The osteology of Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis , a sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic Kota Formation of India

Extensive and well preserved sauropod material belonging to more than twelve individuals were recovered from the Early Jurassic Kota Formation of India. The sauropod Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis is characterized by simple dorsal vertebrae and a low iliac blade. Detailed osteological description of Kotasaurus is presented. The characters that distinguish Kotasaurus from the primitive sauropods are provided. It is considered to be one of the earliest sauropods and has some primitive features. The character analysis revealed that Kotasaurus is a basal sauropod in addition to Vulcanodon, Shunosaurus, Barapasaurus, and Omeisaurus.