Re: So what's a Brachiosaur?

[Tom Holtz <tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov>]

>> I think part of the confusion might be Jurassic Park related - many press
>> releases, posters, etc., said "the Brachiosaur, also known as the
>> brontosaurus" - a patently untrue statement!
>>
>
>Thank you.  This is what I was wondering.  I know (vaguely) why the
>brontosaurus is really an aptosaurus (sp?).  Where and how did the name
>`brachiosaur' originate?

Brachiosaurus altithorax Riggs 1903.  Brachio is "arm", and refers to the
great size of the forelimb.


                                
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.                                   
tholtz@geochange.er.usgs.gov
Vertebrate Paleontologist in Exile                  Phone:      703-648-5280
U.S. Geological Survey                                FAX:      703-648-5420
Branch of Paleontology & Stratigraphy
MS 970 National Center
Reston, VA  22092
U.S.A.