Plateosaurus was a large, early sauropodomorph dinosaur and one of the earliest successful groups of massive plant-eaters. The genus is considered one of the best-known dinosaurs from the Late Triassic Period, with over a hundred fossil specimens recovered. These remains, many of which are nearly complete, provide extensive detail about its existence, geological age, and geographic distribution.
The Triassic Context
Plateosaurus existed during the Late Triassic Period, spanning the Norian and Rhaetian stages, approximately 214 to 204 million years ago. This time marked a significant phase in Earth’s history, as the supercontinent Pangaea was still largely assembled. This vast central body influenced global climate and the dispersal of early dinosaur species.
The geographic distribution of Plateosaurus was tied to the northern portion of Pangaea, known as Laurasia. Pangaea began to rift apart toward the end of the Triassic, a period of geological unrest that ultimately led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
Fossil Distribution Across Europe
The fossil record indicates that Plateosaurus was concentrated in what is now Central and Northern Europe. Remains have been discovered at over 50 localities, primarily across modern-day Germany, Switzerland, and France. This distribution suggests the dinosaur was a dominant and widespread herbivore in that ancient part of the continent.
Three sites stand out for their exceptional quality and quantity of specimens, often referred to as bonebeds: Trossingen and Halberstadt in Germany, and Frick in Switzerland. Trossingen, in Baden-Württemberg, is famous for yielding numerous complete skeletons. Halberstadt also provided a significant number of individuals, including the type specimen. Frick has produced skeletons comparable in completeness to the German finds, demonstrating a regional concentration of the species.
The Plateosaurus Habitat
Within the European region of the Late Triassic, Plateosaurus inhabited a terrestrial environment characterized by a seasonal climate. While the broader landscape across Laurasia was often dry, local conditions supported the large herbivores. The most likely habitats were floodplains and riparian zones, areas adjacent to rivers and wetlands where water was consistently available.
The preservation of many skeletons in mass assemblages suggests that some individuals were trapped in soft sediment, such as mud-miring traps or quicksand, common in these wet-dry environments. The plant life consisted primarily of ferns, cycads, and conifers, as flowering plants had not yet evolved. Plateosaurus relied on this tough vegetation, using its ability to rear up on its hind legs to browse on taller flora.