What is a Brachiosaurus?
The discovery of Brachiosaurus fossil in 1903 is credited to American paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs. Riggs formally named the first species of Brachiosaurus as Brachiosaurus altithorax in 1903. These animals belonged to sauropod group and were characterised by long necks, short heads and longer forelimbs in comparison to hind limbs. These animals are believed to be comparitively rare and thrived in parts of North America, Europe, and Africa during Late Jurassic and early Cretaceous period.
Taxonomic Classification of Brachiosaurus
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Sauropodomorpha
- Family: Brachiosauridae
- Genus: Brachiosaurus
Characteristics of Brachiosaurus
Most of the fossils of Brachiosaurus are incomplete. However studies suggest that Brachiosaurus had some distinctive feature that made them unique among the sauropods. Some of these features of Brachiosaurus are listed below:
- Brachiosaurus were large and tall dinosaurs that reached the heights of about 25 metres.
- They had comparatively upright posture than other sauropods.
- They had extremely long necks with elongated cervical vertebrae.
- The skull of Brachiosaurus was relatively short and broad, with nostrils positioned on the top of the head.
- The teeth are supposed to be spoon-shaped and were adapted for herbivory.
- Tails were shorter in comparison to Apatosaurus.
- The limbs of Brachiosaurus were pillar like and were adapted to bear the massive body weight.
- Reconstructed fossils suggest longer forelimbs than the hind limbs giving it an ascending posture.
Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus
Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus were sauropod dinosaurs that dominated the Earth in the late Jurassic period. Both of these dinosaurs were herbivores. Apatosaurus had a horizontal posture, a long neck, and a sturdy body, reaching lengths of 70 to 90 feet and was found in North America. Brachiosaurus on the other hand was one of the largest sauropods. It had a comparatively upright body like a giraffe, with longer front legs and nasal openings on top of the head. It reached lengths of over 85 feet and was found in North America, Africa, and Europe.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus
- What is an Apatosaurus?
- What is a Brachiosaurus?
- Conclusion -Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus
- FAQs on Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus