Barosaurus Facts
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 5m |
| Length | 22m |
| Weight | 20 tonnes |
| Speed | 15 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | North America |

| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 5m |
| Length | 22m |
| Weight | 20 tonnes |
| Speed | 15 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | North America |
Barosaurus was a massive sauropod dinosaur that thundered across the ancient landscapes of western North America during the Late Jurassic period, between 157.9 and 149.2 million years ago. This colossal herbivore was closely related to the famous Diplodocus, sharing many similar features but growing to even more impressive proportions. Standing about 5 metres tall at the hips and stretching up to 22 metres in length, Barosaurus was truly one of the giants of its time.
Like other sauropods, Barosaurus possessed an extraordinarily long neck that could extend high into the treetops, allowing it to browse on vegetation that other dinosaurs couldn't reach. Its massive body was supported by four pillar-like legs, whilst its equally long tail served as a counterbalance to its neck and may have been used as a defensive weapon against predators. The dinosaur's relatively small head housed simple, peg-like teeth perfectly adapted for stripping leaves and soft plant material rather than chewing.
Barosaurus inhabited the lush, semi-arid environments preserved in the Morrison Formation, sharing its world with other iconic dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and its close relative Diplodocus. Fossil remains have been discovered across several American states including South Dakota, Utah, and Montana, with possible specimens also found in Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
As a herbivore, Barosaurus would have consumed enormous quantities of plant matter daily to fuel its massive body. Scientists estimate these gentle giants could reach speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour when necessary, though they likely spent most of their time moving slowly through their environment, constantly feeding to maintain their incredible bulk.
Barosaurus was distinguished by its exceptionally long neck and tail, massive pillar-like legs, and relatively small head with simple peg-like teeth. Its enormous size and robust build made it one of the most imposing sauropods of the Late Jurassic period.
Barosaurus likely lived in herds for protection, moving slowly through Late Jurassic landscapes whilst constantly browsing on high vegetation. When threatened by predators like Allosaurus, it may have used its massive tail as a defensive weapon or reared up on its hind legs to appear even more intimidating.
Barosaurus features prominently in the American Museum of Natural History's famous dinosaur hall display, where a dramatic mount shows an adult rearing up to defend its young from an attacking Allosaurus.
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Saurischia |
| Family | Diplodocidae |
| Genus | Barosaurus |
Barosaurus was first described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1890. The original fossils were discovered at Morrison Formation, South Dakota, USA.