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cathetosaurus: herbivore dinosaur from the Jurassic era

Cathetosaurus Facts

Pronunciation: KATH-eh-toe-SORE-us

Name meaning: Perpendicular Lizard

Diet	Herbivore
Height	4m
Length	18m
Weight	15 tonnes
Environment	Land
Era	Jurassic
Period	Late Jurassic
Type	Sauropod
Location	United States

Cathetosaurus was a massive sauropod dinosaur that roamed the western United States during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 161 to 149 million years ago. Originally described as its own genus by James A. Jensen in 1988, this enormous herbivore is now considered by most researchers to be a species of the well-known Camarasaurus, though some recent studies suggest it may deserve its own genus after all.

This impressive sauropod measured around 18 metres in length and stood approximately 4 metres tall at the hip, with an estimated weight of 15 tonnes. Like other sauropods, Cathetosaurus possessed the characteristic long neck and tail, massive body, and pillar-like legs that supported its enormous bulk. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation high in the treetops that other dinosaurs couldn't access.

As a herbivore, Cathetosaurus fed on conifers, ferns, and cycads that grew in the warm, humid climate of the Late Jurassic. It used its peg-like teeth to strip leaves and soft shoots from branches, swallowing them whole to be processed in its enormous gut. The dinosaur likely travelled in herds across the floodplains and forests of what is now the western United States.

The taxonomic status of Cathetosaurus remains a subject of scientific debate, highlighting how our understanding of dinosaur relationships continues to evolve as new evidence emerges. Whether considered a distinct genus or a species of Camarasaurus, this sauropod represents an important piece of the puzzle in understanding Late Jurassic ecosystems.

What made Cathetosaurus distinctive?

Cathetosaurus possessed the typical sauropod features of an extremely long neck and tail, massive barrel-shaped body, and four pillar-like legs. As a member of the Camarasauridae family, it likely had a relatively shorter neck compared to other sauropods and a more robust skull with spatulate teeth.

Behaviour

Cathetosaurus likely lived in herds and migrated across the Late Jurassic landscape in search of fresh vegetation. Like other sauropods, it probably used its long neck to browse at different heights, from ground level to the forest canopy, maximising feeding opportunities.

Fun Facts About Cathetosaurus

Cathetosaurus was originally named for the perpendicular angle of certain bones in its skeleton
The taxonomic status of Cathetosaurus has changed three times since its discovery, from its own genus to a species of Camarasaurus and potentially back again
James A. Jensen, who named Cathetosaurus, was nicknamed 'Dinosaur Jim' for his prolific fossil discoveries
Some unpublished studies suggest Cathetosaurus should be reinstated as its own genus, showing how dinosaur classification continues to evolve
The original Cathetosaurus fossils were found in the same rock formations that have yielded many other famous sauropod specimens

Discovery

Cathetosaurus was first described by James A. Jensen in 1988. The original fossils were discovered at Upper Jurassic formations, United States.

Cathetosaurus FAQ

What did Cathetosaurus eat?

Cathetosaurus was a herbivore that fed on the plants available during the Late Jurassic period, including conifers, ferns, cycads, and other prehistoric vegetation. It used its long neck to reach high into trees and its peg-like teeth to strip leaves from branches.

How big was Cathetosaurus?

Cathetosaurus was approximately 18 metres long and stood about 4 metres tall at the hip. It weighed an estimated 15 tonnes, making it one of the larger sauropods of its time period.

When did Cathetosaurus live?

Cathetosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 161.5 to 149.2 million years ago. This was a time when sauropods were particularly diverse and abundant.

Where was Cathetosaurus found?

Cathetosaurus fossils were discovered in Upper Jurassic rock formations in the western United States. The specific location details of the original find have not been widely publicised.

How do you pronounce Cathetosaurus?

Cathetosaurus is pronounced 'KATH-eh-toe-SORE-us', with emphasis on the first syllable. The name comes from Greek words meaning 'perpendicular lizard'.

What does Cathetosaurus mean?

Cathetosaurus means 'perpendicular lizard' in Greek. The name refers to the perpendicular angles observed in certain bones of the original skeleton when it was first described.

How fast could Cathetosaurus run?

Like other large sauropods, Cathetosaurus was not built for speed. Its massive size and pillar-like legs suggest it moved at a walking pace, probably no faster than a few kilometres per hour.

What type of dinosaur was Cathetosaurus?

Cathetosaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, belonging to the family Camarasauridae. However, its exact classification is debated, with some scientists considering it a species of Camarasaurus rather than its own genus.

Was Cathetosaurus related to birds?

As a sauropod, Cathetosaurus was not closely related to modern birds. Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, while sauropods like Cathetosaurus belonged to a different major group of dinosaurs called sauropodomorphs.

How many Cathetosaurus fossils have been found?

The exact number of Cathetosaurus fossils is not well documented in published literature. The original material described by James A. Jensen in 1988 forms the basis for our knowledge of this dinosaur, though additional specimens may exist in museum collections.