Pleurocoelus Facts
Pronunciation: PLOO-row-SEE-lus
Name meaning: Hollow Side
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 9m |
| Length | 20m |
| Weight | 20 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Early Cretaceous |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | Eastern United States |
Pleurocoelus was once thought to be a distinct genus of massive sauropod dinosaur, but is now considered synonymous with Astrodon. This enormous herbivore lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 119.6 million years ago, in what is now the eastern United States. The name 'Pleurocoelus' means 'hollow side', referring to the distinctive hollow chambers in its vertebrae that helped reduce the weight of its massive skeleton.
This impressive sauropod measured around 20 metres in length and stood 9 metres tall, weighing approximately 20 tonnes. Like other sauropods, Pleurocoelus had the characteristic long neck and tail, massive body, and pillar-like legs that supported its enormous weight. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation high in the trees that other dinosaurs couldn't access, giving it a significant advantage in its ecosystem.
Fossils attributed to Pleurocoelus have been found in the Arundel Formation of Maryland, which has been dated to the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous. The discovery of this sauropod provided important insights into the diversity of long-necked dinosaurs that inhabited North America during this period, even though the specimens are now classified under Astrodon.
What made Pleurocoelus distinctive?
Pleurocoelus possessed hollow chambers (pleurocoels) in its vertebrae that helped lighten its massive skeleton whilst maintaining strength. It had the typical sauropod body plan with an extremely long neck, small head, and lengthy tail for balance.
Behaviour
Like other sauropods, Pleurocoelus likely lived in herds and spent most of its time feeding on high vegetation using its long neck to reach treetops. Its massive size would have provided protection from most predators through sheer bulk.
Discovery
Pleurocoelus was first described by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1888. The original fossils were discovered at Arundel Formation, Maryland, USA.
Pleurocoelus FAQ
What did Pleurocoelus eat?
Pleurocoelus was a herbivore that fed exclusively on plants. It used its long neck to reach high into trees to browse on conifers, ferns, and cycads. Its spoon-shaped teeth were perfect for stripping leaves from branches, and it swallowed stones to help grind up tough plant material in its stomach.
How big was Pleurocoelus?
Pleurocoelus was truly massive, measuring 20 metres in length and standing 9 metres tall at the shoulder. It weighed approximately 20 tonnes, making it one of the largest land animals that ever lived. Its enormous size helped protect it from predators.
When did Pleurocoelus live?
Pleurocoelus lived during the
Early Cretaceous period, specifically around 119.6 million years ago during the Albian stage. This was a time when flowering plants were beginning to diversify and spread across the landscape.
Where was Pleurocoelus found?
Pleurocoelus fossils have been discovered in the eastern United States, particularly in the Arundel Formation of Maryland. This geological formation has provided important insights into
Early Cretaceous dinosaur communities of eastern North America.
How do you pronounce Pleurocoelus?
Pleurocoelus is pronounced 'PLOO-row-SEE-lus'. The name breaks down into 'pleuro' meaning side and 'coelus' meaning hollow, referring to the hollow chambers in its vertebrae.
What does Pleurocoelus mean?
Pleurocoelus means 'hollow side' in Greek. This name refers to the distinctive hollow chambers (called pleurocoels) found in the sides of its vertebrae, which helped reduce the weight of its massive skeleton while maintaining structural strength.
How fast could Pleurocoelus run?
Pleurocoelus couldn't run at all due to its enormous size and weight. Like other giant sauropods, it would have moved at a slow, steady walking pace of probably no more than 5-8 km/h. Its massive size was its main defence rather than speed.
What type of dinosaur was Pleurocoelus?
Pleurocoelus was a sauropod dinosaur, belonging to the group of long-necked, plant-eating giants. It's now considered synonymous with Astrodon and was likely part of the Brachiosauridae family, related to other famous long-necked dinosaurs.
Was Pleurocoelus related to birds?
As a sauropod, Pleurocoelus was more distantly related to birds than theropod dinosaurs were. However, all dinosaurs, including sauropods, share a common ancestor with birds. Interestingly, Pleurocoelus had air-filled bones similar to birds, which helped reduce its weight.
How many Pleurocoelus fossils have been found?
Relatively few Pleurocoelus fossils have been discovered, mainly consisting of vertebrae and some limb bones from the Arundel Formation. The limited fossil material is one reason why the genus is now considered synonymous with the better-known Astrodon.
