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Diplodocus
Click here for more Diplodocus Pictures
| Scientific Classification |
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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 metres) long, although some specimens were
as long as 100 feet (30.5 metres).
Most of its length was taken up its 24 feet (7.3 metres) neck, and its 46 feet (14 metres)
tail. Its body was only about 13 feet (4 metres) long, and its head was comparatively
tiny, just 2 feet (60 centimetres) 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.
Timeline:
Diplodocus Pictures and Postersby AllPosters
Diplodocus Toys
Wild Republic
Released: 2007-09-01
Toy
 | List Price: $15.99
Lowest New Price: $13.49
Usually ships in 24 hours
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Click Here | - Innovative toy with secure magnets and interlocking gears for interchangeability.
- This product meets or exceeds all US Safety Requirements(ASTM F963-96A) and European Safety Standards (EN71).
Product Description:
Great for kids. These items are not only toys, but an educational series of hand painted replicas that reveals the prehistoric world. These toys have magnetic joints. They allow you to create your own unique hybrid dinosaurs. Kids will play for hours with |
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Wild Republic
Released: 2007-09-01
Toy
 | List Price: $15.99
Lowest New Price: $8.00
(As of 19:00 Pacific 12 May 2008 More Info)
Click Here | - Innovative toy with secure magnets and interlocking gears for interchangeability.
- This product meets or exceeds all US Safety Requirements(ASTM F963-96A) and European Safety Standards (EN71).
Product Description:
Set of Triceratops Skeleton, Pteranodon, and Stegosaurus Magna Morphs. Magna Morphs are magnetically interchangeable animals, allowing you to mix and match legs, wings, heads, tails, and bodies to create your own new and exciting animals. Over a billion combinations! |
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Safari
Released: 2007-07-01
Toy
 | List Price: $27.00
Lowest New Price: $26.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
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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:
The worlds premier line of collectible dinosaur replicas. This replica has been researched and authenticated by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The hand-painted Diplodocus is scaled at 1:40 and measures 24" L x 9" H (61 x 23 cm). Includes a 5-language educational hang tag. Age 3+ |
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Wild Republic
Released: 2007-10-01
Toy
 | List Price: $11.99
Lowest New Price: $6.50
(As of 19:00 Pacific 12 May 2008 More Info)
Click Here | - Licensed by the Natural History Museum and approved by NHM Paleontologists.
- Truly Realistic Dinosuar lets kids learn and they play.
Product Description:
This 12-inch diplodocus is made from very soft plush. You'll love to cuddle with Cuddlekins. |
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Safari
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $26.95
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Click Here | Product Description:
The world's finest dinosaur collectibles! Researched and authenticated by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hand Painted. Model Size: 23 in. L x 6 in. H (59 x 15 cm) plus 5-language data hang tag. Age 3+ |
|
Wild Republic
Released: 2007-09-01
Toy
 | List Price: $15.99
Lowest New Price: $11.00
(As of 19:00 Pacific 12 May 2008 More Info)
Click Here | - Innovative toy with secure magnets and interlocking gears for interchangeability.
- This product meets or exceeds all US Safety Requirements(ASTM F963-96A) and European Safety Standards (EN71).
Product Description:
Set of Velociraptor, Diplodocus, and T-Rex skeleton Magna Morphs. Magna Morphs are magnetically interchangeable animals, allowing you to mix and match legs, wings, heads, tails, and bodies to create your own new and exciting animals. Over 1 billion combinations! |
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Wild Republic
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $2.95
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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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K&M
Toy
 | List Price: $16.99
Lowest New Price: $12.84
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Click Here | - Poseable Diplodocus Dinosaur
- Age 3+
Product Description:
This large 28-inch plush is only limited by your imagination. Limitless number of poses. |
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Diplodocus Books
By William Diller Matthew
LeClue22
Kindle Edition
 | List Price: $0.99
Lowest New Price: $0.99
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Click Here | Book Description:
The history of the discovery of Dinosaur bones and fossils. And the facts and theories about how dinosaurs of the Jurassic era lived |
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By Janet Riehecky
Pebble Plus
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $19.93
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Lowest Used Price: $36.99
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By P, D Cacek
Diplodocus Press
Hardcover (248 pages)
 | List Price: $29.00
Lowest New Price: $27.12
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Click Here | Product Description:
Erotic, dark, and often satirical, this collection by multiple-award winning author P.D. Cacek showcases the talents of one of today's most highly regarded horror writers. Contains stories such as the World Fantasy Award-winning "Metalica". |
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By Tom Rea
University of Pittsburgh Press
Hardcover (288 pages)
 | List Price: $25.00
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Click Here | Product Description:
Tom Rea traces the evolution of scientific thought regarding dinosaurs and reveals the deception, hostility, and sometimes outright aggression present in the early years of fossil hunting. This book details one of the most famous—and notorious—dinosaur skeletons ever discovered: Diplodocus carnegii, named after Andrew Carnegie. |
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By Karen Wallace
Hodder Children's Books
Hardcover (28 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $16.99
Lowest New Price: $9.29
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Click Here | Book Description:
Follow a young Diplodocus searching for food in the forest. See a sharp-toothed Allosaurus attacked as she eats. Watch the herd rush to save her! Will they reach her in time? |
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Enslow Elementary
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $21.26
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By Daniel Cohen
Capstone Press
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
| List Price: $6.95
Lowest New Price: $1.46
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By Daniel Nunn
Heinemann
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
| List Price: $5.99
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In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.
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By Daniel Cohen
Capstone Press
Library Binding (48 pages; 1)
| List Price: $22.60
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By Graham Coleman
Gareth Stevens Publishing
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
| List Price: $19.93
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