Brontosaurus: Back from the Dead?
The Dinosaur That Might Deserve Its Own Genus
Brontosaurus, one of the most famous dinosaurs of all time, may be making a comeback. A new analysis of dinosaur skeletons suggests that this long-necked, heavy-bodied herbivore is actually unique enough to resurrect its beloved moniker.
A Paleontological Twist
In the early days of dinosaur discovery, Brontosaurus was described as a distinct genus. However, in 1903, paleontologist Elmer Riggs found that most of the traits that seemed to distinguish Brontosaurus from Apatosaurus, another similar dinosaur, were actually due to differences in growth. As a result, Brontosaurus was relegated to the status of a species within the genus Apatosaurus.
But now, a new study by researchers in the U.K. and Portugal suggests that Brontosaurus may deserve its own genus after all. The researchers analyzed 477 anatomical landmarks across 81 individual dinosaurs and found that the bones originally called Brontosaurus by Othniel Charles Marsh, the paleontologist who first described the species, seem to stand apart from the two Apatosaurus species.
Anatomical Differences
The researchers identified several subtle anatomical differences between Brontosaurus and Apatosaurus. One of the most obvious differences is that Apatosaurus has a wider neck than Brontosaurus. Additionally, Brontosaurus was not quite as robust as Apatosaurus.
The Fate of Brontosaurus
Whether Brontosaurus will officially regain its status as a distinct genus remains to be seen. Other paleontologists will need to replicate the results of the new study and agree on the threshold for when dinosaurs merit different names.
The Significance of Brontosaurus
Regardless of its taxonomic status, Brontosaurus holds a special place in popular culture. The name has become a totem of the extinct creatures that continue to ignite our imaginations. Brontosaurus represents a connection to a past we can never visit, but that we can still glimpse through the dinosaur’s magnificent bones.
Cladistics and Dinosaur Classification
To classify dinosaurs, paleontologists use a discipline called cladistics. Cladistics involves analyzing dinosaur skeletons to identify shared characteristics. Computer programs then use these characteristics to create a family tree based on who shares which characteristics.
Different researchers may choose to analyze different characteristics and score them in different ways, so any single result is a hypothesis that requires verification from other researchers.
Other Dinosaurs in Taxonomic Tension
Brontosaurus is not the only dinosaur that is held in taxonomic tension. For example, some researchers recognize the slender tyrannosaur Gorgosaurus libratus as a unique genus, while others see it as a species of Albertosaurus.
The debate over dinosaur classification is likely to continue as new discoveries are made and our understanding of these ancient creatures evolves.
