Apatosaurus

(ah-PAT-uh-sawr-us)

Apatelos = deceptive
Saurus = lizard

Size: 15 feet tall at the hip, 75 feet long
Weight: About 30 tons
Range: Western North America
Habitat: Wooded plains and forests
Diet: Trees and other plants
Time period: Late Jurassic

This well-known giant is a classic dinosaur profile, evidenced by its famous likeness being reproduced on generations of toys and miniature golf courses.

The Face is Familiar, But...

You may know Apatosaurus by its former name: Brontosaurus. The change was made after scientists realized two dinosaur skeletons (separately dubbed Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus) were actually the same species.

Don't Attack From the Rear

A big, slow-moving Apatosaurus might have looked tempting to hungry predators, but its huge tail was probably a powerful weapon.

Plod-Thru Open 24 Hours

Experts think Apatosaurus ate almost constantly, only stopping to rest. These dinosaurs also may have traveled in herds, making ample food sources even more important.

Colorful Party Animals

Like ostriches and other modern herding animals, an Apatosaurus may have had naturally "camouflaged" skin patterns to help avoid predators. The Apatosaurus would blend in among the Sequoia trees and other vegetation in its native regions.

Hard Rock Café

Evidently the Apatosaurus swallowed large stones to help its digestion. Called gastroliths, these internal food processors would mash vegetation in its gizzard into a yummy pulp. The modern day Ostrich also uses gastroliths to grind its food.