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Apatosaurus
Click here for more Apatosaurus Pictures
This dinosaur is widely known as Brontosaurus (meaning "thunder lizard"), however the correct scientific
name is Apatosaurus (meaning "deceptive lizard").
This is because when
Othniel C. Marsh
discovered the first two fossils
in 1877 and 1879, he did not at first realize that they were adult and
juvenile examples of the same species, and hence gave the two fossils
different names.
Subsequently, it has been realized, that both of these
fossils were after all from
the same species, so only one name should be used: Apatosaurus is the correct
name, because it is was the first name used.
Apatosaurus was a massive herbivore
(plant-eater) that lived during the
late Jurassic period
157 to 146 million years ago in western
North America. An adult Apatosaurus measured
70 feet (21.3 meters) long,
and weighed a massive 33 tons.
When it was first discovered, many
scientists believed that
Apatosaurus was so huge that it could not have supported its weight on
dry land, and therefore must have lived partially submerged in water. If
you look at older books about dinosaurs, you may often see Apatosaurus depicted
in this way. More recent research and discoveries
(including the discovery of fossilized footprints),
however suggests that Apatosaurus probably
did live on dry land, and probably was a grazing animal that lived in herds.
Other interesting facts about Apatosaurus include:
- Apatosaurus
was a close relative
of
Diplodocus.
Apatosaurus was not as long as its relative, but it was more
bulky.
- Apatosaurus could have reared up on its front legs and brought them
down with crushing force on an attacker, or used its tail as a whip
in defense.
- Although most scientists believe that Apatosaurus went extinct many
millions of years ago, some cryptozoologists (people who search for
rumored or mythical animals whose existence is uncertain) have suggested
that an animal rumored to be living in the Congo River basin,
known as "Mokele-Mbembe", might possibly be a surviving
Apatosaurus, or perhaps another type of sauropod dinosaur. However,
although there have been numerous expeditions to hunt for Mokele-Mbembe,
there is currently no definitive proof of its existence.
For more information see
Living Dinosaurs?

Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus) was a herbivore (plant-eater) that lived from 157 to 146 million years ago

Related Information & Resources
See Also

Apatosaurus Facts
Here is a summary of some of the key facts about Apatosaurus:
- Apatosaurus was a genus of dinosaur.
- Although "Apatosaurus" is the correct scientific name of this genus of dinosaur, the name "Brontosaurus" is also sometimes used. Apatosaurus has two names, because its discoverer, Othniel C. Marsh did not realize that two different fossil specimens (described in 1877 and 1879 respectively) were actually juvenile and adult examples of the same animal.
- "Apatosaurus" means "deceptive lizard" ("Brontosaurus" means "thunder lizard").
- Apatosaurus was a member of the Saurischia ("lizard-hipped") order of dinosaurs. What this means, is that although Apatosaurus was not closely related to lizards, it did have similarly shaped pelvic bones.
- Apatosaurus was a Sauropod - a member of a group of related large quadrupedal herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaur with long necks.
- Apatosaurus lived between about 157 million years ago and 146 million years ago, during the Jurassic period.
- Apatosaurus lived in North America.
- Apatosaurus was a herbivore (plant-eater).
- Apatosaurus was about 70 feet (21.3 meters) long.
- Apatosaurus weighed about 33 tons.
Apatosaurus / Brontosaurus Pictures and Posters
by AllPosters
Here are some Apatosaurus / Brontosaurus pictures and posters:
(Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by AllPosters. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website).
