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Diplodocus
Click here for more Diplodocus Pictures
Diplodocus was a massive plant-eater (herbivore) that lived in the
Jurassic period,
155 to 145 million years ago, in North America.
Diplodocus was usually around 85 feet (25.9 meters) long, although some specimens were
as long as 100 feet (30.5 meters).
Most of its length was taken up its 24 feet (7.3 meters) neck, and its 46 feet (14 meters)
tail. Its body was only about 13 feet (4 meters) long, and its head was comparatively
tiny, just 2 feet (60 centimeters) long.
Diplodocus probably only weighed around 11 tons, about one third as much
as Apatosaurus, and only
about one eighth as much as
Brachiosaurus.
The first
fossil
skeleton of Diplodocus was found at Como Bluff,
Wyoming
by Benjamin Mudge and Samuel Wendell Williston in 1878. This specimen was
named Diplodocus longus (meaning "long double-beam")
by
Othniel C. Marsh.
Fossils of
Diplodocus are common, and many other specimens have been found, except
for the skull which is usually missing, even from otherwise complete
skeletons.
Over the years, there has been much debate over Diplodocus' posture
and lifestyle:
- Othniel C. Marsh,
originally suggested the creature was probably aquatic based on the position
of the animal's nasal openings in the skull. However, this theory
has subsequently been discarded based on the fact that the water pressure on
the animal's chest wall would have made it impossible for Diplodocus
to breathe.
- An alternative explanation for the position of the nasal openings that
has been proposed, is that Diplodocus may have had a trunk. However,
research regarding the animal's facial nerve and positioning of Diplodocus'
nostrils does not seem to support this theory.
- When Diplodocus was first discovered, it was often depicted with its
limbs splayed in a sprawling lizard-like posture. This theory was also rejected:
in this case, W. J. Holland demonstrated, that because of the great
size of the animal's rib cage, a sprawling posture would have meant that
the animal could only walk with the help of large trenches to pull its
belly through!
- Although many depictions of Diplodocus show the animal with its head
up high, some scientists now argue that such a posture would not have been
possible, simply because the heart would not have been able to sustain the
blood pressure necessary to get enough oxygen to the brain. Additionally, in
further support of this position, it has been argued that the structure of
Diplodocus' neck vertebrae would not have permitted the animal to bend
its neck far upwards.
- Evidence has recently been found, suggesting
that Diplodocus and its relatives may have had
spines made of keratin on its back, perhaps similar to
the spines found on modern Iguanas.
Diplodocus is depicted with this feature in
Walking with Dinosaurs.
Diplodocus was a herbivore (plant-eater) that lived from 155 to 145 million years ago
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Diplodocus Facts
Here is a summary of some of the key facts about Diplodocus:
- Diplodocus was a genus of dinosaur.
- "Diplodocus" means "double beam" (referring to double-beamed bones in the underside of its tail). The name was chosen by Othniel C. Marsh in 1878.
- Diplodocus was a member of the Saurischia ("lizard-hipped") order of dinosaurs. What this means, is that although Diplodocus was not closely related to lizards, it did have similarly shaped pelvic bones.
- Diplodocus was a Sauropod - a member of a group of related large quadrupedal herbivorous (plant-eating) dinosaur with long necks.
- Diplodocus lived between about 155 million years ago and 145 million years ago, during the Jurassic period.
- Diplodocus lived in North America.
- Diplodocus was a herbivore (plant-eater).
- Diplodocus is thought to have been a grazer, and probably could not have raised its head very far above the ground level.
- Diplodocus was usually about 85 feet (25.9 meters) long, although sometimes it grew as long as 100 feet (30.5 meters).
- Diplodocus weighed about 11 tons.
