Brachiosaurus Information

Brachiosaurus, a colossal dinosaur of the Jurassic period (156-145 million years ago), was an impressive 80 feet long and weighed over 28 tons—about the weight of four African elephants. Its massive size may have been an evolutionary advantage, deterring predators like Allosaurus. Additionally, its size might have been necessary for housing an extensive digestive system to process tough, fibrous plants.

The name “Brachiosaurus” derives from the Greek words for “arm lizard,” aptly named due to its longer forelegs compared to its hind legs. This unique feature allowed Brachiosaurus to reach high into trees for food, making it a distinctive member of the sauropod family—large, long-necked herbivores including Apatosaurus.

Scientists once believed Brachiosaurus lived in water, supported by its sheer size and the position of its nostrils on top of its skull, akin to a snorkel. However, it’s now understood that the water pressure would have made breathing impossible, and the nostril placement doesn’t fully represent the actual nasal structure, similar to how a human skull might mislead an alien about our noses!

These insights highlight the fascinating adaptations and misconceptions surrounding one of the most iconic dinosaurs.