Gasosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: GAS-oh-SORE-us
Name meaning: Gas Lizard
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 1.3m |
| Length | 3.5m |
| Weight | 150 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Middle Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | China |
Gasosaurus was a medium-sized theropod dinosaur that stalked the forests and plains of what is now China during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 171.6 to 161.2 million years ago. This bipedal predator stood about 1.3 metres tall at the hip and measured roughly 3.5 metres in length, making it comparable in size to a large modern crocodile.
As a theropod, Gasosaurus was built for hunting, with powerful hind legs, sharp claws, and rows of pointed teeth designed for slicing through flesh. Its relatively lightweight build of around 150 kilograms suggests it was likely a swift and agile predator, capable of pursuing smaller dinosaurs and other prey through the dense vegetation of its Middle Jurassic habitat.
Gasosaurus belongs to a group called tetanurans, which includes many of the most famous predatory dinosaurs. However, its exact position within this group remains uncertain due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil remains. The specimen was discovered in the famous Dashanpu fossil quarry in Sichuan Province, an area that has yielded numerous important dinosaur discoveries.
Living alongside other dinosaurs such as the massive sauropod Shunosaurus and the plated stegosaur Tuojiangosaurus, Gasosaurus would have been an important predator in its ecosystem, helping to control populations of smaller herbivorous dinosaurs and scavenging when opportunities arose.
What made Gasosaurus distinctive?
Gasosaurus had the typical theropod build with long, powerful hind legs and smaller forelimbs equipped with clawed hands. Its skull featured sharp, serrated teeth ideal for cutting meat, though the complete skull structure remains unknown due to incomplete fossil material.
Behaviour
As a theropod predator, Gasosaurus likely hunted smaller dinosaurs and other animals, using its speed and agility to pursue prey. It may have been an opportunistic feeder, both actively hunting and scavenging carrion when available.
Discovery
Gasosaurus was first described by Dong Zhiming and Tang Zilu in 1985. The original fossils were discovered at Dashanpu fossil quarry, Lower Shaximiao Formation, Sichuan Province, China.
Gasosaurus FAQ
What did Gasosaurus eat?
Gasosaurus was a carnivore that fed on meat. As a theropod predator, it would have hunted smaller dinosaurs, early mammals, and other animals that shared its
Middle Jurassic habitat. It likely used its sharp, serrated teeth to slice through flesh and may have been both an active hunter and an opportunistic scavenger.
How big was Gasosaurus?
Gasosaurus was a medium-sized theropod, standing approximately 1.3 metres tall at the hip and measuring about 3.5 metres in total length. It weighed around 150 kilograms, making it comparable in size to a large modern crocodile, though much more lightly built for speed and agility.
When did Gasosaurus live?
Gasosaurus lived during the
Middle Jurassic period, approximately 171.6 to 161.2 million years ago. This was a time when dinosaurs were diversifying rapidly and the climate was generally warm and humid across much of the world.
Where was Gasosaurus found?
Gasosaurus was discovered in China, specifically at the famous Dashanpu fossil quarry in the Lower Shaximiao Formation of Sichuan Province. This site has been incredibly productive for
Middle Jurassic dinosaur fossils and is now a museum and tourist attraction.
How do you pronounce Gasosaurus?
Gasosaurus is pronounced 'GAS-oh-SORE-us', with emphasis on the first syllable. The name combines 'gaso' from gasoline and 'saurus' meaning lizard in Greek.
What does Gasosaurus mean?
Gasosaurus means 'Gas Lizard'. The name comes from combining the English word 'gasoline' with the Greek word 'saurus' meaning lizard. This unusual name honours the gasoline company workers who discovered the fossil site whilst exploring for fuel deposits.
How fast could Gasosaurus run?
The exact running speed of Gasosaurus is unknown, as this is difficult to determine from fossil remains. However, its relatively lightweight build and long hind legs suggest it was likely a swift and agile predator, probably capable of quick bursts of speed when hunting prey.
What type of dinosaur was Gasosaurus?
Gasosaurus was a theropod dinosaur, belonging to a group called tetanurans which includes many famous predatory dinosaurs. However, its exact family relationships remain uncertain due to the incomplete nature of the fossil material that has been discovered.
Was Gasosaurus related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Gasosaurus was distantly related to modern birds. All theropods, including Gasosaurus, share a common ancestor with birds, though Gasosaurus itself was not on the direct evolutionary line that led to modern birds.
How many Gasosaurus fossils have been found?
Only fragmentary remains of Gasosaurus have been discovered, primarily from the original specimen found at Dashanpu quarry. The incomplete nature of the fossil material means that many details about this dinosaur's anatomy and exact relationships to other theropods remain uncertain.
