|
|
|
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 Posters
by AllPosters
Here are some Diplodocus 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).
Diplodocus 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.
Safari
Toy
 | List Price: $34.00*
Lowest New Price: $17.89*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - 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. |
|
K & M
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $16.88*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
This large 28-inch plush is only limited by your imagination. Limitless number of poses. |
|
Wild Republic
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $9.99*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - 3 Detailed Dinosaur Figures
- Size: From 3.5 to 6 inches long including tails
- Packaging: Retail Window Box
Product Description:
The fun will be endless with these highly detailed replicas of your favorite dinosaurs from the Dinosauria collection. You'll be back in the time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Dinos are made from slightly flexible pvc plastic. Set includes: Pteranodon, Diplodocus, Parasaurolophus. Size ranges from about 3.5 up to 6 inches long including tails. |
|
K & M
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $9.77*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Specially designed to stand, sit and even balance on their heads! Openings under their bellies make them fun finger puppets. Measures 6 inches. |
|
Safari
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $46.60*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind.
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 and up |
|
Steiff
Gray / Blue Toy
 | List Price: $52.00*
Lowest New Price: $49.95*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Adorable and soft diplodocus dinosaur
- White belly and feet
Product Description:
Machine washable Diplodocus dinosaur. Made of cuddly soft woven fur. |
|
Creative Kids
Toy
 | Lowest New Price: $21.97*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Set of 3 Dig A Dinosaur Sets include: Tyrannosaurus, Diplodocus, Ticeratops.
- When all the bones a removed, assemble the dinosaur skeleton with glue
- Your child could pretend to be an archeologist!
Product Description:
Three Dig A Dinosaur Sets are included: Tyrannosaurus, Diplodocus, Ticeratops. Your child could pretend to be an archeologist! Kit contains an earthen block, a digging tool and a brush. Scrape away the plaster to release dinosaur bones. When all the bones a removed, assemble the skeleton with glue. Glue is not included. |
|
Diplodocus 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 Daniel Nunn
Heinemann Library
Hardcover (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $27.50*
Lowest New Price: $23.08*
Lowest Used Price: $16.15*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
This popular series combines the familiar Acorn format of simple text with fantastic images to capture the imagination of young readers. Each title looks at a different dinosaur with details of it's features and characteristics and explains how we know so much about them. Levelled text makes this high interest subject accessible to those just beginning to read. |
|
By Rob Shone
Rosen Publishing Group
Paperback (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $12.30*
Lowest New Price: $11.51*
Lowest Used Price: $11.62*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
|
By Riehecky
Capstone Press
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $6.75*
Lowest New Price: $5.89*
Lowest Used Price: $5.89*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
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. |
|
By Janet Riehecky
Capstone Press
Paperback (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $7.95*
Lowest New Price: $4.36*
Lowest Used Price: $21.05*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Simple text and illustrations present diplodocus, their body parts, and behavior - in both English and Spanish. |
|
By Sandy Fritz
Smart Apple Media
Library Binding (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $27.10*
Lowest New Price: $27.10*
Lowest Used Price: $6.36*
Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Presents information on Diplodocus, including physical characteristics, diet, habitat, known social organization, close relatives, and areas where fossils have been found. |
|
By Michael William Skrepnick
Enslow Elementary
Library Binding (24 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $21.26*
Lowest New Price: $18.07*
Lowest Used Price: $0.01*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
|
Gullane Children's Books
Board book (10 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $6.95*
Lowest New Price: $6.02*
Lowest Used Price: $5.02*
Usually ships in 1 to 2 months*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Dinosaurs don't roam the earth anymore...
but kids will make sure they roam through your home!
Zip-zap--a tyrannosaurus rex is rolling all over the house. And, triceratops, diplodocus, and stegosaurus, too! What child could resist these dinosaur-shaped, movable books with heads that bob up and down and legs that go round and round? When they open the pages and look inside, they'll find out how each of the dinosaurs lived, what food it ate, and why it looked the way it did. There's no better mix of play and learning anywhere.
|
|
By Susan Heinrichs Gray
Child's World
Hardcover (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $27.07*
Lowest New Price: $17.99*
Lowest Used Price: $6.70*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
The massive Diplodocus was one of the largest creatures around when it walked the Earth. When paleontologists discovered its fossilized bones sixty-five million years later, Diplodocus captured the imaginations of some of the richest and most powerful men of the time. Find out why this "double-beamed" dinosaur continues to fascinate scien |
|
By Steve Beaumont
PowerKids Press
Paperback (32 pages; 1)
 | List Price: $11.75*
Lowest New Price: $10.23*
Lowest Used Price: $36.72*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here |
|
By Daniel Cohen
Capstone Press(MN)
Paperback (24 pages; 1)
| List Price: $6.95*
Lowest New Price: $3.59*
Lowest Used Price: $3.98*
Usually ships in 24 hours*
*(As of 11:57 Pacific 2 Sep 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
Describes what is known of the physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat of this long-necked and long-tailed dinosaur. |
|
Linking to This Page
Although this site is run on a commercial basis,
we do hope it will be useful and interesting for students and teachers.
We welcome people linking to this website, or citing us in their school and educational projects
(remember in school projects and papers, you should always cite your sources).
|
|
|
