Barosaurus was a large, plant-eating sauropod dinosaur that lived in North America within the Late Jurassic Interval, roughly 155 to 150 million years in the past.
This huge dinosaur, whose identify means “heavy lizard,” was distinguished by its distinctive dimension, that includes a remarkably lengthy neck and tail that made it one of many longest dinosaurs ever found.
Found within the wealthy fossil beds of North America’s Morrison Formation, Barosaurus belonged to the identical household – Diplodocidae – because the closely-related Diplodocus.
Barosaurus Details
- Sort of Dinosaur: Sauropod
- Food regimen: Herbivore
- Continent(s) Discovered: North America
- Size: Roughly 24–27 meters (79–89 toes) (probably even longer – see textual content)
- Peak: As much as 15 meters (49 toes) on the head when rearing up
- Weight: Estimated between 15 and 20 metric tons (33,000 to 44,000 kilos) (probably much more – see textual content)
- Interval: Late Jurassic (roughly 155 to 150 million years in the past)
What Did Barosaurus Look Like?
Barosaurus was an unlimited sauropod dinosaur distinguished by its exceptionally lengthy neck, which might lengthen as much as 9 meters (30 toes). This exceptional neck allowed Barosaurus to achieve excessive into the treetops to feed on foliage.
The neck of Barosaurus was longer than that of the closely-related Diplodocus, however its tail was shorter.
The physique of Barosaurus was huge and strong, supported by 4 sturdy, pillar-like legs, and its head to tail size ranged between 24 to 27 meters (79 to 89 toes). This colossal dinosaur weighed an estimated 15 to twenty metric tons (33,000 to 44,000 kilos).
Some paleontologists estimate that Barosaurus was even bigger, with a most size of round 45 m, and a most weight of round 60 metric tons. Nevertheless, the fossils upon which these estimates had been primarily based might have been from a unique dinosaur (a Supersaurus, one other big sauropod).
The pinnacle of Barosaurus was comparatively small compared to its huge physique, that includes an extended, slender snout geared up with peg-like tooth preferrred for stripping leaves from branches. Its nostrils, like these of different Diplodocids, pointed upwards.
The tail was lengthy and whip-like, which can have been used for steadiness or protection.
What Does The Identify Barosaurus Imply?
The identify “Barosaurus” means “heavy lizard.” The identify is derived from the Greek phrases “barys,” which means “heavy,” and “sauros,” which means “lizard.” This identify displays the dinosaur’s huge dimension and weight.
What Sort Of Dinosaur Was Barosaurus?
Barosaurus was a sauropod. Sauropods had been a bunch of enormous, long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs characterised by their huge our bodies, lengthy necks, lengthy tails, and 4 thick, pillar-like legs.
Barosaurus is a part of the household Diplodocidae, which incorporates different well-known sauropods like Diplodocus and Apatosaurus. These dinosaurs had been recognized for his or her spectacular dimension and size, making them among the largest land animals to have ever existed.
Family members Diplodocidae are generally known as diplodocids. Diplodocids appeared within the mid Jurassic, and have become extinct within the early Cretaceous Interval.
The place Did Barosaurus Reside?
Barosaurus lived in what’s now North America. Fossil proof of Barosaurus has been primarily discovered within the Morrison Formation, which spans components of the western United States, together with states like Utah, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
When Did Barosaurus Reside?
Barosaurus lived through the Late Jurassic interval, roughly 155 to 150 million years in the past.
What Dinosaurs And Different Animals Did Barosaurus Reside With?
Barosaurus lived alongside a wide range of different dinosaurs and animals within the Late Jurassic interval, primarily inside the Morrison Formation of North America. This various ecosystem included a number of notable teams, together with:
- Allosaurus: A big carnivorous theropod that was one of many high predators of the time.
- Apatosaurus: One other massive sauropod, related in dimension to Barosaurus, recognized for its strong construct and lengthy neck.
- Diplodocus: An in depth relative of Barosaurus, characterised by its extraordinarily lengthy tail and neck.
- Stegosaurus: An herbivorous dinosaur acknowledged by its distinctive again plates and tail spikes.
- Camarasaurus: A smaller sauropod with a shorter neck and a extra strong physique in comparison with Barosaurus.
- Brachiosaurus: A sauropod notable for its longer entrance legs, which gave it a extra upright posture and allowed it to achieve larger vegetation.
Along with dinosaurs, Barosaurus shared its atmosphere with varied different animals, together with pterosaurs, crocodyliforms (early kinfolk of contemporary crocodiles), early mammals and amphibians.
