Cetiosaurus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cetiosaurus Temporal range: Middle Jurassic, 167Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓

Mounted skeleton, New Walk Museum
Scientific classification
Genus:	Cetiosaurus
Species:	oxoniensis

Cetiosaurus is a sauropod dinosaur. It was a herbivore.

Cetiosaurus was discovered in 1842. It was the first sauropod from which bones were described, and is the most complete sauropod found in England. The dinosaur was about 16 metres (52 ft) long and to have weighed roughly 11 tonnes (12 short tons). It is now known as Cetiosaurus oxoniensis.

Name
Size and appearance
When and where did Cetiosaurus live?
What did Cetiosaurus eat?
How did Cetiosaurus move?
Cetiosaurus and its relatives
Cetiosaurus in science and popular culture
Images for kids
See also

Name

The name 'Cetiosaurus' might sound a little strange. It actually means "whale lizard"! When the first Cetiosaurus bones were discovered, its describer, Sir Richard Owen, thought they belonged to a giant sea creature, like a whale, because some of the bones were quite large and heavy. We now know that Cetiosaurus was a land-dwelling dinosaur, a type of sauropod.

Size and appearance

Sauropods were some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth. Imagine a creature as tall as a four-story building! That’s how big some Cetiosaurus specimens are estimated to have been.

Based on the fossils, scientists estimate that Cetiosaurus could reach lengths of 18 to 21 meters (59 to 69 feet)! That’s longer than a school bus! Its neck was incredibly long, helping it reach high into the treetops to feed on leaves and other vegetation. Its tail was also very long and provided balance. Cetiosaurus likely walked on all four legs, though there's some debate among scientists about whether they could rear up on their hind legs. Its head was relatively small compared to its massive body.

When and where did Cetiosaurus live?

Cetiosaurus roamed the Earth during the Middle and Late Jurassic period, a time long, long ago between about 166 million and 147 million years ago. That's much older than even your great-great-great-grandparents! Fossils of Cetiosaurus have been found in different parts of the world, mostly in England, but also in places like Portugal and possibly even Tanzania. These discoveries tell us that Cetiosaurus lived in various environments, possibly near rivers, lakes, or swamps.

What did Cetiosaurus eat?

Cetiosaurus was a herbivore, which means it ate plants. Its long neck was perfectly suited for browsing high in the trees, reaching parts of the vegetation that other animals couldn't reach. Scientists believe Cetiosaurus might have swallowed stones, called gastroliths, to help grind up the tough plant material in its stomach, similar to how some birds do today.

How did Cetiosaurus move?

With its enormous size, you might think Cetiosaurus moved slowly. While it wasn't a speedy runner, it likely moved at a moderate pace, ambling through the Jurassic landscapes. Scientists believe that its strong legs and powerful muscles helped it support its enormous weight. The long neck and tail likely acted as counterweights, helping to keep the animal stable as it moved.

Cetiosaurus and its relatives

Cetiosaurus belonged to a group of sauropods known as Cetiosauridae. This family included other large sauropods that lived during the Jurassic period. While Cetiosaurus is one of the best-known members of this group, many other related sauropods have been discovered across the globe, each with its unique characteristics. Comparing different species helps scientists piece together the story of dinosaur evolution.

Cetiosaurus in science and popular culture

Cetiosaurus has played a significant role in paleontology. Its discovery and subsequent study helped lay the groundwork for our understanding of sauropods and the evolution of dinosaurs. The numerous fossil discoveries have allowed scientists to refine estimates of size, lifestyle, and evolutionary relationships. It also features in books and documentaries, sparking the imagination of dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.