Brachiosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Brachiosauridae
Brachiosaurus is one of the largest known land animals, based on a complete skeleton found in Tanzania. Each neckvertebra was more than 3 feet (1 meter) long. Its large nostrilswere located on top of its head, which caused speculation thatBrachiosaurus might have spent time submerged in water. However, recent studies have shown that a creature as large asBrachiosaurus could not have inhaled and inflated its lungs against the water pressure at depths of total submergence. Its front legs were longer than its rear legs and it stood 24 feet (7.3 meters)at the shoulder. It had small narrow feet for its size and the first digit of the front foot had a claw as did the first three digits of the hind foot. The function of the claws is unknown though they may have been used for raking plants or in self defense.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Brachiosaurus mean?
The name Brachiosaurus means “Arm Lizard”. It is pronounced BRACK-ee-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Brachiosaurus live?
Brachiosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.
Was Brachiosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Brachiosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Brachiosaurus?
Brachiosaurus was about 100 feet (30.5 meters) long, around 50 feet (15.2 meters) tall, weighing up to 120,000 lbs (54,432 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Brachiosauridae family.
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