Difference Between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus

The key difference between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus is the appearance of them. Brontosaurus is an elephant-like dinosaur while Brachiosaurus is a giraffe-like dinosaur. Furthermore, Brontosaurus is one of the longest dinosaurs while Brachiosaurus is one of the tallest dinosaurs that lived on Earth.

Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus are two genera of giant sauropods that lived in late Jurassic period to early Cretaceous period and mid to late Jurassic periods, respectively. Brontosaurus is one of the best-known dinosaurs.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Brontosaurus
3. What is a Brachiosaurus
4. Similarities Between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus
5. Side by Side Comparison – Brontosaurus vs Brachiosaurus in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is a Brontosaurus?

Brontosaurus is a large sauropod dinosaur that lived between late Jurassic to early Cretaceous period of 163.5 million to 100.5 million years ago. It is one of the best-known dinosaurs. Since Brontosaurus closely resembled Apatosaurus, it was included under genus Apatosaurus. However, due to distinct characteristics possessed by these dinosaurs, they were categorized into a separate genus. There are three species: B. excelsus, B. yahnahpin, and B. parvus. The name Brontosaurus refers to “thunder lizard” in Greek.

Key Difference - Brontosaurus vs Brachiosaurus

Figure 01: Brontosaurus

The most significant characteristic of this giant dinosaur is its long whip-like tail, which was used as a weapon. They were herbivores and had a long neck similar to Brachiosaurus. However, in contrast to Brachiosaurus, Brontosaurus had forelimbs that are shorter than their hindlimbs. An average sized dinosaur had a weight of 30.5 tons. Moreover, they were one of the longest dinosaurs that lived on earth.

What is Brachiosaurus?

Brachiosaurus is a giant, giraffe-like dinosaur with a long neck. In fact, the name “Brachiosaurus” means ‘arm lizard’ due to its limbs being unusually long. They lived in North America, Africa, and Tanzania in mid to late Jurassic period, 155.7 million to 150.8 million years ago. Brachiosaurus had larger front legs and shorter hind legs, which made it easier to hold its neck up. Hence, it is considered as one of the tallest dinosaurs that lived on Earth. They were 40– 50 feet high and more than 50 tons in weight.

Difference Between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus

Figure 02: Brachiosaurus

They were herbivores that depended on cycads, ginkgos, and conifers. These giant dinosaurs used to eat up to 400 kg of plant dry matter every day. Unlike other dinosaurs, this giant dinosaur had a distinct large nare over its skull. It also had a short tail.

What are the Similarities Between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus?

Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus are two giant dinosaurs.
They are herbivores.
Both are sauropod dinosaurs.

What is the Difference Between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus?

Brontosaurus is an elephant-like dinosaur that lived on the earth in late Jurassic period to early Cretaceous period. Brachiosaurus is a giraffe-like dinosaur that lived on mid to late Jurassic period on the earth. Brachiosaurus was heavier and approximately 20 feet taller than Brontosaurus. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in their limb sizes as well. Brachiosaurus had larger and longer forelimbs than hind limbs. In contrast, Brontosaurus had slightly shorter forelimbs than hind limbs. In addition, Brachiosaurus had a large nare over its skull while Brontosaurus didn’t have a nare. Overall, Brontosaurus is one of the longest dinosaurs while Brachiosaurus is one of the tallest dinosaurs that lived on Earth.

Summary – Brontosaurus vs Brachiosaurus

Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus are two giant dinosaurs that lived on Earth. Both were sauropods with long necks. The difference between Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus lies in their body size and body structure, as explained above.

Reference:

1.“Brachiosaurus – Facts and Pictures.” Dinosaurs – Pictures and Facts, 5 Oct. 2017, Available here.
2. Rafferty, John P. “Brontosaurus.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 12 Jan. 2018, Available here.