Apatosaurus, a well-known dinosaur, captures the imagination with its immense size. This prehistoric giant was among the largest land animals to ever roam Earth. Its sheer scale is a defining characteristic, sparking curiosity about its true size. This article explores the remarkable dimensions of Apatosaurus, offering insights into its estimated length, height, and weight.
Unveiling Apatosaurus Dimensions
Scientific estimates, derived from fossilized skeletal remains, provide a comprehensive understanding of Apatosaurus’s size. The average length ranged from approximately 21 to 23 meters (69 to 75 feet), with some larger specimens reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet).
At the hips, Apatosaurus stood around 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall. Its overall height, considering its long neck, could reach up to 9 meters (30 feet). On average, it weighed between 16.4 and 22.4 metric tons (18.1 and 24.7 short tons). Some larger individuals may have reached up to 41 metric tons (45 tons), with exceptionally large specimens possibly reaching 72.6 metric tons. These measurements represent scientific approximations, acknowledging natural variations among individuals.
Putting Apatosaurus Size into Perspective
To appreciate the scale of Apatosaurus, its dimensions can be compared to familiar objects. Its typical length of 21 to 23 meters is comparable to two standard school buses placed end-to-end. The longest individuals, reaching nearly 30 meters, would stretch across an entire tennis court.
At its hips, Apatosaurus stood about 4.5 meters, similar to a single-story house. Its total height, reaching up to 9 meters, would be as tall as a three-story building. An average Apatosaurus, weighing between 16.4 and 22.4 metric tons, is equivalent to three to four adult African elephants. The heaviest individuals, exceeding 40 metric tons, would weigh as much as a small passenger train car.
The Brontosaurus Legacy
Apatosaurus’s identity has been intertwined with Brontosaurus, leading to historical confusion. Paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh first described Apatosaurus in 1877. Two years later, he named another sauropod, Brontosaurus.
In 1903, paleontologist Elmer Riggs concluded the differences between the two genera were not substantial enough for separate classifications. Since Apatosaurus was named first, scientific naming rules dictated it held priority, and Brontosaurus became a junior synonym. For over a century, Brontosaurus was largely absent from formal scientific use. However, a 2015 study re-examined fossil evidence and concluded Brontosaurus possessed enough distinct features, particularly in its shoulders and neck, to be re-established as its own separate genus. This reclassification brought the “thunder lizard” back into the scientific lexicon as a valid and distinct dinosaur.