Spinophorosaurus nigerensis lived in the north of Gondwana during the middle Jurassic epoch (about 170 million years ago). Back then South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica and India were still a connected landmass. The ancient super-continent Gondwana split during the Cretaceous period, after the Atlantic ocean was created. Spinophorosaurus nigerensis forms the basis of the genealogical tree of the sauropod family. This is known due to the special features of the skull and spine. It is another significant find for the research into the developmental history of the long necked dinosaurs.