Plateosaurus

Overview

Plateosaurus engelhardti was a large, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 214 to 204 million years ago. It is one of the earliest known dinosaurs and belongs to the group of early sauropodomorphs, which later gave rise to the giant sauropods.

Plateosaurus was a bipedal dinosaur, measuring up to 33 feet (10 meters) in length and weighing around 4 tons. It had a long neck, a small head, and strong hind limbs, making it well-adapted for browsing on vegetation.

Quick Facts

Diet

Herbivore (plants, leaves, and shrubs)

Speed

~10 mph (estimated)

Weight

~4 tons (3,600 kg)

Length

~33 ft (10 m)

Defense

Size and strong limbs for protection

Discovery & Significance

Plateosaurus was first discovered in 1834 by Johann Friedrich Engelhardt in Germany. Its name means “broad lizard,” referring to its robust build. Plateosaurus is one of the best-studied dinosaurs from the Triassic period, with numerous fossils found across Europe.

Plateosaurus played a crucial role in the early understanding of dinosaur evolution. It is considered a transitional form between early bipedal dinosaurs and the later giant sauropods. Its fossils have provided valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of early dinosaurs.

Physical Characteristics

Plateosaurus had a long neck and a small head with leaf-shaped teeth, ideal for cropping vegetation. Its forelimbs were shorter than its hind limbs, and it had strong, clawed hands that may have been used for grasping or defense. Its tail was long and stiff, providing balance while walking or running.

Plateosaurus could walk on both two and four legs, depending on its needs. Its large size and strong limbs made it well-adapted for browsing on vegetation, and it likely lived in herds for protection against predators.

Plateosaurus vs. Other Early Dinosaurs

More Details

Plateosaurus lived in what is now Europe during the Late Triassic. Its environment was characterized by semi-arid plains and river systems, which supported a diverse range of vegetation. Plateosaurus was a versatile herbivore, capable of browsing on low-lying plants and reaching higher vegetation when necessary.

Fossilized trackways and bonebeds suggest that Plateosaurus lived in herds, which would have provided protection against predators and facilitated social behavior. Its ability to walk on two or four legs made it a highly adaptable dinosaur, capable of both grazing and browsing.

Plateosaurus is one of the most well-studied early dinosaurs, with numerous fossils providing insights into its anatomy, growth, and behavior. Its transitional features make it a key species for understanding the evolution of sauropodomorphs and the rise of the giant sauropods.

References & Further Reading