Cetiosauriscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period in what is now England. It was first discovered in May 1898 by clay workers south of Peterborough and east of the Great Northern Railway. Cetiosauriscus was originally confused with Cetiosaurus, a similar sauropod, due to its similar appearance.
Cetiosauriscus was a herbivore, and by sauropod standards, had a moderately long tail and longer forelimbs, making them as long as its hindlimbs. It has been estimated to be about 15 meters long and between 4 and 10 tons in weight. The dinosaur lived between 166 and 164 million years ago during the Callovian.
Cetiosauriscus is an important find for paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Its discovery has added to our understanding of the diversity of sauropod dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The dinosaur’s unique characteristics, such as its longer forelimbs, have also provided insight into how these creatures evolved and adapted to their environment.
Taxonomy
Classification
Cetiosauriscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur belonging to the family Cetiosauridae. It was first described by von Huene in 1927, who also named the type species, Cetiosauriscus stewarti. The genus name is derived from the Greek words “ketos” meaning “sea monster” and “sauros” meaning “lizard”, while the species name honors W. J. Stewart, who discovered the first fossils of Cetiosauriscus.
Cetiosauriscus has been classified as a member of the subfamily Cardiodontinae, which also includes the genera Cetiosaurus and Cardiodon. However, recent studies suggest that Cetiosauriscus is more closely related to non-cardiodontine cetiosaurids such as Haplocanthosaurus and Camarasaurus.
Evolutionary Significance
Cetiosauriscus is an important genus for understanding the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs. It is one of the earliest known members of the clade Neosauropoda, which includes all sauropods more closely related to Diplodocus than to more basal forms such as Vulcanodon. The discovery of Cetiosauriscus fossils in England also helped to establish the Middle Jurassic as a time period when sauropods were diversifying and spreading across the globe.
Overall, Cetiosauriscus provides valuable insights into the early evolution of sauropods and their ecological roles during the Middle Jurassic.
Discovery
Historical Context
Cetiosauriscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 to 165 million years ago. The fossil limbs and vertebrae of Cetiosaurus oxoniensis were originally ascribed to the genus Cetiosaurus, one of the first sauropods to be named in 1842 by palaeontologist Richard Owen. The name Cetiosauriscus was later given to the fossil, which had a complicated history due to many unfounded referrals of species and specimens, involving almost all English sauropod specimens.
Discoverer
Cetiosauriscus was first discovered in the United Kingdom and was named in 1879. The holotype remains were originally discovered in the 1860s, by workers in a limestone quarry in the Basse Montagne. The type and only species is Amanzia greppini, originally named as a species of Ornithopsis and Cetiosauriscus. The fossil was originally ascribed to the genus Cetiosaurus, but later given the name Cetiosauriscus.
In terms of physical characteristics, Cetiosauriscus was a relatively small sauropod, with an estimated length of about 20 to 25 meters. It was a herbivore and is believed to have lived during the Mid Jurassic, 175-160 million years ago. The name Cetiosauriscus means “like whale lizard” due to its physical resemblance to a whale.
Overall, the discovery of Cetiosauriscus has contributed greatly to our understanding of sauropod dinosaurs and their evolution during the Middle Jurassic period.
Description
Cetiosauriscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 to 165 million years ago. It was first discovered in the United Kingdom and was named in 1879.
Physical Characteristics
Cetiosauriscus was a moderately sized, quadrupedal eusauropod. It had a moderately long tail, and relatively long arms making the shoulders level with the hips. The neck was long and flexible, allowing the animal to reach vegetation high above the ground. Its teeth were peg-like and suited for grinding plant material.
Size Estimations
The size of Cetiosauriscus is estimated to have been about 20 to 25 meters in length, making it a relatively small sauropod compared to others of its kind. The estimated weight of an adult Cetiosauriscus is around 10-15 tons, which is significantly lighter than larger sauropods like Brachiosaurus or Apatosaurus.
The fossils of Cetiosauriscus are relatively rare, and most of what is known about the animal’s physical characteristics comes from fragmentary remains. However, based on the available evidence, scientists believe that Cetiosauriscus was a herbivore that likely lived in herds and had a slow metabolism.
Overall, Cetiosauriscus was a fascinating dinosaur that provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of sauropods during the Middle Jurassic period.
Paleobiology
Diet
Cetiosauriscus was a herbivorous dinosaur that fed on plants, as evidenced by its teeth and jaw structure. It had a long neck that allowed it to reach high vegetation, and its teeth were adapted for stripping leaves from branches. The dinosaur likely had a large gut to digest tough plant material, and may have swallowed stones to help grind up its food.
Habitat
Cetiosauriscus lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 to 165 million years ago. It roamed the land that is now England, which at the time was a subtropical environment with lush forests and shallow seas. The dinosaur likely lived in herds and may have migrated to different areas in search of food and water.
Overall, Cetiosauriscus was a moderately sized sauropod with unique adaptations for herbivory and a likely social lifestyle. Its fossils provide valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period.
Fossil Record
Cetiosauriscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170 to 165 million years ago. The fossil record of Cetiosauriscus is primarily found in Europe, with specimens discovered in England, France, and Spain.
Geographical Distribution
The fossils of Cetiosauriscus have been found in a variety of geological formations, including the Oxford Clay Formation in England and the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation in Spain. These formations date back to the Middle Jurassic period, a time when the Earth was dominated by dinosaurs.
Notable Specimens
One of the most notable specimens of Cetiosauriscus is the nearly complete skeleton discovered in the Oxford Clay Formation in England. This specimen, known as “Charlie,” is one of the best-preserved sauropod skeletons ever discovered and has provided scientists with valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of these massive creatures.
Another notable specimen is the partial skeleton discovered in the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation in Spain. This specimen includes several vertebrae, ribs, and limb bones, and has helped scientists better understand the evolutionary relationships between different species of sauropods.
Overall, the fossil record of Cetiosauriscus is an important source of information for scientists studying the evolution and behavior of sauropod dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period.
Cetiosauriscus in Popular Culture
Cetiosauriscus, like many other dinosaurs, has made appearances in popular culture. Although it is not as well-known as some of its larger relatives, it has still managed to make an impact.
One of the earliest appearances of Cetiosauriscus was in the 1985 film “Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend.” In the film, a group of scientists discover a family of living Cetiosauriscus in Africa. While the film is not scientifically accurate, it did help to popularize the dinosaur.
Cetiosauriscus has also made appearances in various video games, including “Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis” and “Dino Crisis.” In these games, players can interact with the dinosaur and learn more about its behavior and habitat.
Overall, while Cetiosauriscus may not be as well-known as some other dinosaurs, it has still managed to make an impact in popular culture. Its appearances in film and video games have helped to introduce the dinosaur to new audiences and educate people about its existence.