Mamenchisaurus was a large sauropod noted for their extreme neck lengths. They lived in what is now China, and their name means 'Mamenchi lizard' in reference to where their remains have been found. They possessed large spatula-shaped teeth meaning they could chew plant matter, rather than use gizzard stones.
Discovery
A partial skeleton of Mamenchisaurus was found in 1952 at a construction site for the Yitang Highway in China. Further species have been discovered since then.
Paleoecology
The Dashanpu Formation was once a rich forest, likely supported by a nearby lake and river. The variety of finds includes aquatic creatures, as well as numerous sauropods, indicating a diverse ecosystem.
