Supersaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Diplodocidae
An immense dinosaur found in Colorado in 1972 by"Dinosaur Jim" Jensen, Supersaurus had a 39-foot long neck. Most notable about the rather incomplete material is a scapula or shoulder bone 8 feet long, which suggests an overall height of 65 feet. Supersaurus is a diplodocid, characterized by a long, narrow head, very long neck, and a tail that ended in a taperingwhiplash. The same quarry that produced Supersaurus also produced Ultrasauros.
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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 Supersaurus mean?
The name Supersaurus means “Super Lizard”. It is pronounced SOO-per-SAWR-us.
When did Supersaurus live?
Supersaurus lived during the Late Jurassic.
Was Supersaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Supersaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Supersaurus?
Supersaurus was about 120 feet (36.6 meters) long, around 65 feet (20 meters) tall, weighing up to 120,000 pounds (54,432 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Diplodocidae family.
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