Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus) | Description, Size, Length, & Facts
Apatosaurus, also known as Brontosaurus, is a true giant dinosaur that lived about 150 million years ago. It was first described by O. C. Marsh, a Yale University paleontologist, in 1877.
How big was the Apatosaurus?
Apatosaurus is one of the largest animals that ever lived on earth. It is 75 feet long and weighs 50,000 pounds! It has a very long neck and tail and a small head. It may have used its long neck to stay away from food as well as away from smaller predators.
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Apatosaurus walked on four legs. He moves very slowly due to his heavy weight. He may also not be very intelligent due to his small head and brain compared to his overall size. Apatosaurus doesn’t seem to hold its head high as many of the images show. This is because it will be difficult for the heart to pump such a high blood pressure. Also, the way his neck is structured will make it hard for him to raise his head.
Where did Apatosaurus live?
Fossils have been found in North America in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Oklahoma. At one time, scientists believed that Apatosaurus lived in waters and swamps. This is because his nostrils are located on the top of his head. They think it’s because it uses them to breathe in deep water. However, due to where the fossils were found, it is likely that they lived on dry land.
What did the Apatosaurus eat?
Apatosaurus was an herbivore, which means it only ate plants. He has to eat a LOT of plants every day to maintain his tall physique. It can eat all kinds of plants, including leaves and ferns. He doesn’t chew his food, but instead has stones called gastric stones in his stomach that help digest food.
Where can I go to see an Apatosaurus?
Apatosaurus fossils can be seen at the American Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Yale Peabody Museum.
Interesting facts about the Apatosaurus
They may have lived to be 100 years old.
They hatch from eggs about 1 foot long.
To get blood up to the neck and to the head, they must have a strong heart and high blood pressure.
It is likely that it wags its tail like a whip to make a loud noise to scare away predators.
Although Apatosaurus is the exact scientific name for this dinosaur, Brontosaurus is more commonly used in popular culture, from movies to American postage stamps.