Brachylophosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: BRACK-ee-low-foh-SORE-us
Name meaning: Short-crested lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 3m |
| Length | 9m |
| Weight | 4 tonnes |
| Speed | 25 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Ornithopod |
| Location | North America |
Brachylophosaurus was a large ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago in western North America. First discovered in Alberta, Canada in 1936 and formally named in 1953 by Charles Mortram Sternberg, this impressive herbivore has become one of the best-known duck-billed dinosaurs thanks to exceptional fossil discoveries.
This ornithopod measured around 9 metres in length and stood about 3 metres tall at the hip, weighing roughly 4 tonnes. Unlike some of its more elaborately crested relatives, Brachylophosaurus possessed a relatively modest, paddle-shaped crest extending backwards from its skull. Its distinctive flat, duck-like bill was perfectly adapted for cropping vegetation, whilst rows of grinding teeth processed tough plant material.
Brachylophosaurus inhabited the lush, subtropical landscapes of Late Cretaceous North America, feeding on ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. It could move on both two and four legs, likely walking quadrupedally whilst feeding and rising to two legs when running from predators at speeds of up to 25 km/h.
Remarkably, Montana's Judith River Formation has yielded extraordinary Brachylophosaurus fossils, including specimens with preserved skin impressions and even a massive bonebed containing remains of 800 individuals, suggesting these ornithopods may have lived and travelled in large herds.
What made Brachylophosaurus distinctive?
Brachylophosaurus had a distinctive paddle-shaped crest that extended backwards from its skull, giving it a flattened profile. Its broad, duck-like bill was particularly well-developed for cropping vegetation, and it possessed the typical ornithopod body plan with powerful hind limbs and a long, stiff tail.
Behaviour
Brachylophosaurus likely lived in large herds, as evidenced by a massive bonebed in Montana containing 800 individuals. These ornithopods probably spent much of their time feeding on low-growing vegetation whilst walking on all fours, but could rear up on their hind legs to run when threatened by predators.
Discovery
Brachylophosaurus was first described by Charles Mortram Sternberg in 1953. The original fossils were discovered at Oldman Formation, Alberta, Canada.
Brachylophosaurus FAQ
What did Brachylophosaurus eat?
Brachylophosaurus was a herbivore that fed on the abundant plant life of
Late Cretaceous North America. Its broad, duck-like bill was perfect for cropping ferns, conifers, and the newly evolved flowering plants, whilst rows of grinding teeth processed this tough vegetation.
How big was Brachylophosaurus?
Brachylophosaurus was a large dinosaur, measuring approximately 9 metres in length and standing about 3 metres tall at the hip. Adults weighed around 4 tonnes, making them substantial herbivores of their time.
When did Brachylophosaurus live?
Brachylophosaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, specifically around 83.6 million years ago. This was a time when North America had a warm, subtropical climate with lush vegetation.
Where was Brachylophosaurus found?
Brachylophosaurus fossils have been discovered in western North America, particularly in Alberta, Canada (where the first specimen was found) and Montana, USA, where extensive bonebeds and well-preserved specimens have been uncovered.
How do you pronounce Brachylophosaurus?
Brachylophosaurus is pronounced 'BRACK-ee-low-foh-SORE-us'. The name can be broken down into syllables: Brachy-lopho-saurus, with emphasis on the first syllable.
What does Brachylophosaurus mean?
Brachylophosaurus means 'short-crested lizard' in Greek. This name refers to its relatively modest, paddle-shaped crest compared to the more elaborate crests of some other duck-billed dinosaurs.
How fast could Brachylophosaurus run?
Brachylophosaurus could reach speeds of up to 25 km/h when running on its powerful hind legs. This speed would have been useful for escaping from large predators that shared its environment.
What type of dinosaur was Brachylophosaurus?
Brachylophosaurus was an ornithopod dinosaur, specifically a member of the Hadrosauridae family (duck-billed dinosaurs). Ornithopods were herbivorous dinosaurs known for their efficient plant-processing teeth and ability to walk on both two and four legs.
Was Brachylophosaurus related to birds?
As an ornithopod, Brachylophosaurus was not closely related to modern birds. Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, whilst Brachylophosaurus belonged to the ornithischian group, which represents a separate branch of the dinosaur family tree.
How many Brachylophosaurus fossils have been found?
Hundreds of Brachylophosaurus fossils have been discovered, including a remarkable bonebed in Montana containing remains of 800 individuals. Additionally, several complete skeletons with preserved skin impressions have been found, making it one of the best-known duck-billed dinosaurs.
