Dinosaurs: Brachiosaurus
Brachiosaurous was a large plant-eating Sauropod of the
mid-to-late Jurassic. Until recently Brachiosaurus was believed to be the
largest known dinosaur to ever have walked the earth reaching heights of up to
13 m (43ft) and weighing up to 75 tons (as much as 13 elephants).
Brachiosaurus, like most other Sauropods, had peg-like
teeth, however unlike most of the other long-necked dinosaurs, Brachiosaurus
could lower or lift its crane-like neck to browse on tree leaves or fern fronds,
similar to that of a modern day giraffe. Like other Sauropods, Brachiosaurus
teeth where perfect for stripping leaves but were not designed for chewing.
Scientists believe that these creatures probably swallowed stones that they
stored in their gizzard to mash their food.
Unlike most other Sauropods, and most other dinosaurs,
Brachiosaurus front legs were longer than its hind legs. This is what earned it
the name “arm lizard”. This peculiar feature gave it a back that sloped
downwards towards its short tail and a long neck that pointed upwards.
Another unusual feature of Brachiosaurus was its nostrils
which were located on the top of its head. This enabled the Sauropod to breathe
whilst eating.
Brachiosaurus probably travelled in large herds with the
larger adults protecting their young from hunting predators.
Brachiosaurus (Arm Lizard)
Pronounced: BRACK-ee-oh-SAW-rus
Name Means: "Arm Lizard"
Length: 82 feet (25 m)
Height: 40 feet (12 m)
Weight: 60 tons (54,500 kg)
Diet: Herbivore (Plants)
Time: Middle to Late Jurassic - 150 million years ago
Habitat: Open
Woodland
Fossils Found: Africa, Southern Europe, Northern, Western North America
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