Plateosaurus

Plateosaurus was one of the first large herbivorous dinosaurs to dominate the Late Triassic landscapes of central Europe around 210 million years ago. Reaching up to ten metres in length, this iconic early sauropodomorph walked strictly on its strong hind legs rather than on all fours. Its long, flexible neck supported a small head packed with serrated teeth, perfect for stripping tough Triassic vegetation. Hundreds of skeletons have been recovered from massive bonebeds in Germany and Switzerland, providing an unprecedented view of its growth and biology. Bone analysis shows that Plateosaurus had an adaptable growth rate, with mature individuals ranging from moderate to enormous sizes based on food availability during their lifespans.

Bone histology reveals developmental plasticity, meaning adults varied dramatically in size depending on environmental conditions.

Where and when

Plateosaurus lived in the Late Triassic, from 214 to 204 million years ago (Norian age). Its remains come from Germany and Switzerland and France, in the Trossingen Formation.

The numbers

Length 7.5 m (estimates run from 5 to 10 m). Mass about 2.4 t. Hip height about 2.2 m. That is 4.4 human-lengths, or 0.67 of a double-decker bus. These are estimates from near-complete skeleton; fields marked estimated by the site are length, mass, hip height.

Compare Plateosaurus with a bus Place on the timeline