Diplodocus Description
Diplodocus was a massive, herbivorous sauropod from the Late Jurassic, characterized by an exceptionally long, tapering neck, a small head with peg-like teeth, and a very long, whip-like tail. Known as a “double beam” for its unique tail vertebrae, this long-necked giant moved on four sturdy, pillar-like legs.
Could You Outrun a Diplodocus?
Most scientific estimates suggest Diplodocus had a top speed of only 9 to 12 mph (14.5 to 19.3km/h). For comparison, a healthy human can sprint at an average speed of between 12 and 15 mph. While the dinosaur itself moved slowly, its tail was a different story. Recent 3D modeling shows Diplodocus could whip its tail at speeds of up to 62–74 mph (100–119 km/h).
Are You Bigger Than a Diplodocus?
A typical adult Diplodocus measured approximately 80 to 90 feet (24 to 27 meters) in length from head to tail. That is longer than two full-sized school buses parked end-to-end. It stood about 14 to 15 feet (4 to 4.6 meters) tall at the hips. Even if you are a tall adult, the Diplodocus would still be more than twice your height at its lowest point. Diplodocus typically weighed between 11 and 30 tons (roughly 10,000 to 27,000 kg), with common species like D. carnegii estimated at around 12–15 tons.
Fun Facts
- Its whip-like tail could destroy the bones of its predators
- It had unusual, peg-like teeth only in the front of its mouth, which it used like a rake to strip leaves off branches.
- Despite its massive body, it had a very small brain—about the size of a fist—weighing only around 4 ounces (113 grams).
- Since it couldn’t chew its food, it swallowed small stones called gastroliths to help grind up tough plants in its stomach.
- Baby Diplodocus grew at an incredibly fast rate, reaching sexual maturity in just about 10 years, despite starting from eggs only the size of a grapefruit.
Dino-mite Equations!
Question #1: What is the average weight of a Diplodocus?
Answer #1
20.5 tons!
Question #2: How much faster can a human sprint than a Diplodocus?
Answer #2
3 mph!
VelociLogic 