Brachiosaurus altithorax
Brachiosaurus altithorax
Description
The brachiosaurus is a tall sauropod with a comparatively short tail and upright posture. Its front legs are longer than its hind legs, and its head has a distinctive nasal opening that is prominently shown in many of the illustrations depicting it.Unlike many other sauropods, which orient themselves lengthwise along the ground, the Brachiosaurus’ posture is directed upward. Many researchers believe this enabled it to reach the higher limbs of treetops and vegetation, in much the same manner as a giraffe.Brachiosaur remains have been found in North America, Europe and Africa, although some researchers claim that these actually represent separate genera.
Habitat
Fossil Distribution
Brachiosaurus was a herbivore. It lived in the Jurassic/Cretaceous period and inhabited North America. Its fossils have been found in places such as Utah, Colorado and Lindi (Tanzania).
Taxonomy
Fun Facts
Brachiosaurus altithorax is mapped from PBDB occurrence occ:491428 in Morrison, United States; interval Kimmeridgian to Tithonian (154.8-143.1 Ma).
PBDB interval: Kimmeridgian to Tithonian (154.8-143.1 Ma).
Fossil occurrence locality: "approximately 70 km SSE of the Riggs locality, was named the Potter Creek Quarry" (Jensen 1987).
Formation/group: Morrison.
PBDB ecology: diet herbivore, habit ground dwelling, gregarious.