Asylosaurus
A basal sauropodomorph that survived wartime destruction of its relatives.
Asylosaurus is a genus of basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Late Triassic Avon Fissure Fill of England. Its name means 'unharmed or sanctuary lizard,' referencing the fact that its remains escaped destruction during a bombardment in 1940 in World War II, unlike the original holotype of Thecodontosaurus. The type species is A. yalensis, named after Yale University, where the fossils were brought by Othniel Charles Marsh between 1888 and 1890.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Asylosaurus
- Species
- yalensis
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The partial remains of Asylosaurus were discovered in the autumn of 1834 and described in 1836 by Henry Riley and Samuel Stutchbury as pertaining to Thecodontosaurus, but the Asylosaurus material was collected later and was not part of the original Thecodontosaurus holotype. Othniel Charles Marsh brought these bones to Yale University between 1888 and 1890, which inadvertently saved them from destruction during a bombardment in 1940 in World War II that destroyed the original holotype of Thecodontosaurus. The genus was formally described in 2007 by Peter Galton, who recognized it as distinct from Thecodontosaurus and Pantydraco.
Reader's Guide
Asylosaurus is significant as a basal sauropodomorph from the Late Triassic of England, providing insight into the diversity of early sauropodomorphs in the region. Its remains are historically notable for having been saved from wartime destruction due to their transport to Yale University. The genus helps clarify the taxonomy of early sauropodomorphs, as it was originally misidentified as Thecodontosaurus. Its distinct humerus structure suggests it occupied a separate ecological niche from contemporaneous basal sauropodomorphs like Thecodontosaurus and Pantydraco, possibly differing in diet along the omnivore-herbivore spectrum. The preservation of its partial skeleton, including gastralia and hand bones, contributes to understanding the anatomy of early sauropodomorphs. According to Gregory S. Paul, it was about 2 metres long and weighed roughly 250 kilograms. Asylosaurus thus represents both a paleontological and historical artifact, linking 19th-century fossil discoveries with modern taxonomic revision.
Did You Know?
- The name Asylosaurus means 'unharmed or sanctuary lizard,' referencing its escape from destruction during a 1940 World War II bombardment.
- Its remains were originally described in 1836 as belonging to Thecodontosaurus by Henry Riley and Samuel Stutchbury.
- Othniel Charles Marsh brought the fossils to Yale University between 1888 and 1890, which saved them from the 1940 bombing that destroyed the original Thecodontosaurus holotype.
- Asylosaurus differs from Thecodontosaurus and Pantydraco in the structure of its humerus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asylosaurus?
Asylosaurus is a small basal sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Late Triassic (Rhaetian stage), known from the Durdham Down area of Bristol, England. Its sole species, A. yalensis, was formally described by Peter Galton in 2007.
Why is Asylosaurus called the 'unharmed lizard'?
The name refers to the fact that these fossils survived a 1940 World War II bombing raid that obliterated the original holotype of the closely related Thecodontosaurus. Because the Asylosaurus material escaped that destruction, Galton chose a name meaning 'unharmed or sanctuary lizard.'
What is the connection between Asylosaurus and Yale University?
The species epithet 'yalensis' honours Yale, where Othniel Charles Marsh shipped the fossils between 1888 and 1890. The specimens sat in that collection for well over a century before Galton re-examined and redescribed them.
How big was Asylosaurus?
It measured roughly two metres (about 6 ft 7 in) in length and weighed around 250 kilograms (550 lb). That modest build is consistent with its position as an early, basal member of the sauropodomorph lineage.
Where were the Asylosaurus fossils discovered?
The remains come from the Avon Fissure Fill deposits at Durdham Down in Clifton, Bristol, England. These Late Triassic sediments have produced several important early dinosaur specimens over the past 150 years.
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