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There has been a long-standing debate among paleontologists over whether the dinosaur species commonly known as “Brontosaurus” is actually a separate genus from the Apatosaurus. Recent research suggests that Brontosaurus may indeed be a distinct genus, with differences in bone structure and skull shape. However, some scientists still argue that the two species are too similar to warrant separate classification. Ultimately, the debate continues and may never be definitively resolved.
Extinct Animals
The Apatosaurus, also known as the Brontosaurus, was a giant herbivorous dinosaur that roamed the earth around 155 to 150 million years ago. It was found in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. These creatures were the largest land animals ever known, with some weighing over 60 tons. Their long necks and tails were supported by pillar-like legs that could bear the weight of all that tonnage.
In 1879, paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh discovered a new sauropod dinosaur in the American west. He named it Brontosaurus excelsus, which meant “noble thunder lizard.” However, he had already named another species of sauropod in 1877, called Apatosaurus ajax. The relationship between these two dinosaurs is still debated today, as Brontosaurus may not be a valid name, but Apatosaurus definitely is.
Dinosaur Days
Despite its impressive size, the Apatosaurus was not without controversy. The name Apatosaurus means “deceptive lizard,” which may seem like an odd choice for such a massive creature. This name came about because the first Apatosaurus fossils Marsh received were pelvic and back bones that resembled those of extinct marine reptiles called mosasaurs. However, Marsh recognized them as sauropod bones.
The Apatosaurus lived during the Jurassic period, which lasted from 199.6 to 145.5 million years ago. It was found in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. This period was made famous by the movie Jurassic Park, and was a time when other predators like the Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus roamed the earth. Despite this, killing a full-grown Apatosaurus would have been a difficult task.
Most Apatosaurus had hip heights of around 13.4 to 14.7 feet and measured between 72 and 77 feet long from snout to tail. However, a specimen found in Oklahoma was much larger, measuring around 98 feet in length. According to the book “Dinosaur Facts and Figures: Sauropods and Other Sauropodomorphs,” typically sized Apatosaurus weighed between 15 to 22 tons.
Pain in the Neck
Apatosaurus had close cousins like the Diplodocus and Barosaurus, which were also sauropod dinosaurs found in Western North America. These creatures had shorter front legs and long, flexible necks. However, Apatosaurus had a more robust build and an unusually wide neck for a sauropod. This was due to the large, downward-facing cervical ribs that thickened its neck.
Some experts believe that Apatosaurus may have used their strong necks to fight each other, similar to how male elephant seals and giraffes fight today. However, evidence suggests that Apatosaurus mainly ate plants at or near ground level, while other contemporary sauropods like Brachiosaurus and Camarasaurus preferred browsing on tree limbs. The naming of Brontosaurus excelsus was based on a skeleton without a head, leading to the use of artificial heads on museum mounts. In 1903, paleontologist Elmer Riggs argued that Brontosaurus excelsus and Apatosaurus ajax belonged to the same genus, leading to the discarding of the Brontosaurus name. However, in 2015, a paper published in Paleontology and Evolutionary Science reopened the debate on whether Brontosaurus should have its own genus.
The article, written by Emmanuel Tschopp, Octavio Mateus and Roger B.J. Benson, delves into the world of diplodocids and contradicts Riggs’ previous analysis. Based on their research, Brontosaurus excelsus is distinct enough from Apatosaurus ajax and other Apatosaurus species to warrant its own genus. If this is true, then the Brontosaurus name should be reinstated according to scientific nomenclature. The study also reassigns three Apatosaurus species to the Brontosaurus genus. However, some of their colleagues disagree with their findings. Despite the ongoing debate, Brontosaurus remains the only dinosaur name mentioned in MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz.” Paleontologist Donald Prothero and writer Daniel Loxton suggest that Brontosaurus may have influenced modern-day stories about the Loch Ness monster, as one appears in the original “King Kong” movie that debuted in Britain right before the earliest known report of a long-necked creature in Loch Ness.
FAQ
1. What is the Big Dinosaur Debate?
The Big Dinosaur Debate is an ongoing argument among paleontologists about whether a certain dinosaur should be called Apatosaurus or Brontosaurus. The two names have been used interchangeably in the past, but recent research has led to a renewed discussion about which name is correct.
2. What is an Apatosaurus?
Apatosaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was a large herbivore with a long neck and tail, and it is estimated to have weighed up to 40 tons. Apatosaurus was first discovered in the late 19th century, and it was initially named Brontosaurus. However, later research suggested that the two names referred to the same animal.
3. What is a Brontosaurus?
Brontosaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that was first discovered in the late 19th century. It was initially named Brontosaurus, but later research suggested that it was actually the same animal as Apatosaurus. Brontosaurus is known for its long neck and tail, and it is estimated to have weighed up to 38 tons.
4. Why is there a debate about the name?
The debate about the name stems from a disagreement about the validity of the genus name Brontosaurus. Some paleontologists argue that Brontosaurus is a distinct genus that is different from Apatosaurus, while others believe that the two names refer to the same animal. Recent research has provided new evidence that supports the idea that Brontosaurus is a valid genus, which has reignited the debate.
5. How do scientists decide on the name of a dinosaur?
Scientists use a system of classification called taxonomy to name and describe different species of dinosaurs. This system is based on a set of rules and guidelines that help to ensure that each species is named and classified correctly. When a new dinosaur is discovered, paleontologists will compare its characteristics to those of other known dinosaurs to determine its classification and name.
6. Does it really matter whether it’s called Apatosaurus or Brontosaurus?
From a scientific standpoint, it is important to use the correct name for a species in order to ensure accuracy and consistency in research. However, from a practical standpoint, the debate over the name of this dinosaur is unlikely to have any significant impact on our understanding of the species or its place in history. Ultimately, the most important thing is that we continue to learn as much as we can about these fascinating creatures and the world they lived in.
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