Describer

Lapparent, 1955

Time

Jurassic Middle Bathonian

Classification

Saurischia Sauropodomorpha Sauropoda Cetiosauridae Cetiosaurinae

Diet

Herbivore

Fossilsite

Guettioua Sandstone, Province de Beni Mellal, Unnamed unit, Province de Fes, Morocco

Fall Under

Cetiosaurus

Info

Skull

Cetiosaurus (Owen, 1841) > Cetiosaurus medius (Owen, 1842) >> Cetiosaurus hypoolithicus (Owen, 1842) > Cetiosaurus oxoniensis (Phillips, 1871) >> Cetiosaurus giganteus (Owen ex Huxley, 1870) > Cetiosaurus mogrebiensis (Lapparent, 1955)

Skeleton with skull, 6 partial skeletons. The original partial skeletons of this Maroccan species were already characterized by a relatively long forelimb compared to that of the Englisch form, but the recently reported complete skeleton raises questions concerning its systematic position.

The maxilla is characterized by a broad dorsal process like those of the Chinese cetiosaurids (Monbaron, 1983). There are at least thirteen dorsal vertebrae. Their centra contain large pleurocoels. The scapula is heavy with a ventral end more expanded than in Cetiosaurus oxoniensis. The forelimb is much longer than in the latter species and all three forelimb bones are considerably more slender.

The bones of the forearm are relatively shorter. The relationship of this species is yet to be established. Perhaps it should be this be referred to a new sauropod genus, but it\\\\\\\'s not yet clear that the nearly complete Moroccan sauropod skeleton is referable toCetiosaurus mogrebiensis; it might become the type specimen of a new genus and species.