This unusual dinosaur was a close relative of Diplodocus and Apatosaurus Dinosaurs in this family were unusually long. Mamenchisaurus was discovered in south-central China and named from the area in which it was found - Mamenchi. From its bones, scientists guess that it was about 72 feet long, with the longest neck of any dinosaur yet discovered. In fact, its neck was so long it contained 19 neck bones, called vertebrae. From its "shoulders" to its head, Mamenchisaurus measured 33 feet!

Some of the vertebrae had struts to help stiffen the neck. Some scientists believe it may have developed this neck to reach very high branches of tall trees. Others believe it spent most of its life in rivers and ponds, sweeping its neck around to feed from the bank. This is not very likely. It probably combed leaves from twigs on trees. It may even have reared up to rest on the base of its spine. If it did, it could have reached leaves 50 feet above the ground.

Location: China

Diet: Tree leaves

Size: Length 25m

      Weight 27 tonnes

Classification:

Family Euhelopodidae

Infraorder Sauropoda

Suborder Sauropodomorpha

Order Saurischia

Time (million years ago): 160