Sauropoda: The Gentle Giants of the Dinosaur World

Sauropoda, from the Greek “lizard feet,” were a group of dinosaurs that were known for their long necks, tails, and - let’s be honest - their massive size. They were often referred to as the gentle giants of the dinosaur world since they were herbivores with a peaceful disposition.

Despite their calm demeanor, these dinosaurs were real heavyweights. Sauropoda were the largest animals to ever walk on land. Their necks alone could stretch up to 50 feet long, making them the perfect match for giraffes when it came to reaching the highest tree branches.

Their long tails served as a balancing tool, allowing them to stand on their hind legs to reach even higher. One can only imagine the embarrassment they would endure if they happened to fall over with such a hefty weight!

One of the most prominent Sauroda was Brachiosaurus, which was so massive that its footprints alone could measure up to 1.8 meters per step. It’s safe to say that his shoe budget would have put even Imelda Marcos to shame.

These dinos had a unique digestive system that required them to eat tons of vegetation daily. To top it off, it was said that they were capable of breaking wind (farting) large enough that it could be heard from miles away (although we wouldn’t know because, unfortunately, there were no recording devices then). It appears that flatulence was quite literally their superpower.

Sadly, the Sauropoda became extinct around 66 million years ago, leaving behind only their massive bones and impressive fossils for us to marvel at today. We may never know what made these mighty giants disappear, but one thing is for sure: they would have never needed to worry about being body-shamed by other dinosaurs.

In short, even though these gentle giants have gone extinct, their existence in the world was something to be marvelled at, and we can enjoy their fossil records & remnants with a smile on our face.