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Diplodocus vs. Brontosaurus — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
Diplodocus is a long-necked dinosaur known for its whip-like tail; Brontosaurus, also long-necked, is bulkier and has a shorter neck relative to body size.
Diplodocus vs. Brontosaurus — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Diplodocus and Brontosaurus

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Key Differences

Diplodocus and Brontosaurus are both genera of large sauropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period. However, while they share similarities due to their classification as sauropods, there are distinct differences between the two. Diplodocus, for instance, is often recognized for its incredibly long tail which, in some fossils, measures longer than the dinosaur's neck and body combined. Brontosaurus, on the other hand, doesn't have such an elongated tail.
In terms of physique, Diplodocus has a relatively slender frame compared to many other sauropods. Its neck is long, and it's believed to have held it horizontally. Brontosaurus, conversely, is more robust and sturdy in build. While it also possesses a long neck, it's shorter in proportion to its body compared to that of the Diplodocus.
The names of these dinosaurs also convey different meanings. "Diplodocus" is derived from Greek terms meaning "double" and "beam," in reference to the unique structure of its tail vertebrae. The name "Brontosaurus," however, means "thunder lizard," hinting at its massive size and the potential ground-shaking steps it might have produced.
Both Diplodocus and Brontosaurus have been subjects of interest in paleontology, and both have undergone periods of reevaluation in terms of classification. It's important to remember that, despite their differences, they coexisted during the same geologic time period and were part of the diverse world of dinosaurs that once roamed our planet.

Comparison Chart

Period of Existence

Late Jurassic period (about 154-152 million years ago).
Late Jurassic period (about 156-146 million years ago).
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Location Found

Primarily in the western U.S. (e.g., Colorado, Wyoming).
Mainly in the U.S., especially Wyoming and Utah.

Length

Up to approx. 88 feet (27 meters).
Up to approx. 72 feet (22 meters).

Neck and Tail

Extremely long neck and tail.
Relatively shorter neck and more massive body.

Taxonomic Controversy

Not as controversial in classification.
Once confused with Apatosaurus; later reinstated.

Compare with Definitions

Diplodocus

A large herbivorous dinosaur with a long neck and tail.
The Diplodocus is among the most iconic dinosaurs, known for its impressive length.

Brontosaurus

A genus of the sauropod family, formerly confused with Apatosaurus.
For years, the Brontosaurus was thought to be the same as the Apatosaurus, but recent studies have differentiated the two.

Diplodocus

A dinosaur that walked on four sturdy legs and lived in herds.
The herding behavior of the Diplodocus might have provided protection against predators.

Brontosaurus

A dinosaur characterized by its pillar-like legs and long tail.
Children are often amazed at the sheer size of the Brontosaurus when they see its skeleton in museums.

Diplodocus

A genus within the family Diplodocidae.
Fossil evidence reveals that the Diplodocus inhabited North America during the Late Jurassic period.

Brontosaurus

A massive herbivorous dinosaur with a robust body and long neck.
The Brontosaurus has been a subject of fascination for both scientists and the general public.

Diplodocus

A dinosaur known for its whip-like tail and elongated neck.
With its stretched-out neck, the Diplodocus could reach high tree branches for food.

Brontosaurus

An iconic representative of the Late Jurassic period.
The Brontosaurus roamed the plains of North America over 150 million years ago.

Diplodocus

An extinct sauropod that was among the longest land animals.
Museums often showcase the Diplodocus as a testament to the grandeur of prehistoric life.

Brontosaurus

Brontosaurus (; meaning "thunder lizard" from Greek βροντή, brontē "thunder" and σαῦρος, sauros "lizard") is a genus of gigantic quadruped sauropod dinosaurs. Although the type species, B. excelsus, had long been considered a species of the closely related Apatosaurus, researchers proposed in 2015 that Brontosaurus is a genus separate from Apatosaurus and that it contains three species: B. excelsus, B. yahnahpin, and B. parvus.Brontosaurus had a long, thin neck and a small head adapted for a herbivorous lifestyle, a bulky, heavy torso, and a long, whip-like tail.

Diplodocus

Diplodocus (, , or ) is a genus of diplodocid sauropod dinosaurs, whose fossils were first discovered in 1877 by S. W. Williston. The generic name, coined by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1878, is a neo-Latin term derived from Greek διπλός (diplos) "double" and δοκός (dokos) "beam", in reference to the double-beamed chevron bones located in the underside of the tail, which were then considered unique.

Brontosaurus

An apatosaurus.

Diplodocus

A very large herbivorous sauropod dinosaur of the genus Diplodocus of the Jurassic Period, having a long neck and tail and a small head, and hind legs longer than the front legs.

Brontosaurus

One of the largest land animals to ever walk the earth; a Brontosaurus.

Diplodocus

Any of several herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs, of the genus Diplodocus, known as fossils from the late Jurassic in North America.

Brontosaurus

A genus of large sauropod American dinosaurs of the jurassic era, or an individual of that genus. A length of sixty feet is believed to have been attained by these reptiles. The genus is also called Apatosaurus, and individuals of the genus are also called brontosaurs.

Diplodocus

Huge quadrupedal herbivore with long neck and tail; of late Jurassic in western North America

Brontosaurus

Huge quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur common in North America in the late Jurassic

Brontosaurus

A sauropod with a distinctive elongated neck and small head.
The Brontosaurus could reach high vegetation, thanks to its long neck.

Common Curiosities

Why was there confusion between Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus?

Initial misclassifications in the late 19th century led to the mix-up, but further studies in the 21st century resolved the confusion.

What is a Diplodocus?

Diplodocus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaurs known for its long neck and tail, which lived during the Late Jurassic period.

How does the Diplodocus differ from the Brontosaurus?

While both are sauropods, the Diplodocus has a longer neck and tail, whereas the Brontosaurus has a more massive body and a relatively shorter neck.

What did the Diplodocus eat?

Diplodocus was herbivorous, feeding primarily on ferns, conifers, and other prehistoric plants.

How do we know about these dinosaurs?

Fossil evidence and scientific research have provided insights into the lives of the Diplodocus and Brontosaurus.

Which one is longer, the Diplodocus or the Brontosaurus?

The Diplodocus is typically longer due to its extended neck and tail.

Are the Diplodocus and Brontosaurus from the same time period?

Yes, both lived during the Late Jurassic period, although there might be slight differences in their exact timelines.

Is the Brontosaurus still a valid scientific name?

Yes, after years of debate, the Brontosaurus was reinstated as a distinct genus from Apatosaurus.

Is the Brontosaurus the same as the Apatosaurus?

No, they were once thought to be the same, but they're now recognized as distinct genera.

Was Diplodocus a quadruped?

Yes, Diplodocus walked on all four legs.

How is the Diplodocus' tail different from other dinosaurs?

The Diplodocus had a particularly long, whip-like tail, which might have been used for defense or communication.

Are the Diplodocus and Brontosaurus the biggest dinosaurs ever discovered?

While they are among the largest, other sauropods like Argentinosaurus might have been even larger.

Are there any famous fossil specimens of Brontosaurus?

Yes, several well-preserved specimens are showcased in museums around the world.

How many species are there under the genus Diplodocus?

Several species have been described, but the most famous is Diplodocus longus.

Were the Diplodocus and Brontosaurus predators or prey?

Both were herbivores and would have been prey for large carnivorous dinosaurs of their time.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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