosaurus was a somphospondylan sauropod. Sauropods were a group of long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs that walked on four legs.
Related Dinosaur species
Aratasaurus
Aratasaurus museunacionali is an extinct genus of basal coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur discovered in Brazil. Known from a partial right leg, it is the only tetrapod fossil found in the lower levels of the Romualdo Formation, dating to the Early Cretaceous period. The dinosaur's name commemorates its discovery during the preparation of fossils for the National Museum of Brazil, which was later damaged by a fire.
Adamantisaurus
Adamantisaurus was a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in South America. It is known from only six tail vertebrae, suggesting it was a large animal with a long neck and tail. Its exact evolutionary relationships are difficult to determine due to the limited fossil material.
Arrudatitan
Arrudatitan was a titanosaur sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Brazil. This relatively gracile titanosaur is known from partial skeletal remains, including vertebrae, ribs, and limb bones. The genus was established in 2021 to house the species previously known as Aeolosaurus maximus, reflecting its distinctiveness from the Aeolosaurus genus.