Cetiosauriscus
Pronunciation:
See-tee-oh-sore-iss-kus
Name Meaning:
“Whale lizard-like”
Dinosaur Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Sauropodomorpha
- Family: Diplodocidae
- Genus: Cetiosauriscus
- Species: C. stewarti
Dinosaur Description:
Cetiosauriscus was a long-necked, herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period. Its name means “whale lizard-like,” which reflects the large size and elongated body shape that it shares with whales, though it was, of course, not aquatic. It belonged to the group of sauropods, known for their long necks, long tails, and large bodies, and it roamed what is now Europe approximately 166 million years ago.
Unlike its relative, Cetiosaurus, Cetiosauriscus is considered more closely related to Diplodocidae, a group that includes some of the longest dinosaurs. It had a long, slender tail and a relatively lightweight build compared to other sauropods, suggesting it was well-adapted for walking long distances. Fossils indicate that it possessed long, column-like legs which supported its massive body, and its tail might have served as a counterbalance to the long neck.
Cetiosauriscus, as a herbivore, would have fed on a variety of plant materials. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation from high trees, but it also may have grazed on low-lying plants. The sheer size of Cetiosauriscus made it relatively safe from predators, although it would have needed to be on guard against large theropods, particularly when young or during the earlier stages of life.
Estimates suggest Cetiosauriscus could grow to lengths of 49 feet (15 meters), though it was not the largest sauropod of its time. Despite its size, Cetiosauriscus was likely a relatively slow-moving dinosaur, using its long strides to cover ground rather than speed. It would have moved in herds, with these groups offering protection from predators.
Dinosaur Diet and Behavior:
Cetiosauriscus was herbivorous, feeding on various types of vegetation including leaves from tall trees and low-lying plants. It likely moved in herds for protection and may have spent much of its time migrating to find sufficient food to sustain its massive body.
Dinosaur Size:
Cetiosauriscus grew to approximately 49 feet (15 meters) in length, with a long neck and tail contributing to much of its size.
Dinosaur Weight:
Estimates suggest Cetiosauriscus weighed around 10 tons (20,000 lbs), though it was lighter compared to many of its sauropod relatives.
Fossil Discoveries:
The first Cetiosauriscus fossils were discovered in 1898 in Cambridgeshire, England. The fossils included parts of the tail, pelvis, and hind limbs, which helped identify it as a distinct genus from the closely related Cetiosaurus. These remains were later described and named by paleontologist Friedrich von Huene in 1927. Despite its name similarity to Cetiosaurus, additional studies revealed that Cetiosauriscus is more closely related to the Diplodocidae family, giving it unique traits among European sauropods.
What Period Did The Dinosaur Live:
Cetiosauriscus lived during the Middle Jurassic period, around 166 million years ago.
Notable Facts or Trivia:
– Cetiosauriscus is one of the few European dinosaurs with a relatively complete fossil record from the Jurassic period.
– It was originally thought to be closely related to Cetiosaurus, but later analysis placed it closer to the Diplodocidae family.
– Its name means “whale lizard-like,” due to its large, elongated body.
– Cetiosauriscus had a lightweight build compared to other sauropods, enabling it to move efficiently.
Scientific Significance:
Cetiosauriscus is important because it represents one of the few well-preserved European sauropods from the Jurassic period. Its discovery helped paleontologists understand the diversity and evolution of sauropods in Europe, as well as the distribution of sauropods across ancient continents. The fossil evidence also provided insight into the family ties between different sauropods, especially within the Diplodocidae group, helping refine classifications and evolutionary relationships.
Extinction & Legacy:
Cetiosauriscus, like many sauropods, became extinct by the end of the Jurassic period. Its legacy, however, endures in the fossil record, providing valuable information about the anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary history of sauropods in Europe. Ongoing research and new fossil discoveries may continue to shed light on how Cetiosauriscus and its relatives lived and interacted with their environment.