Barapasaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Vulcanodontidae
Known from parts of over 300 individual specimens found in India yet no skulls have been recovered. Barapasaurusis the oldest known sauropod certain to have been a sauropod, however; Vulcanodon may be older. While Barapasaurus gathered in herds, as did many sauropods, it differed in that it had comparatively slender legs.
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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 Barapasaurus mean?
The name Barapasaurus means “Big Leg Lizard”. It is pronounced buh-RAP-puh-SAWR-us.
When did Barapasaurus live?
Barapasaurus lived during the Early Jurassic.
Was Barapasaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Barapasaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Barapasaurus?
Barapasaurus was about 60 feet (18.3 meters) long, around 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Vulcanodontidae family.
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