Massospondylus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Prosauropoda · Family: Massospondylidae
Found in South Africa, Massospondylus had a longneck and tail, bulky body with massive hands. Like allprosauropods, it was equipped to travel either bipedally oron all fours.
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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 Massospondylus mean?
The name Massospondylus means “Greater Vertebrae”. It is pronounced mass-o-SPON-dih-lus.
When did Massospondylus live?
Massospondylus lived during the Early Jurassic.
Was Massospondylus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Massospondylus was a herbivore.
How big was Massospondylus?
Massospondylus was about 19.7 feet (6 meters) long, around 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall.
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Massospondylidae family.
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