Brontosaurus yahnahpin

† Brontosaurus yahnahpin was a diplodocid sauropod of the Late Jurassic period, known from the Morrison Formation of Wyoming, United States. This herbivorous giant is distinguished by unique features of its cervical vertebrae. The species epithet references a Lakota term meaning 'necklace bone,' reflecting a characteristic bone morphology noted at discovery.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivore

Brontosaurus yahnahpin was a plant-eating dinosaur. Herbivores typically fed on ferns, cycads, conifers, and other vegetation available during their era. Many herbivorous dinosaurs developed specialized teeth and digestive systems for processing tough plant material.

Time Period

Jurassic Late Mesozoic Era

Brontosaurus yahnahpin lived during the Jurassic Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 161.5 to 145.0 million years ago.

One of the most iconic periods for dinosaurs. Giant sauropods like Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus roamed alongside predators like Allosaurus. Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird, appeared. The Morrison Formation preserves an extraordinary fossil record from this time.