Brachiosaurus (pronounced BRACK-ee-owe-SORE-us) was one of the largest dinosaurs ever. (If you were on the fifth floor of a building, Brachiosaurus could easily see you through the window.) This sauropod had a small head with large airholes over its eyes. At one time, scientists believed this was for life in the water.
Evidence now proves that Brachiosaurs lived on dry land. Its small head was more like a small extension of the neck, having a tiny mouth with small spatula or spoon-like teeth. Since there were no grinding teeth, small rough rocks helped digest food.
Brachiosaurus had a long neck (32ft. 6in. in length) made of hollow bones for easy maneuvering. Its long front legs, tilted body and long tail aided in balance and support. Brachiosaurus had a barrel-like body with four massive column-like legs. At the end of each leg was a round, padded foot with five short, stubby toes. The first toe and three back toes had sharp claws on them.
Food
Brachiosaurus was a herbivore, eating mostly from treetops. During the Jurassic Period, large spreading leafy trees (like oaks) did not exist. Brachiosaurus dined on firs, pines, spruces, redwoods, larches, gingkoes and cycads. Today, the maidenhair ginkgo and cycads (like palm trees with woody trunks and large feathery fern fronds spreading umbrella style at the top) still exist in tropical climates. There were no grasses or flowering plants during Brachiosaurus’ time.
Habitat
Brachiosaurus lived in the plains and forests of Northern America, Africa and Europe.
Predators
Brachiosaurus did not have to worry much about predators. When a meat-eating dinosaur like Allosaurus was around, the herd circled its young, building an impenetrable blockade. Brachiosaurus used its large tail as a whip to strike predators and its massive size to crush them.
Social Structure
Brachiosaurus traveled in herds of 15-20 and moved daily, as they consumed the vegetation. Pack living and its giant size kept the Brachiosaurs safe from predators
Lydia King is a huge animal lover and has always been fascinated with learning about the animal kingdom. She enjoys writing about anything animal related from scientific information about rare species to animal references in pop culture.
