Dashanpusaurus Facts
Pronunciation: DAH-shan-poo-SORE-us
Name meaning: Dashan Slope Lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 4m |
| Length | 15m |
| Weight | 12 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Middle Jurassic |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | China |
Dashanpusaurus was a magnificent sauropod dinosaur that roamed the lush landscapes of what is now China during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170.9 million years ago. This impressive herbivore was formally described in 2005 by a team of Chinese palaeontologists led by Peng Guangzhao, who named the type species Dashanpusaurus dongi in honour of the renowned Chinese palaeontologist Dong Zhiming.
Like other sauropods, Dashanpusaurus possessed the characteristic long neck and tail that made these dinosaurs some of the most recognisable prehistoric creatures. Standing roughly 4 metres tall at the hip and stretching approximately 15 metres in length, this dinosaur would have been an imposing sight as it moved through the ancient forests. Its long neck allowed it to reach high into the canopy to browse on conifers, ferns, and cycads that other herbivores couldn't access.
As a plant-eater, Dashanpusaurus would have spent most of its day feeding, using its small head and simple teeth to strip vegetation which it then swallowed whole. Like modern birds, it likely used gastroliths (stomach stones) to help grind up tough plant material in its digestive system. The discovery of this sauropod has provided valuable insights into the diversity of long-necked dinosaurs that thrived during the Middle Jurassic period.
What made Dashanpusaurus distinctive?
Dashanpusaurus displayed the classic sauropod body plan with a long neck, small head, robust body, and lengthy tail. Specific distinguishing features are not well-documented due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil remains, though it would have possessed the typical column-like legs and powerful build of Middle Jurassic sauropods.
Behaviour
Dashanpusaurus likely lived in herds, moving through ancient forests in search of suitable vegetation. As a large herbivore, it would have been constantly feeding to maintain its massive body size, possibly migrating seasonally to follow food sources.
Discovery
Dashanpusaurus was first described by Peng Guangzhao, Ye Yong, Gao Yuhui, Shu Chunkang, and Jiang Shan in 2005. The original fossils were discovered at Dashanpu Formation, Sichuan Province, China.
Dashanpusaurus FAQ
What did Dashanpusaurus eat?
Dashanpusaurus was a herbivore that fed on various plants including conifers, ferns, and cycads. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation high in the trees that other dinosaurs couldn't access, and it likely swallowed stones to help digest tough plant material.
How big was Dashanpusaurus?
Dashanpusaurus was approximately 15 metres long and stood about 4 metres tall at the hip. It weighed an estimated 12 tonnes, making it a substantial but not gigantic member of the sauropod family.
When did Dashanpusaurus live?
Dashanpusaurus lived during the
Middle Jurassic period, approximately 170.9 million years ago. This was a time when sauropods were becoming increasingly diverse and widespread across the globe.
Where was Dashanpusaurus found?
Dashanpusaurus fossils were discovered in the Dashanpu Formation in Sichuan Province, China. This formation is famous for its
Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossils and has produced many important discoveries.
How do you pronounce Dashanpusaurus?
Dashanpusaurus is pronounced 'DAH-shan-poo-SORE-us'. The name breaks down into three parts: 'Dashan' (the formation name), 'pu' (meaning slope), and 'saurus' (meaning lizard).
What does Dashanpusaurus mean?
Dashanpusaurus means 'Dashan Slope Lizard', referring to the Dashanpu Formation where it was discovered. The species name 'dongi' honours the famous Chinese palaeontologist Dong Zhiming.
How fast could Dashanpusaurus run?
Like most sauropods, Dashanpusaurus was not built for speed. Its massive size and four-legged stance meant it likely moved at a slow walking pace, probably no faster than a modern elephant.
What type of dinosaur was Dashanpusaurus?
Dashanpusaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, part of the group known for their long necks, long tails, small heads, and massive bodies. Its exact family classification within the sauropods remains unclear due to limited fossil material.
Was Dashanpusaurus related to birds?
As a sauropod, Dashanpusaurus belonged to the saurischian dinosaurs, which is the same major group that eventually gave rise to birds. However, sauropods themselves were not direct ancestors to birds - that lineage came through theropod dinosaurs.
How many Dashanpusaurus fossils have been found?
The fossil record for Dashanpusaurus is relatively limited, which is common for many dinosaur species. The exact number and completeness of specimens has not been widely publicised, though enough material was recovered to establish it as a distinct species in 2005.
