Dinosaurs & Prehistory - Dinosaurs - Brachiosaurus - Sauropods - Jurassic
Why was the Brachiosaurus' shoulders significantly higher than its hips?
Correct!
Brachiosaurus differed significantly in its body proportions from many other known sauropods. Its front legs were longer than its back legs, causing the front part of its body to stand higher and its back to rise toward its shoulders. This body shape, along with its long neck, gave it an almost giraffe-like appearance. The high shoulder position and long neck probably allowed Brachiosaurus to reach vegetation at considerable heights. The name Brachiosaurus means arm lizard and also refers to its exceptionally long forelimbs.
Brachiosaurus had longer forelimbs than hind limbs; As a result, the shoulders and chest area were significantly higher than the hips.
