The Gentle Giant of the Jurassic
Meet Apatosaurus, the gentle giant of the Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago!
| Meaning | Deceptive lizard [Apato-saurus] |
| Pronunciation | uh-PAT-oh-sore-us |
| When: | Late Jurassic (155–150 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (notably in the Morrison Formation, found in Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming) |
| What: | Sauropod (large, long-necked quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur) |
| Weight: | Approximately 20–30 metric tons |
| Length: | About 21–22 meters (69–72 feet) |
| Diet: | Herbivorous (fed on ferns and other ground-level vegetation) |
| Discovered: | First described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877 |
Apatosaurus was a colossal herbivore, part of the sauropod family, known for their long necks, massive bodies, and long tails. It could grow up to 22 meters (72 feet) in length and weigh as much as 35 metric tons (77,000 pounds).
This gigantic dinosaur used its long neck to reach high into trees for leaves, while its powerful tail helped to balance its enormous body.
Apatosaurus had sturdy, column-like legs that supported its great weight as it wandered through prehistoric forests and plains.
Imagine Apatosaurus peacefully browsing in lush, ancient landscapes, its enormous size making it one of the most impressive dinosaurs of its time.