Apatosaurus Toys Here are some toys/games from Amazon.com:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
Schleich Released: 2008-09-15 Gray Toy
 | List Price: $31.99* Lowest New Price: $4.95* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - True to life modeling and meticulously handpainted
- Made in compliance with all safety regulations
- With the Schleich-S tag, symbol for the highest quality
Product Description: Apatosaurus had strong legs to support its extended body.With its pencil-like teeth, this herbivore spent most of its time grazing and swallowing its food whole. Known for having a small head and an even smaller brain, it was still considered to be one of the largest land animals. At ninety feet long and over ten feet tall at the hip, this dinosaur weighed almost forty tons. Its tail alone could reach a length of fifty feet! In terms of age, it would not have been unheard of for an Apatosaurus to celebrate his centennial. Fun Facts: An Apatosaurus egg was approximately twelve inches wide. Zoological Name: ApatosaurusConservation Status: ExtinctPrimary Habitat: Grassland Global Home: North America |
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Safari Released: 2010-05-07 Toy
 | List Price: $11.99* Lowest New Price: $6.94* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - We refer to them as the ultimate "gym" for building great imaginations, a must for any child
- Each replica comes with 5-language educational hangtag
- Safari feeds children's passion for dragons with our vibrantly painted, action packed figures
Product Description: All the dinosaurs that children love to learn about and play with. Sculpted in amazing detail according to the latest paleontological research. Each replica comes with 5-language educational hangtag. All our products are hand-painted, phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested. |
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Safari Released: 2007-07-01 Toy
 | List Price: $34.99* Lowest New Price: $23.39* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Hand painted replica
- Measures over 24" in length
- Authentically detailed and intricately hand-finished with paint exceeding US and European lead safety standards.
Product Description: For over 25 years, Safari Ltd has been proud to provide this premier line of scale model, dinosaur collectibles. These award winning dinosaur replicas are authenticated by the paleontologists of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, who houses the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. Each Carnegie dinosaur can have up to 25 steps of hand painting to ensure the highest quality in the world marketplace. The scale of these dinos are either 1:20 or 1:40. Detailed educational information in 5 languages are provided with each replica. All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health. Safari Ltd takes pride in providing breathtaking, innovative and value priced figures for now over 3 generations. Each January, Safari Ltd introduces 2 new Carnegie models to encourage the collectibility of such an intriguing line. |
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Schleich Toy
 | List Price: $33.99* Lowest New Price: $21.96* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Schleich Apatosaurus Toy Model-New 2009
- Ages 3+
Product Description: Apatosaurus had strong legs to support its extended body.With its pencil-like teeth, this herbivore spent most of its time grazing and swallowing its food whole. Known for having a small head and an even smaller brain, it was still considered to be one of the largest land animals. At ninety feet long and over ten feet tall at the hip, this dinosaur weighed almost forty tons. Its tail alone could reach a length of fifty feet! In terms of age, it would not have been unheard of for an Apatosaurus to celebrate his centennial. Fun Facts:An Apatosaurus egg was approximately twelve inches wide. Scale: 1:40 Zoological Name: ApatosaurusConservation Status: ExtinctPrimary Habitat: GrasslandGlobal Home: North America |
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Safari Ltd Toy
 | List Price: $7.49* Lowest New Price: $5.99* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Safari Ltd. Great Dinos collection
- Hand-painted, phthalate free, safety tested
Product Description: Extra large means extra realistic! Children marvel at our jumbo-sized collection of some of the best-known dinosaurs to ever roam the planet. Child favorites such as the majestic Apatosaurus and the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex are portrayed in the type of breathtaking realism that allows a child's imagination to run wild. By providing educational information in five languages, we encourage children to learn about our great planet's history. All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health. Safari Ltd takes pride in providing breathtaking, innovative and value priced figures for now over three generations. |
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Schleich Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $24.90* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Schleich Apatosaurus Model Dinosaur Toy
- Length: 18.9" Height: 6.3"
Product Description: This handpainted Apatosaurus model is great for play and collecting. Created in close cooperation with the Natural History Museum of the Humboldt-University Berlin. Scale 1:40.Age: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Manufacturer: Schleich |
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Safari Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $6.79* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Replica comes with illustrated educational hang tag in 5 languages.
- Age 3+
Product Description: Part of the Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Dinosaur collection, prehistoric figures sculpted by experts to ensure authenticity. Each dinosaur replica is amazingly detailed, hand painted for realism and designed to stimulate the imagination. This Wild Safari® Dino Apatosaurus replica measures 9 inches long, 7.5 inches high. |
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Bullyland Toy
 | List Price: $24.99* Lowest New Price: $24.29* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Original Bullyland Soft Play figurines are soft - they feel like the real thing!
