Sauropoda

Introduction Sauropods, the large behemoths of their time, have incredible body structures that include massive weight and length. While a lot is known about these dinosaurs from current fossil records, there is still much to learn. The ability to move and support their appendages (primarily the neck and tail) is one aspect of these dinosaurs where research continues to provide new answers. This paper seeks to examine some of the more current research regarding sauropod neck functionality and structure, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of where the scientific world stands regarding this particular topic. Current Research Often times, when scientists want to better understand the movement and function of extinct dinosaurs, they look to modern examples for clues. Gordon Dzmeski and Andreas Christian looked to the modern ostrich for a more comprehensive understanding regarding the workings of dinosaurs with lengthy necks. In particular, they used fresh tissue samples and observational evidence of live ostriches. They then focused each observation on a different segment and different ligaments of the ostrich neck. For a better comparative analysis, they used other long necked creatures such as the camel and giraffe. All three animals showed similar patterns for movement and usage. Their results allowed them to discover that a standard ostrich neck is able to be broken into four segments. Each segment was responsible for a unique function. For example, one segment is…

Sauropoda For my dinosaur, I chose to research the Sauropoda. According to scientists, the Sauropoda was thought to be alive during the late Triassic period, which was roughly 65 million years ago. As a result of scientist’s theories, they believe that the Sauropoda was killed of at some point during the cretaceous period. Sauropoda means,”Lizard footed”. Because scientist have found more and more information about these dinosaurs, they are still coming up with different theories. The…

the diapsids was slow, and is likely attributed to the improved respiration in diapsids provided by their erect gait. What were the first dinosaurs like and where did they live? [4] The first dinosaurs were the agile, bipedal carnivores, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor. Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor differed in size (Eoraptor was about one meter in length, Herrerasaurus was between three and six meters in length), but this pair invariably possessed carnivore-like characteristics (grasping, clawed…