Reptiles in the Jurassic Period

The Jurassic period was a geological period characterized by huge reptiles that ruled the earth. In fact, this period is often referred to as the 'Age of Reptiles.' During this period, land was dominated by dinosaurs while the sea was dominated by marine reptiles. The world was much warmer and wetter during this period, allowing lush forests to sustain large reptile life.

  1. Diplodocus

    • The name Diplodocus means 'double beamed lizard'. This was given to it because of the extra bones that supported its spine. This specie of dinosaurs was about 147 feet long with most of its length on the tail. The reptile weighed 30 ton; it was the longest but not the heaviest dinosaur. The reptile had a small brain and most of its nerves were based in its spine. The herbivorous dinosaur had peg-like teeth that were used to munch on ferns and soft leaves. Diplodocus also swallowed stones and rocks that helped it grind the food in its stomach.

    Brachiosaurus

    • Brachiosaurus were large, herbivorous reptiles that lived from the middle to late Jurassic period. These dinosaurs were estimated to be 40 to 50 feet tall with a length of about 85 feet and an approximate weight of 33 to 88 tons. The name Brachiosaurus means 'arm reptile'. The dinosaur was given this name because its front legs were much stronger than its back legs. The dinosaur had teeth shaped like chisels.

    Stegosaurus

    • Stegosaurus was an herbivorous reptile from the late Jurassic period. This reptile had a length of 26 to 30 feet, height of 9 feet and weighed about 6,800 pounds. This dinosaur was characterized by a big tail with spikes at the end. The Stegosaurus reptiles had large, triangle-shaped plates along its back that acted like armor. The back legs of Stegosaurus were double the size of the front legs. Moreover, it had a small head with a toothless beak.

    Allosaurus

    • The name Allosaurus means 'different lizard.' The name was given to them due to their spinal bones that were different from other dinosaurs. The reptile was about 39 feet long, weighed 3 tons and had a bony crest above its eyes and an S-shaped neck. The Allosaurus was not a fast runner but had a powerful tail. It rested its weight on its back legs and had short arms with three claws. This carnivore had large, sharp and curved teeth that were used to attack its prey.

    Camarasaurus

    • Camarasaurus is known as the 'chambered lizard' because of the hollow chambers in its vertebrae. This herbivorous dinosaur was a medium-sized reptile that had front and hind legs of equal length. The dinosaur measured almost 24 to 65 feet long, was 15 feet tall and weighed almost 20 tons. This long necked and long tailed dinosaur had a small head with spoon-shaped teeth.

    Ichthyosaurs

    • Ichthyosaurs were strong swimmers well adapted to marine life. However, they occasionally enjoyed land life to stock up on oxygen. These reptiles ranged from 7 to 30 feet in length and had sharp teeth, big eyes and long jaws. They had four fins and were also known as "Fish Lizards."

    Anchisaurus

    • Anchisaurus--a bipedal, herbivorous reptile--weighed about 65 to 150 pounds and had a length of 6.5 to 8 feet. This dog-sized dinosaur resembled today's kangaroo in the way it walked.

    Dilophosaurus

    • Dilophosaurus is a bipedal carnivorous dinosaur that existed in the early Jurassic period. This dinosaur had a length of 20 feet and weighed from 650 to 1,000 pounds. This fast-moving reptile had a double crest on its head.