Camarasaurus
A common Late Jurassic sauropod with a chambered vertebrae.
Camarasaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian ages, c.
- field
- Paleontology
- named_by
- Edward Drinker Cope
- known_for
- Most common dinosaur in the Morrison Formation; one of the best understood sauropods
- length
- Around 15 m (49 ft) for C. lentus; C. supremus considerably larger
Lore & Background
Camarasaurus was discovered during the Bone Wars, a feud between American paleontologists Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. At roughly the same time, Marsh's collectors found bones at Como Bluff, Wyoming, which Marsh described as Apatosaurus grandis and later Morosaurus, but those species were later assigned to Camarasaurus.
Reader's Guide
Camarasaurus is significant as the most abundant dinosaur in the Morrison Formation, providing a wealth of fossil material that has made it one of the best understood sauropods. Its discovery during the Bone Wars highlights the competitive rush to name new dinosaurs, leading to taxonomic confusion later resolved by synonymizing Marsh's Morosaurus with Cope's Camarasaurus. The genus includes four commonly recognized species, with C. lentus being the most common. Camarasaurus was a bulky, selective feeder with powerful jaws and spoon-shaped teeth, and specimens show evidence of injury, disease, and possible seasonal migration. Its legacy endures as a key taxon for understanding sauropod anatomy and Jurassic ecosystems.
Did You Know?
- Camarasaurus means 'chambered lizard', referring to chambers in its vertebrae.
- One specimen reached about 40 years of age, one of the oldest reported ages for an individual dinosaur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camarasaurus?
Camarasaurus is a genus of large, herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that roamed North America during the Late Jurassic. It belongs to the Morrison Formation fauna and is recognized by its hollow, chambered vertebrae, which give the genus its name.
How big was Camarasaurus?
C. lentus, the type species, reached roughly 15 meters (about 49 feet) in length. The related C. supremus was noticeably larger, though exact figures remain debated among paleontologists.
When and where did Camarasaurus live?
It existed during the Kimmeridgian to Tithonian stages of the Late Jurassic, roughly 157 to 150 million years ago. Its fossils are concentrated in the Morrison Formation of the western United States.
Who named Camarasaurus?
The genus was described and named by the American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope in the 1870s. The name derives from Greek words meaning 'chambered lizard,' referencing the pneumatic structure of its back vertebrae.
Why is Camarasaurus important to paleontology?
It is one of the most commonly recovered dinosaurs from the Morrison Formation, making it a key reference point for understanding Late Jurassic ecosystems. Its relatively complete fossil record also makes it one of the best-studied sauropods, offering detailed insight into their anatomy and growth.
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