Datousaurus: Research Database
Mamenchisauridae (Sauropoda) · Middle-Late Jurassic (~160 MYA) · Asia — China (Sichuan, Xiashaximiao Formation)
Research Note: Datousaurus was a mamenchisaurid sauropod from the Jurassic of Sichuan, China — an important taxon for understanding sauropod evolution and the diversity of Chinese Jurassic dinosaurs.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Maisch & Matzke 2019: Datousaurus and new data on mamenchisaurid diversity from the Jurassic of China
Maisch & Matzke 2019 provide comprehensive data on Datousaurus from the Xiashaximiao Formation of Sichuan, establishing it as a mamenchisaurid and documenting sauropod diversity in the Jurassic of East Asia
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Confirmed | A | 2019 | Fossil | Maisch & Matzke, Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | Diversity |
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Wings & Schwarz-Wings 2011: Datousaurus and additional data on sauropod paleobiology
Wings & Schwarz-Wings 2011 provide additional data on Datousaurus and sauropod paleobiology, further contextualising its significance within Mamenchisauridae
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Confirmed | B | 2011 | Fossil | Wings & Schwarz-Wings, Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | Paleobiology |
Active Debate: Mamenchisaurid Evolution in East Asia
Whether Datousaurus is basal or derived within Mamenchisauridae is debated. The evolution of mamenchisaurids in the Jurassic of East Asia — and their relationships to other sauropods — is key to understanding Jurassic dinosaur ecosystems.
What We Still Do Not Know About Datousaurus
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimen known.
- Diet: Herbivore.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
- Relationships: Partially understood.
In Depth
At fifteen meters long it could be said that Datousaurus was a lower average in terms of sauropod sizes of the Jurassic era. The skull of Datousaurus is noted as being deep with ‘spoon-shaped’ teeth for processing plants. Datousaurus is also noted for having a higher reach than some other sauropods that lived around the same time and location as it did.
As a member of the Mamenchisauridae, Datousaurus was of course related to the type genus of this group, Mamenchisaurus, which is also known from the same fossil bearing formation as Datousaurus. Other sauropods from the Dashanpu formation include Omeisaurus, Shunosaurus and Dashanpusaurus. Possible predators of Datousaurus, particularly of smaller juveniles could include the theropod dinosaurs Yangchuanosaurus, Kaijiangosaurus and Xuanhanosaurus, all of which are known from the Lower Shaximiao of the Dashanpu Formation.
Further Reading
- Note on a new Mid-Jurassic sauropod (Datousaurus bashanensis gen. et sp. nov.) from Sichuan Basin, Z. Dong & Z. Tang - 1984.
