Rhoetosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Cetiosauridae
Found in Australia, its discovery was important because it showed that sauropods lived in Gondwanalandduring the early Jurassic period. Rhoetosaurus was a cetiosaurid, a group characterized by box-shaped heads and forelimbs and hindlimbsof equal length. Rhoetosaurus' legs were unusually stocky.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Rhoetosaurus mean?
The name Rhoetosaurus means “Trojan Lizard”. It is pronounced REE-tuh-SAWR-us.
When did Rhoetosaurus live?
Rhoetosaurus lived during the Early Jurassic.
Was Rhoetosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Rhoetosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Rhoetosaurus?
Rhoetosaurus was about 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, around 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Cetiosauridae family.
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