1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs

Cetiosaurus

By Bob Strauss, About.com

Cetiosaurus (Wikimedia Commons)

Name:

Cetiosaurus (Greek for "whale lizard"); pronounced SEE-tee-oh-SORE-us

Habitat:

Plains of western Europe and northern Africa

Historical Period:

Late Jurassic (170-160 million years ago)

Size and Weight:

About 60 feet long and 10 tons

Diet:

Plants

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Long neck and tail; unusually heavy vertebrae

About Cetiosaurus:

One of those dinosaurs that was discovered ahead of its time, the first Cetiosaurus fossil was unearthed in the early 19th century, before paleontologists had grasped the enormous sizes attained by the sauropods (other examples of which are Brachiosaurus and Apatosaurus). At first, it was thought this bizarre creature was a giant whale or crocodile, hence its name (which was bestowed by the early paleontologist Richard Owen).

The most unusual feature of Cetiosaurus is its backbone. Unlike some other sauropods, which had hollow vertebrae (an adaptation that helped to reduce their crushing weight), this huge herbivore had vertebrae of solid bone. Paleontologists also believe it roamed the Jurassic plains in packs, rumbling along at a brisk 10 miles per hour.

Explore Dinosaurs

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs
  4. Types of Dinosaurs
  5. Herbivorous Dinosaurs
  6. Cetiosaurus - Dinosaur Cetiosaurus Characteristics, Behavior and Habitat>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.