Brontosaurus Size report
Brontosaurus is a member of sauropod dinosaurs. Its name means "thunder lizard" in Greek. Othniel Charles Marsh named "Brontosaurus excelsus" in 1879, but this name was officially abolished in 1974 and replaced by Apatosaurus in 1879. However, after research and confirmation, Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus are two different dinosaurs.
Brontosaurus was one of several largest long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs in the Late Jurassic. All long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs had four huge legs, a small brain atop a long neck, and a long, thin tail. Their appearance is very similar and confuses many people.
Brontosaurus had large bodies and small heads; because of such disproportion, they were nicknamed "deceptive lizards." For a long time, scientists believed that Brontosaurus could not support its heavy body, so it lived in water. However, recent research has shown that Brontosaurus limbs could easily support the body. Let's find out more interesting facts about Brontosaurus's body size and appearance.
Brontosaurus Size and Appearance
Brontosaurus was a large sauropod, a group of typically large dinosaurs with long necks and long tails. It lived during the Late Jurassic Period, from about 156 to 145 million years ago. With its slender neck, small head, bulky torso, and long whip-like tail, it was adapted to a herbivorous lifestyle. Brontosaurus were more likely to live in the plains or forests and eat the twigs and needles of fir, pine, redwood, etc. But biologists found that Brontosaurus may do not chew, so they believe Brontosaurus swallowed stones and stored them in the stomach to grind up food. In recent years, Brontosaurus has often been depicted with its neck low and straight. During normal locomotion, their tail lifts off the ground.
Average Size of Brontosaurus
Brontosaurus had an overall length between 21-23 m and a standing height of 8-9 meters. The body weight of Brontosaurus can reach more than 20 tons, which is smaller than that of its close relative Apatosaurus, which can reach a maximum of 50-55 tons, but the general individual weight of the two is similar about 10-15 tons. Because of its huge body, Brontosaurus makes a booming sound when walking. The typical lifespan of Brontosaurus was between 80-100 years.
Quick Facts | |
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Type: | sauropod dinosaur |
Diet: | herbivorous |
How it move: | 4 legs |
When it lived: | Late Jurassic Period |
Height | 8-9 m |
Overall Length | 21-23 m |
Weight | 10-15 tons |
Lifespan | 80-100 years |
Final Words
Brontosaurus has been featured in the film, advertising, postage stamps, and other social media as one of the best-known dinosaurs. Studies of muscle traces have shown that despite their size, Brontosaurus could rear up on their hind legs, possibly to grab food or trample uninvited other predators. In addition, judging from the fossilized footprints of Brontosaurus, this behemoth often moves in groups to reduce the dangers encountered during the day.