[D] Marisaurus jeffi [Su] [sG] [T]
Describer
Malkani, 2004
Time
Cretaceous Late
Classification
Saurischia Sauropodomorpha Sauropoda Titanosauria [Balochisauridae ~Saltasauridae]
Diet
Hervivore
Fossilsite
Pab Formation, Pakistan
Info
Genus - Typespecies - Skull
Formally described and published with holotypes, figures, referred specimens, description, etc. in: Malkani, M. S. (2006) Biodiversity of saurischian dinosaurs from the Latest Cretaceous Park of Pakistan. Journal of Applied and Emerging Sciences, 1(3), 108-140.
Marisaurus jeffi based on first biconvex caudal centrum; short, heavy, and broad ventral groove on posterior parts of anterior caudal centra (except some anteriormost caudals) due to well developed posterior chevron facets; short, heavy and broad ventral groove of mid-caudals due to well developed posterior and faint anterior chevron facets; the ratio of dorsal view width to mid-ventral width of anterior caudal centra (except some anteriormost caudal centra), and mid-caudal centra is around 1.5; lateral surfaces on ventral view are clearly observed in the anterior and mid caudals due to mid-dorsal width greater than ventral width; robust femora; thick transversely proximal tibiae; narrow lateral width (mediolaterally elongated oval shape) of distal tibiae; and mid-mediolateral width is greater than mid-anteroposterior width of distal tibiae.
Balochisauridae represents the ratio of dorsal view width (just behind the neural arches) to mid-ventral width of anterior caudal centra (except some anteriormost caudal centra), and mid caudal centra is greater than 1.25 (or round about 1.5 and 2); first biconvex caudal centrum; short and heavy anterior and middle caudal centra; robust femora; thick transversely proximal tibiae; narrow lateral (anteroposterior) width of distal (mediolaterally elongated oval shape) tibiae; and mid-mediolateral width is greater than mid-anteroposterior width of distal tibiae. Caudal centra represent two genus and species Marisaurus jeffi and Balochisaurus malkani of Balochisauridae.