Plateosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Prosauropoda · Family: Plateosauridae
Plateosaurus lived in Europe, South Africa, and Nova Scotia. It had a small head and a long neck. It was basically quadrupedal; however, it might have stood on its hind legs to eat from the tops of trees. It most likely lived in herds.
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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 Plateosaurus mean?
The name Plateosaurus means “Flat Lizard”. It is pronounced PLAY-tee-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Plateosaurus live?
Plateosaurus lived during the Late Triassic.
Was Plateosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Plateosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Plateosaurus?
Plateosaurus was about 26 feet (7.9 meters) long, around 10 feet (3 meters) tall, weighing up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Plateosauridae family.
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