Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

Both Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus were sauropods. The features that distinguished them are listed in the table below.

Features

Apatosaurus

Brachiosaurus

Time period

Existed during the Late Jurassic Period

Existed during the Late Jurassic Period and Early Cretaceous.

Location

North America

North America, Europe, and Africa

Size

Smaller with an average height of 23 metres and body weight 45 tonnes.

Larger with an average height of 25 metres and body weight 80 tonnes.

Posture and Body type

More Horizontal and barrel like body.

More Upright and slender body.

Neck

Shorter and held horizontally

Longer and held vertically

Skull

Elongated and narrow

Short and broad

Teeth

Chisel -shaped

Spoon or pencil-shaped

Tail

Long and whip like .

Short

Limbs

The forelimbs were shorter than the hind limbs.

The forelimbs were longer than hind limbs.

Diet

Fed on low lying plants

Fed on tall plants.

Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus were sauropod dinosaurs that dominated the Earth in the late Jurassic period. Both of these dinosaurs were herbivores. Apatosaurus had a horizontal posture, a long neck, and a sturdy body, reaching lengths of 70 to 90 feet and was found in North America. Brachiosaurus on the other hand was one of the largest sauropods. It had a comparatively upright body like a giraffe, with longer front legs and nasal openings on top of the head. It reached lengths of over 85 feet and was found in North America, Africa, and Europe.

Table of Content

  • Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus
  • What is an Apatosaurus?
  • What is a Brachiosaurus?
  • Conclusion -Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus
  • FAQs on Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

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Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

Both Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus were sauropods. The features that distinguished them are listed in the table below....

What is an Apatosaurus?

The first species of Apatosaurus was formally described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877. Since then several fossils of this genus have been discovered in the Morrison formation which includes several parts of the Western United States like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It is believed that these dinosaurs thrived around 150 million years ago on Earth and primarily dominated the North American continent in the Late Jurassic period....

What is a Brachiosaurus?

The discovery of Brachiosaurus fossil in 1903 is credited to American paleontologist Elmer S. Riggs. Riggs formally named the first species of Brachiosaurus as Brachiosaurus altithorax in 1903. These animals belonged to sauropod group and were characterised by long necks, short heads and longer forelimbs in comparison to hind limbs. These animals are believed to be comparitively rare and thrived in parts of North America, Europe, and Africa during Late Jurassic and early Cretaceous period....

Conclusion – Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

The fossil studies of Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus hold their significance in understanding Jurassic ecosystems and dinosaur evolution. These giants provide crucial insights into various herbivorous strategies supported by their unique anatomy. A comparative analysis also helps in deciphering dinosaur diversity, adaptations, and distribution across continents during the Late Jurassic and early cretaceous period. Additionally, the study of these fossil also help us to understand the biomechanics of these large sauropods and how evolution shaped the population through the ages....

FAQs on Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus

What is the Difference Between Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus?...

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