Open Paleo

Chondrosteosaurus

Owen, 1876 kon-DROS-tee-o-SAWR-us

From Greek chondros ('cartilage') + osteon ('bone') + sauros ('lizard'), meaning 'cartilage and bone lizard', referring to the mix of cartilaginous and bony structures in its vertebrae.

125.8–121.4 million years ago Barremian, Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous stages

Chondrosteosaurus is a dubious genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Wessex Formation of England. Two species have been named: C. gigas and C. magnus, both of which are now considered invalid.

Diagnosis

  1. Flat under surface of vertebral centrum with predominant transverse over vertical diameter
  2. Hemispherical convexity of anterior articular surface, concave posterior surface
  3. Presence of bifid rib articulation indicated by both parapophysis and diapophysis on each side of centrum
  4. Deep oblong lateral depressions on sides of centrum between para- and diapophyses
  5. Neural canal at middle of vertebra approximately 1 inch 3 lines diameter, expanding to 2 inches at hinder outlet
  6. Large cancellate structure within centrum, filled with unossified cartilage (chondrine) rather than air cells

Species

Chondrosteosaurus gigas Owen, 1876

Type species

From Latin 'gigas' meaning 'giant', referring to the large size of the sauropod vertebrae on which the species was based.

Holotype
BMNH 46869 , Natural History Museum
Material
Anterior trunk vertebra; centrum with neural arch, parapophysis, diapophysis; length of centrum approximately 15 inches.
Horizon
Wessex Formation, Barremian, Early Cretaceous , 125.8–121.4 million years ago
Locality
Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

References

  1. Owen, R. (1876). Monograph on the fossil Reptilia of the Wealden and Purbeck formations. Supplement no. VII. Crocodilia (Poikilopleuron) and Dinosauria? (Chondrosteosaurus). [Wealden.]. Monographs of the Palaeontographical Society 1876: 1-7. doi:10.1080/02693445.1876.12113270 owen1876a