Dystylosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: dis-TIE-low-SORE-us
Name meaning: Double beam lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 5m |
| Length | 35m |
| Weight | 35 tonnes |
| Speed | 15 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | North America |
Dystylosaurus was originally described as a massive sauropod dinosaur that roamed North America during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155-152 million years ago. However, modern palaeontological research has revealed that the fossils attributed to Dystylosaurus actually belong to the well-known genus Supersaurus, making Dystylosaurus a junior synonym of this colossal dinosaur.
This sauropod was one of the longest dinosaurs ever discovered, measuring up to 35 metres in length and weighing around 35 tonnes. Like other members of its group, it possessed the classic sauropod body plan: a tremendously long neck, relatively small head, barrel-shaped body, and whip-like tail. The neck alone could stretch over 15 metres, allowing it to browse vegetation at heights unreachable by other herbivores of its time.
Living in the lush, semi-arid landscapes of Late Jurassic North America, this gentle giant fed exclusively on plants. Its peg-like teeth were designed for stripping foliage rather than chewing, so it likely swallowed gastroliths (stomach stones) to help grind up tough plant material in its digestive system. The discovery of its fossils in the famous Morrison Formation has provided valuable insights into the incredible diversity of sauropods that dominated Jurassic ecosystems.
What made Dystylosaurus distinctive?
Dystylosaurus was characterised by its extraordinarily long neck and tail, with the neck comprising nearly half of its total body length. Its vertebrae showed distinctive structural features that helped support its massive size, and it possessed relatively slender proportions compared to other large sauropods.
Behaviour
This sauropod likely lived in small herds, moving slowly through Jurassic forests and plains whilst feeding on conifers, ferns, and cycads. Its long neck allowed it to feed efficiently without moving its massive body frequently, and it may have used its whip-like tail as a defensive weapon against predators.
Discovery
Dystylosaurus was first described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1877. The original fossils were discovered at Morrison Formation, Colorado, USA.
Dystylosaurus FAQ
What did Dystylosaurus eat?
Dystylosaurus was a herbivore that fed on the abundant plant life of the
Late Jurassic period, including conifers, ferns, cycads, and other prehistoric vegetation. Its long neck allowed it to reach high into trees and across wide areas without moving its massive body.
How big was Dystylosaurus?
Dystylosaurus reached lengths of up to 35 metres and weighed approximately 35 tonnes. It stood about 5 metres tall at the hips, but its neck could extend much higher when feeding, potentially reaching heights of 15-20 metres.
When did Dystylosaurus live?
Dystylosaurus lived during the
Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 152 million years ago. This was during the golden age of sauropods, when these giant dinosaurs dominated terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.
Where was Dystylosaurus found?
Fossils attributed to Dystylosaurus were discovered in the Morrison Formation of Colorado, USA. This famous rock formation has yielded numerous
Late Jurassic dinosaur specimens and represents one of the most important dinosaur fossil sites in North America.
How do you pronounce Dystylosaurus?
Dystylosaurus is pronounced 'dis-TIE-low-SORE-us'. The name breaks down into three syllables: 'dis' (meaning double), 'tylo' (meaning beam), and 'saurus' (meaning lizard).
What does Dystylosaurus mean?
Dystylosaurus means 'double beam lizard' in Greek. This name refers to the distinctive double-beam structure visible in the dinosaur's vertebrae, which helped support its enormous size and incredibly long neck.
How fast could Dystylosaurus run?
Due to its enormous size and four-legged stance, Dystylosaurus was not built for speed. Scientists estimate it could manage a top speed of around 15 km/h when necessary, but it likely moved much more slowly during normal activities.
What type of dinosaur was Dystylosaurus?
Dystylosaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the family Diplodocidae. However, it is now considered to be the same genus as Supersaurus, meaning the name Dystylosaurus is no longer used as a separate dinosaur species.
Was Dystylosaurus related to birds?
Like all dinosaurs, Dystylosaurus was distantly related to modern birds. However, as a sauropod, it belonged to a different major group of dinosaurs (Sauropodomorpha) than the theropods that gave rise to birds. The relationship is quite distant, dating back to the early evolution of dinosaurs.
How many Dystylosaurus fossils have been found?
Very few fossils were originally attributed to Dystylosaurus, mainly consisting of vertebrae and other skeletal elements. These specimens are now considered to belong to Supersaurus, of which only a handful of partial skeletons are known from the Morrison Formation.
