Amphicoelias
Pronunciation:
Am-fi-see-lee-as
Name Meaning:
“Double hollow,” referring to the concave shape of its vertebrae
Dinosaur Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Saurischia
- Suborder: Sauropodomorpha
- Family: Diplodocidae
- Genus: Amphicoelias
- Species: A. fragillimus
Dinosaur Description:
Amphicoelias is one of the most mysterious and potentially largest dinosaurs ever to have walked the Earth. First described in 1878 by American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope, Amphicoelias fragillimus is known from extremely fragmentary remains, most notably a partial vertebra that, if accurately measured, suggests it may have been the longest dinosaur ever discovered. Estimates of its length vary wildly due to the lack of complete fossils, with some projections placing it at up to 190 feet (58 meters) long, though more conservative estimates suggest lengths of 80 to 120 feet (24 to 36 meters).
As a member of the Diplodocidae family, Amphicoelias would have had a long neck, an elongated tail, and a relatively small head compared to the rest of its massive body. Its neck was likely used to browse on high vegetation, while its whip-like tail may have served defensive purposes. Like other sauropods, Amphicoelias was herbivorous, and its peg-like teeth were suited for stripping leaves from trees.
One of the defining characteristics of Amphicoelias is the unusual shape of its vertebrae, which are hollowed out on both sides (amphicoelous), contributing to the animal’s name. These adaptations may have helped reduce its overall weight, making it more mobile for such a large creature.
However, much of what we know about Amphicoelias is speculative. The only significant fossil evidence of Amphicoelias fragillimus, the gigantic vertebra, was lost shortly after its discovery. Without further fossil material, the true size and features of this dinosaur remain subjects of debate. Some scientists believe that the fossil measurements may have been exaggerated, while others suggest that Amphicoelias could indeed represent the largest dinosaur ever known.
Dinosaur Diet and Behavior:
Amphicoelias, like other sauropods, was an herbivore. It likely fed on high vegetation such as conifer trees, ferns, and other tall plants that were abundant during the Late Jurassic period. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation that was out of reach for other herbivores, giving it access to a wide range of food sources. Amphicoelias may have been a slow-moving animal, traveling in herds for protection, and using its massive tail for defense against predators.
Dinosaur Size:
If early estimates are accurate, Amphicoelias fragillimus could have reached lengths of up to 190 feet (58 meters), making it potentially the longest dinosaur ever. However, more conservative estimates suggest a length of around 80 to 120 feet (24 to 36 meters).
Dinosaur Weight:
The estimated weight of Amphicoelias ranges between 60 and 120 tons (120,000 to 240,000 lbs), depending on the size estimates. Like many large sauropods, its body would have been supported by its pillar-like legs.
Fossil Discoveries:
Amphicoelias was first discovered in Colorado, USA, in 1878 by Edward Drinker Cope. The only fossil evidence attributed to Amphicoelias fragillimus was a partial vertebra, which was noted for its enormous size. Unfortunately, this fossil was lost shortly after its discovery, and no further remains of this dinosaur have been found since. This has led to much speculation about the accuracy of Cope’s original measurements, as well as the true size and features of Amphicoelias.
What Period Did The Dinosaur Live:
Amphicoelias lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago, a time when massive sauropods roamed the Earth.
Notable Facts or Trivia:
– Amphicoelias may have been the largest dinosaur to have ever existed, although its size is still highly debated due to the lack of complete fossil evidence.
– The name “Amphicoelias” refers to its hollowed-out vertebrae, a characteristic that may have helped reduce its body weight.
– The only known fossil evidence of Amphicoelias fragillimus was lost in the 19th century, adding to the mystery surrounding this dinosaur.
– Amphicoelias is often compared to other gigantic sauropods like Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan, though it may have surpassed them in size.
Scientific Significance:
The discovery of Amphicoelias, despite the lack of preserved fossil evidence, has played a significant role in discussions about the upper size limits of terrestrial vertebrates. The possibility that such a massive dinosaur existed has led to further exploration and research into the biology and physiology of sauropods. Amphicoelias continues to be a subject of interest in paleontology, as it represents both the potential for further discoveries and the challenges of reconstructing the past with limited evidence.
Extinction & Legacy:
Amphicoelias, like other dinosaurs, went extinct around 66 million years ago during the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. Its legacy, however, persists through its speculative status as one of the largest creatures to have ever lived. The lost fossil of Amphicoelias fragillimus remains one of the great mysteries of paleontology, driving scientists to search for new evidence that could confirm its true size and shape. Regardless, Amphicoelias stands as a symbol of the incredible diversity and scale of life during the age of dinosaurs.