The dinosaur that stood like a giraffe
Brachiosaurus was one of the tallest dinosaurs ever discovered. Unlike most sauropods, its front legs were significantly longer than its hind legs, giving it a distinctly giraffe-like posture that allowed it to browse foliage far beyond the reach of other herbivores. Its neck contained 14 massive vertebrae supported by an extensive air-sac system similar to modern birds.
Despite its colossal size, it was remarkably lightweight for its dimensions thanks to hollow bones and sophisticated air sacs throughout its skeleton. It shared its world with Stegosaurus and Allosaurus in the iconic Morrison Formation.
- • Could reach vegetation nearly 9–10 meters (30 feet) above the ground.
- • Heart the size of a small car to pump blood up its long neck.
- • Air-sac system made its skeleton surprisingly light despite enormous size.
- • One of the first sauropods reconstructed with an upright neck posture.
Brachiosaurus browsing the canopy
A serene 10-second reconstruction of a Brachiosaurus herd slowly browsing high in the misty Jurassic forest.
Gallery
Habitat
River valleys and forests of the Morrison Formation. Lush with tall conifers and abundant vegetation for high browsing.