- Made on a 1:8 scale with beautiful handpainted details that make these figurines truly unique
- For ages 3 years and older
Product Description: Bullyland Soft Play figurines are made to feel like the real thing with realistic handpainted details. They are great for pretend play and wipe clean with a damp cloth.All Bullyland figurines and play sets are created to support the development of children's skills and imagination while having fun in a safe environment. We are proud of our extensive research and development on the dangers of PVC. We use a synthetic rubber material in order to achieve the highest possible safety standards and have banned the use of PVC in our products. |
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Schleich Toy
 | List Price: $31.99* Lowest New Price: $42.99* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - SCHLEICH
- IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT SAFETY REGULATIONS
- EQUIPPED WITH THE SCHLEICH TAG BEARING THE RED S, SYMBOL FOR HIGHEST QUALITY
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Puzzled off-white Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $2.60* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Apatosaurus Dinosaur 3D Woodcraft Construction Kit
- Assembled Size: 14'' L x 3'' W x 4 3/4' 'H
- NO cutting tools or glue required since all designs are pre-cut
Product Description: This is a Woodcraft Construction Kit of a Apatosaurus Dinosaur. There are 42 interlocking 3mm wooden plywood pieces and when assembled measure 14'' L x 3'' W x 4 3/4' 'H. These high grade 3mm wood puzzles come individually shrink-wrapped w/instructions & sandpaper included. Pop out the pieces and go! Painted or left as natural wood, it's a challenging, educational and creative activity for all ages. Start your collection today! The units are made of 3mm plywood and the pieces are individually slotted to interlock with one another to form a 3D model. Everything is pre-cut and assembled by pushing the pieces together. There is nothing to cut or glue. The 3D Puzzles are even paintable if desired. |
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Apatosaurus Books Here are some books from Amazon.com:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
By Susan Heinrichs Gray
Child's World Hardcover (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $27.07* Lowest New Price: $27.07* Lowest Used Price: $2.59* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Find out how the enormous, plant-eating Apatosaurus gained the name "deceptive lizard." Learn what role it played in "The Great Bone Wars" of the 1870s. Follow the many changing theories surrounding Apatosaurus, and come up with your own ideas about what life was like for this strange and mysterious dinosaur! |
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By Elaine Landau
Children's Press(CT) Paperback (48 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $6.95* Lowest New Price: $3.58* Lowest Used Price: $3.07* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of the huge plant-eating apatosaurus and discusses theories on why it became extinct. |
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By Lindeen
Capstone Press Paperback (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $6.75* Lowest New Price: $3.50* Lowest Used Price: $16.12* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Text and illustrations present the life of the dinosaur known as apatosaurus. Includes information on how this prehistoric animal looked, along with its behavior. |
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By Graham Coleman
Gareth Stevens Pub Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $19.93* Lowest New Price: $19.73* Lowest Used Price: $0.01* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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By Carol K. Lindeen
Capstone Press Paperback (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $7.95* Lowest New Price: $4.95* Lowest Used Price: $26.44* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description: Simple text and illustrations present the life of apatosaurus, how it looked, and its behavior - in both English and Spanish. |
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By Richard Gaines
Buddy Books Library Binding (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $25.65* Lowest New Price: $25.65* Lowest Used Price: $9.75* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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By Virginia Schomp
Marshall Cavendish Children's Books Library Binding (32 pages; 1)
| List Price: $29.93* Lowest New Price: $14.99* Lowest Used Price: $1.18* Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item.* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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By Jacqueline A. Ball
Harpercollins (Mm) Paperback
| List Price: $2.95* Lowest Used Price: $0.01* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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By Janet Riehecky
Childrens Pr Paperback
| List Price: $4.95* Lowest New Price: $29.95* Lowest Used Price: $7.73* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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By Joanne Mattern
Weekly Reader Early Learning Library Paperback (24 pages; 1)
| List Price: $7.00* Lowest New Price: $7.00* Usually ships in 24 hours* *(As of 05:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
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