Pelorosaurus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PelorosaurusTemporal range: Lower Cretaceous
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Holotype humerus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Superorder: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Infraorder: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: |
Pelorosaurus
|
Pelorosaurus conybeari is the name given to some dinosaur bones found from the Lower Cretaceous period. This was about 138 to 112 million years ago. These bones belong to a type of large, long-necked dinosaur called a sauropod.
Bones of Pelorosaurus have been discovered in England and Portugal. It was a Brachiosaur, which means its front legs were longer than its back legs. This would have made it look a bit like a modern-day giraffe.
What Was Pelorosaurus Like?
Pelorosaurus was a giant plant-eating dinosaur. Like other brachiosaurs, it probably ate leaves from the highest branches of tall conifer trees. Its long neck and front legs would have helped it reach food that other dinosaurs couldn't.
A Tricky Name for Scientists
The name Pelorosaurus has been a topic of much discussion among scientists. Sometimes, dinosaur names can be confusing, especially if the first bones found were not very complete. Some paleontologists (scientists who study fossils) prefer to call these bones Cetiosaurus brevis.
The naming of Pelorosaurus is quite old. It was one of the first dinosaurs ever described. Back then, the rules for naming new species were not as clear as they are today. Because of this, some researchers think Pelorosaurus is a nomen dubium. This is a Latin term meaning 'doubtful name'. It means they are not sure if the original bones are clear enough to define a whole species.
Images for kids
-
BMNH R28633, one of nine caudal vertebrae in 1853 referred by Owen to P. conybeari
-
The caudal sauropod vertebrae that form the type specimen of C. brevis
-
Dorsal vertebra assigned to Cetiosaurus brevis
-
Recreation
-
Holotype humerus lithograph
