ExploreAncient

Plateosaurus

Plateosaurus engelhardti

Plateosaurus was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.

Habitat: Mesozoic forests and floodplains

Appearance

The Plateosaurus is a robust, long-necked dinosaur, typically depicted with mottled green or brown scales for camouflage. It has a relatively small head compared to its large body and powerful hind legs, often standing on two legs.

KingdomAnimalia
Plateosaurus
ancient trait badgeartifact trait badgearmored trait badgefossil trait badge
Plateosaurus

Category

Ancient

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Baby Plateosaurus grew incredibly fast, reaching massive sizes in just a few years!

It was one of the first very large dinosaurs ever discovered in Europe!

Its name means 'flat lizard,' even though it was a robust, not flat, dinosaur!

Plateosaurus was a giant plant-eater before many other famous dinosaurs appeared.

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Feeder Reach

Plateosaurus can stretch its long neck to browse high branches because it has a flexible neck.

Ability

Strong Grippers

Plateosaurus has strong thumb claws that help it grasp plants or defend itself.

Ability

Posture Shifter

Plateosaurus can walk on two or four legs, helping it move efficiently and browse various plant levels.

Measurements & details

Estimated Length
5-10 m
Estimated Weight
600-4000 kg
Era
Late Triassic Period
Extinct Millions Years Ago
204

Diet & Feeding

Plateosaurus munched on plants like ferns, cycads, and conifers, using its small teeth to strip leaves.

Primary Foods

  • Ferns
  • Cycads
  • Conifers

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Liliensternus

Liliensternus liliensterni

A large theropod dinosaur that hunted large herbivores.

eaten by

Teratosaurus

Teratosaurus suevicus

A massive archosaur predator from the Late Triassic.

eaten by

Saltoposuchus

Saltoposuchus connectens

A fast, crocodile-like archosaur, possibly preying on juveniles.

Traits

Also known as

Plateosaurus engelhardti

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Plateosaurus?

5-10 m

How much does Plateosaurus weigh?

600-4000 kg

What does Plateosaurus eat?

Plateosaurus munched on plants like ferns, cycads, and conifers, using its small teeth to strip leaves.

Where is Plateosaurus usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

How does Plateosaurus hunt?

Grazing

What geologic era did Plateosaurus live in?

Late Triassic Period

When did Plateosaurus go extinct?

204

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Ancient