Shunosaurus, meaning "Shu Lizard", was an unusual sauropod from Middle Jurassic beds in Sichuan Province in China, 170 million years ago. The name derives from "Shu", an ancient name for Sichuan. It was collected from the Lower Shaximiao Formation in Dashanpu, Zigong. It shared the local Middle Jurassic landscape with other sauropods Datousaurus, Omeisaurus and Protognathus, the ornithopod Xiaosaurus and the early Stegosaur Huayangosaurus as well as the carnivorous Gasosaurus.

Discovery and Species

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First described in 1983, Shunosaurus is now known from several complete or near-complete skeletons, making it anatomically one of the best known sauropods.

Shunosaurus species

• S. lii (type)

Classification

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Shunosaurus is classified as a basal eusauropod. It is related to Rhoetosaurus from Queensland in Australia.

Paleobiology

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At 10 metres long, Shunosaurus was fairly short-necked (for a sauropod) and had a short deep skull, with fairly robust spatulate teeth. Its tail ended in a club, probably used for fending off enemies.

Popular Culture

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Shunosaurus is on display at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Zigong, Sichuan Province in China.

References

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Jurassic dinosaurs | Asian dinosaurs | sauropods

Shunosaurus | Shunosaurus | Shunossauro