(dyne-ON-ik-us)

A member of the same family as Diplodocus, this smaller relative appeared in the late Jurassic period, more than 150 million years ago. Dicraeosaurus was one of that large group of lumbering plant eaters that lived for moe than 100 million years. It was only 40 feet long and stood 10 feet tall. Its name means "forked lizard" and refers to the bones that make up its spine. Some of its back bones are divided to look like a giant Y. The branches on top large muscles attached to them. Unlike Diplodocus, Dicraeosaurus had solid back bones.

This dinosaur weighed about 6 tons and probably spent most of its life peacefully munching plants and lush vegetation. This peace could end, though, if it was attacked by one or more of the fearsome flesh-eaters. It had little or no defense and might have escaped by walking into deep water. Dinosaurs could not swim and would probably not go into rivers and lakes unless attacked. Large, four-footed ones could wade in and escaped.

Location: Tanzania

Diet: Plants

Size: Length- 43 to 66 feet

      Weight- 6 to 9 tons

Time: Late Jurassic