Sugiyamasaurus is a name given to a genus of dinosaur that is yet to be fully described by paleontologists. It is believed to have been a sauropod, a group known for their massive size and long necks, and lived in what is now Japan during the Late Cretaceous period.
Despite the lack of a formal description, the term ‘Sugiyamasaurus’ has been used in various scientific resources and publications to refer to the fossil material that includes distinctive spatulate teeth associated with this dinosaur. The informal name pays homage to Japanese ties, and while it resides in scientific literature, Sugiyamasaurus is eagerly anticipated to be formally defined and added to the dinosaur taxonomy in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Sugiyamasaurus is an informally named genus of sauropod dinosaur from Japan.
- It lived in the Late Cretaceous period but has not been formally described.
- The dinosaur is known from fossil teeth and holds significance for paleontology in Asia.
Classification and Taxonomy
The classification of Sugiyamasaurus sheds light on its fascinating evolutionary journey, putting it as an enigmatic part of the dinosaur classification system.
Genus and Family
Sugiyamasaurus is referred to as a nomen nudum, meaning it is a name lacking a formal description. David Lambert is credited with first using the name Sugiyamasaurus. Although not officially described, it is thought to belong to the Camarasaurid family, a group within Eusauropoda, falling under Macronaria, which is a clade of sauropod dinosaurs.
Saurischian Lineage
Sugiyamasaurus falls under the Saurischia subdivision of Dinosauria, which is distinguished by its ‘lizard-hipped’ structure. This placement links it to one of the two major groups of dinosaurs, revealing its evolutionary connections within the vast and diverse world of prehistoric life.
Geological Time Frame
Sugiyamasaurus roamed the Earth during a time known for its dramatic changes in both climate and life forms.
Cretaceous Period
The Cretaceous Period, spanning from approximately 145 million to 66 million years ago, marks the last chapter in the Mesozoic Era. It’s during this period that Sugiyamasaurus is believed to have lived, placing it among the fascinating group of Asian dinosaurs. The latter part of this era, known as the Late Cretaceous, saw the emergence of new species and the extinction of others, shaping much of the prehistoric world recognizable today.
Important Stratigraphical Units
A vital stratigraphic unit from the Cretaceous in Asia is the Pab Formation, which is known to house fossils from a variety of species from the era. The Barremian, one of the earlier stages of the Cretaceous, and the Maastrichtian age, one of the latter stages, provide important context for understanding the ecosystems in which creatures like Sugiyamasaurus existed. Additionally, Fukuititan material has contributed significantly to what researchers know about the dinosaurs of this period, giving insights into their structure and environment.
Morphological Characteristics
Sugiyamasaurus, also known as “Sugiyama lizard”, is recognized for its unique dental morphology among sauropods.
Physical Description
The limited fossil record indicates that Sugiyamasaurus likely had the massive body typical of sauropods. Its spatulate teeth suggest it had a specialized diet, though the full extent of its size remains unknown due to incomplete remains.
Distinguishing Features
Distinctively, Sugiyamasaurus possessed spatulate teeth indicative of a sauropod; these types of teeth are broad and flat, resembling a spatula. They would have been well-suited to stripping leaves and branches, which aligns with the feeding habits expected of a large herbivorous dinosaur.
Discovery and Paleontological Significance
Sugiyamasaurus is notable for its unique place in the dinosaur record, linking its discovery to its significance in understanding the Cretaceous period in Asia.
First Discovery
Sugiyamasaurus was initially recognized through distinctive teeth found in the fossil-rich grounds of Katsuyama City, Fukui. These remains were mentioned in the Dinosaur Data Book, casting light on an as-yet unnamed genus of dinosaurs.
Fossil Sites
The Kitadani quarry in Fukui, Japan, a site of many significant paleontological discoveries, has proven important for understanding Sugiyamasaurus. Paleontologists continue to study the fossils found in this region to better understand the ecosystem of the Late Cretaceous in Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, readers will discover key information about the enigmatic dinosaur known as Sugiyamasaurus.
What era did Sugiyamasaurus live in?
Sugiyamasaurus roamed the earth during the Late Cretaceous period.
What did Sugiyamasaurus primarily feed on?
As a sauropod, it primarily consumed plant material, embodying the typical diet of a herbivore.
How large was Sugiyamasaurus compared to other dinosaurs?
While specifics on its size are lacking due to scant fossil records, Sugiyamasaurus was likely smaller than some of its colossal sauropod relatives.
What are some of the significant fossil discoveries related to Sugiyamasaurus?
Fossils attributed to Sugiyamasaurus include a few spatulate teeth, which have shaped the understanding of its classification.
How does Sugiyamasaurus differ from other sauropods?
Sugiyamasaurus might have been a camarasaurid, which would distinguish it from other sauropods based on dental and potential skeletal differences, although its exact classification is not thoroughly defined.
What type of habitat did Sugiyamasaurus inhabit?
This dinosaur was native to what is now Japan, suggesting it lived in environments that were prevalent in Asia during the Late Cretaceous.