Diplodocus Pictures and Postersby AllPosters
Diplodocus Toys
Safari
Toy
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Click Here | - 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
- The scale of these dinos are 1:20 -1:40
- All our products are phthalate-free and thoroughly safety tested to safeguard your child's health
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. Featured is our Carnegie Collection Diplodocus Size: 23" L x 6" H (58.5 x 15 cm). Suggested age 3+
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Safari
Released: 2007-07-01
Toy
 | List Price: $29.99
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(As of 14:28 Pacific 3 Jul 2009 More Info)
Click Here | - Hand painted collectible dinosaur replicas
- Measures 24"
- Authentically detailed and intricately hand-finished with paint exceeding US and European lead safety standards.
Product Description:
Part of the Safari Ltd. Carnegie Museum Dinosaur collection, replicas researched and authenticated by the paleontologists of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each is either 1:20 or 1:40 scale. This Diplodocus replica measures 24 inches long, 9 inches high. Scale 1:40 |
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K & M
Toy
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(As of 14:28 Pacific 3 Jul 2009 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Great for kids. These items are not only toys, but an educational series of replicas that reveals the prehistoric world. These toys are licensed under the Natural History Museum. Kids will play for hours with these adorable and soft plush dinsoaurs. These |
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Wild Republic
Toy
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Click Here | - Wild Republic, Diplodocus
- Age 3+
Product Description:
Great for kids. This item is not only a toy, but an educational series of hand painted replicas that reveals the prehistoric world. This item is hand painted and a hollow PVC model. |
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Wild Republic
Toy
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Click Here | - Lightweight
- Approximately 9-12 inches
Product Description:
This line of lightweight, squeezable, rubber animals ranges from 9-12 inches in size. |
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E-Toysworld
Toy
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Click Here | - Real Dinosaur sound when dinosaur is moving
- Walking Dinosaur legs
- Recommended Age: Age 3+
Product Description:
Go back into time when dinosaurs ruled the world! The Dinosaur Diplodocus comes back to life pre-assembled. This dinosaur is remote controlled and easy to use. When it walks it makes sounds and moves its head. It comes with a 3-functional radio controller. This new hot item is waiting for you so order now! |
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Wild Republic
Toy
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Click Here | - Licensed by the Natural History Museum!
- Box size is approximately 20x14x3 inches
Product Description:
This fantastic 8-piece set of dinosaurs is licensed by the Natural History Museum, and each piece is approved by NHM paleontologists. Box size is approximately 20x14x3 inches. |
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K&M
Toy
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Click Here | Product Description:
Baby Diplodocus Plush Puppet. |
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Wild Republic
Released: 2007-10-01
Toy
 | | - Licensed by the Natural History Museum and approved by NHM Paleontologists.
- Truly Realistic Dinosuar lets kids learn and they play.
Product Description:
Great for kids. These items are not only toys, but an educational series of replicas that reveals the prehistoric world. These toys are licensed under the Natural History Museum. Kids will play for hours with these adorable dinosaurus. |
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Diplodocus Books
By Rob Shone
Rosen Publishing Group
Hardcover (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $12.30
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By Riehecky
Capstone Press
Released: 2007-02-15
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
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Click Here | Product Description:
Text and illustrations present the life of the dinosaur known as the diplodocus. Includes information on how this prehistoric animal looked, along with its behavior. Written in English and Spanish. |
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Child's Play International
Board book (12 pages; 1)
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Click Here | Product Description:
This title comes in sturdy, shaped board for small hands. It is an early information book and has some amazing facts about a diplodocus. |
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By Riehecky
Capstone Press
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $6.75
Lowest New Price: $5.07
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Usually ships in 24 hours
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Click Here | Product Description:
Text and illustrations present the life of the dinosaur known as the diplodocus. Includes information on how this prehistoric animal looked, along with its behavior. |
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By Michael William Skrepnick
Enslow Elementary
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
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By Daniel Cohen
Capstone Press
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Click Here | Product Description:
Describes what is known of the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat of this long-necked and long-tailed dinosaur. |
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By Joanne Mattern
Weekly Reader Early Learning Library
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
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By Marc-Edouard Burgard
La Table ronde
Unknown Binding (234 pages)
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By Graham Coleman
Gareth Stevens Publishing
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
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By Michael P. Goecke
Buddy Books
Hardcover
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