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Brachiosaurus

Brachiosaurus is a genus of large, plant-eating sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brachiosaurus is a genus of large, plant-eating sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period. It is known for its long neck, relatively longer front legs, and towering build, which helped it browse high vegetation. Fossils are best known from North America, and the genus currently includes one recognized species, Brachiosaurus altithorax. Brachiosaurus is a familiar dinosaur in Canadian museums, school materials, and science education, where it is often used to illustrate sauropod anatomy and Jurassic ecosystems.

Description

Brachiosaurus had a long neck, small head, massive body, and pillar-like limbs. Its forelegs were longer than its hind legs, giving it a giraffe-like posture that likely helped it reach tall vegetation.

Classification and naming

Brachiosaurus belongs to the sauropod dinosaurs, a group of long-necked, four-legged plant-eaters. Its name means "arm lizard" and refers to its unusually long front limbs.

Fossils and distribution

The best-known fossils come from North America, especially the Morrison Formation. Some references also mention remains from Africa and Europe, but the exact fossil record outside North America has been disputed.

Size and lifestyle

Estimates place Brachiosaurus among the largest dinosaurs, with length and mass estimates varying by source. It is generally interpreted as a high browser that fed on vegetation growing above ground level.

Key facts

  • Brachiosaurus was a giant sauropod with a long neck and a comparatively tall front half.
  • Its name refers to its longer forelegs, which gave it a distinctive sloping back.
  • It was a herbivore and likely fed on high-growing plants.
  • Fossils are best known from the Morrison Formation in western North America.
  • The genus is commonly described as one of the largest animals to have walked the Earth.
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Canadian context

Brachiosaurus is a familiar dinosaur in Canadian museums, school materials, and science education, where it is often used to illustrate sauropod anatomy and Jurassic ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What does Brachiosaurus mean?
It means "arm lizard," referring to its longer forelegs.
Was Brachiosaurus a predator?
No. Brachiosaurus was a herbivore that ate plants.
When did Brachiosaurus live?
It lived during the Late Jurassic, roughly 156–145 million years ago.
How big was Brachiosaurus?
Estimates vary, but it is commonly described as over 80 feet long and more than 28 tons.
Where have Brachiosaurus fossils been found?
Fossils are best known from North America, especially the western United States.
How many species of Brachiosaurus are recognized?
Most modern references list one recognized species, Brachiosaurus altithorax.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/brachiosaurus
    Supports: Late Jurassic age, size, diet, sauropod classification, name meaning
  2. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/brachiosaurus.html
    Supports: Name meaning, Late Jurassic age, North American occurrence
  3. Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/25024-brachiosaurus.html
    Supports: Fossil distribution, name meaning, foreleg proportions, Jurassic age
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Brachiosaurus/390028
    Supports: Sauropod classification, body form, habitat, size estimates, fossil locations
  5. Thanksgiving Point — https://thanksgivingpoint.org/15-big-time-brachiosaurus-facts/
    Supports: Recognition of a single species, Brachiosaurus altithorax