Apatosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Diplodocidae
Apatosaurus is one of the best known of all dinosaurs but usually by its more popular name "Brontosaurus". Its 20-foot-long neck supported a rather small head and its brain was about the size of a large apple. Two low ridges ran the length of its backbone, from the base ofits skull almost to the tip of its tail. These spines supported the ligamentsthat held up the neck and tail. Apatosaurus' 30-foot whip-like tail was probably its only means of self-defense. This dinosaur lived in western North America, where most specimens have been recovered.
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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 Apatosaurus mean?
The name Apatosaurus means “Deceptive Lizard”. It is pronounced ah-PAT-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Apatosaurus live?
Apatosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.
Was Apatosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Apatosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Apatosaurus?
Apatosaurus was about 75 feet (22.9 meters) long, around 30 feet (9.1 meters) tall, weighing up to 66,000 lbs (29,937 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Diplodocidae family.
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