**Tharosaurus: The Thar Desert Lizard**
Tharosaurus is a special type of dinosaur known as a dicraeosaurid. It lived during the Middle Jurassic period, around 168 to 166 million years ago.
**Where It Was Found**
This dinosaur was discovered in the Jaisalmer Formation in India, close to a village called Jethwai. The scientists found some important pieces of Tharosaurus, including part of its neck and back bones and a rib. These remains help us learn more about this ancient creature.
**What Its Name Means**
The name “Tharosaurus” means “Thar Desert lizard.” This name comes from the Thar Desert where the dinosaur was found and a Greek word “sauros” which means “lizard”. The species name “T. indicus” refers to its discovery in India.
**Why It Matters**
Tharosaurus is interesting because it is the oldest member of a group called diplodocoids. This makes it an important find for understanding the history of dinosaurs. It helps show how dinosaurs might have spread across the world from once place.
**The Environment It Lived In**
The Jaisalmer Formation, where Tharosaurus lived, was by the Tethyan coast of India. Other dinosaurs found in this area include a large meat-eating dinosaur and a different group of long-necked sauropods. These discoveries give us a glimpse of the type of environment Tharosaurus lived in, making it clear that it was home to many different kinds of dinosaurs.
In summary, Tharosaurus is an exciting piece of history that tells us about the past and how dinosaurs lived in ancient India.