Binomial Diplodocus longus · dih-PLOD-uh-kus
Late Jurassic · 155-145 Ma
AI reconstructionDiplodocus fossil records in Fossil Atlas are mapped as selected modern discovery locations, with 311 source-backed records currently shown. Known from Morrison Formation records in the western United States, especially classic sauropod-bearing Jurassic localities. Key mapped formations in the current dataset include Morrison Formation, Morrison Fm, Morrison. These pins are fossil record locations, not a complete ancient habitat map.
This remains a specimen profile: the reconstruction, measurements, field account, and evidence sections stay intact. The fossil-map answer is surfaced here so visitors from search can orient themselves before reading the full dossier.
Diplodocus was a long-necked sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation. Its extremely long neck and tail give it one of the most recognizable dinosaur outlines. Fossil Atlas maps selected modern fossil discovery records and uses Diplodocus to strengthen the sauropod side of the Morrison ecosystem.
Drawn true to scale on a metre ruler.
Length
measured24 m · 79 ft
Largest known specimens
Height
measured5.0 m · 16 ft
Body mass
estimate12,000 kg · 26,500 lb
Typical adult
Top speed
estimate16 km/h · 10 mph
Modelled, debated
Teeth
measured≈ 50
Brain : body (EQ)
estimate0.2
Encephalization quotient
Position of this animal’s known range across 252 million years of the Mesozoic and beyond.
155-145 million years ago
Diplodocus had one of the longest silhouettes in the Morrison Formation.
Its tail may have ended in a long, narrow whip-like section.
Diplodocus makes the Morrison sauropod story much easier to compare with Apatosaurus.
The famous Carnegie casts made Diplodocus a museum icon worldwide.
Pins show selected fossil records for Diplodocus; use them as modern discovery evidence, not a complete range map. Modern fossil discovery map: pins show where selected fossil and specimen records were found today, not ancient Earth positions. What does this mean?
Specimen evidence
These are sourced specimen assets, separate from the AI reconstruction. Only media with clear open or reusable rights is displayed by default.
USNM PAL 337914_1
Michael Brett-Surman
USNM V 4717
Michael Brett-Surman
USNM PAL 337914_2
Michael Brett-Surman
USNM PAL 337908
Michael Brett-Surman
Diplodocus is represented here by selected fossil records from known from morrison formation records in the western united states, especially classic sauropod-bearing jurassic localities. Fossil Atlas maps those records as modern discovery locations.
No. The map shows modern fossil discovery locations from selected records. Ancient habitat and paleogeographic reconstructions are separate questions.
The current Fossil Atlas records include Morrison Formation. Formation coverage depends on the selected dataset and may not be complete.
Yes. Use the expedition card generator to turn the Diplodocus map and specimen profile into a shareable card.
Selected fossil records from PBDB and museum biodiversity aggregators. Source labels and confidence notes help distinguish canonical paleobiology records from specimen-media records.
Reconstruction images are labeled illustrations and do not represent fossil evidence. Size, speed, and bite-force figures are typical published estimates and remain subject to revision as new specimens are described.
Maps use curated PBDB, museum, and specimen-source records with visible caveats.
Pins show where fossils were found or reported today, not exact ancient habitat positions.
Artwork is labeled separately from specimen photos, maps, and source records.
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