Dicraeosauridae

†Dicraeosauridae is an extinct family of diplodocoid sauropods known from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous of Africa, South America, and Asia. These herbivores are distinguished by bifurcated neural spines forming elongated projections above the neck and back. Smaller than other sauropods, dicraeosaurids likely browsed at lower heights than their relatives.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivore

Dicraeosauridae 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

Dicraeosauridae 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.