Facts About the Brontosaurus

The Brontosaurus was a massive sauropod dinosaur that roamed North America during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 156 to 145 million years ago. These gentle giants could reach lengths of up to 72 feet and weigh as much as 17 tons, making them among the largest land animals to ever exist.

Despite their enormous size, Brontosaurus had relatively small heads and long necks that allowed them to reach vegetation high in trees. Their long tails provided balance and may have been used for communication or defense. These herbivores traveled in herds and spent most of their day eating to sustain their massive bodies.

The name Brontosaurus means "thunder lizard," derived from the Greek words for thunder and lizard. For many years, the species was known as Apatosaurus, but recent scientific research led to the restoration of the original Brontosaurus name in 2015.