Pronunciation: SHEN-ju-SOR-us
Meaning: Chinese lizard
Author/s: Ji et al. (2003)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Liaoning, China
Discovery Chart Position: #532
Shenzhousaurus orientalis
(Eastern Chinese lizard)Etymology
Shenzhousaurus is derived from "Shenzhou" (the ancient name
of China) and the Greek "sauros" (lizard).
The species epithet, orientalis, refers to "the east" (the countries of Asia).
Discovery
The remains of Shenzhousaurus were discovered in the Yixian Formation at the Sihetun fossil site, Beipiao, western Liaoning Province, China, by local farmers.The holotype (NGMC 97-4-002) is a partial skeleton, minus the the lower hindlimbs, tail-end, shoulder girdle, and forelimbs (except for part of the right hand)—in a "death pose", with the neck arched backwards over its torso—preserved on a sandstone slab. The thoracic cavity contains numerous small pebbles that are likely gastroliths for grinding food.
Preparators
Brian Roach with the consultation of Marilyn Fox.
