Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
SuperOrder: Dinosauria
SubOrder: Sauropodomorpha
Family: Diplodocidae
Genus: Diplodocus

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Diplodocus lived some 147 to 150 million years ago. The word Diplodocus is a Neo-Latin word and it means double beam. Its double beam chevron bones were located under its tail. Hence the name was given to this species. The web defines it as long necked and tailed herbivore. It belonged to region now located in the western side of North America. They lived during the Jurassic period. This category of dinosaurs belongs to family called Sauropoda. They were quite gigantic and were found extensively during the Triassic period. Sauropoda, the name is derived form a word which means lizard foot.

Its remains were found at Como Bluff in Wyoming fro the first time. They were also found in Utah and Colorado later. It was between 1877 and 1897 that the relics of this species were found by Earl Douglas and Samuel Williston. In 1878, although the name Diplodocus was coined by a famous paleontologist called Othniel Marsh.

This quadruped had a long neck that it could reach to a height of 27 meters. It is also assumed that the long tail would keep a balance of the body. Computer generated studies have revealed that the usual posture of their necks was horizontal instead of vertical. Studies show that they only stooped over the ground for grazing. Its height measured to 80 feet and their weight is estimated to be roughly around 113 tons. It had small peg like teeth which, enabled them to eat spongy water plants. Its hind limbs were bigger than its fore limbs. Its fossils give us an idea of its neck having at least fifteen vertebrae and its tail had eighty caudal vertebrae!

They have been very famous for their height and were the tallest known dinosaurs for quite some time. In fact its size was a protection from the predators. If required, only then, would it use its tail to smash its enemies. Its special defensive move was called “steam roller”. They were that species of the reptiles which were peaceful otherwise.

As far as their habitat is concerned, after much research and debate, it is concluded that they were terrestrial animals. Being herbivores, they used to look through trees for their food. However according to theories, they even lived in water and fed on water plants. Again an elaborated version of this water theory is that they probably they submerged themselves into the water. They grew very quickly. They attained the age of mating after a decade. Like any other reptiles, they also used to lay eggs for reproduction. Again it assumed that they would lay eggs all together and would also cover them for protection.

They are a famous dinosaur and there a lot of theories are available based on them. This species of dinosaurs were huge and were timid as well. Its size was an illusion for its enemies only. Otherwise this animal's looks were deceptive as they were very calm and liked to live in peace as any other animal.