Apatosaurus

/ˌæpətəˈsɔːrəs/ noun

Definition

A large herbivorous sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, known for its long neck, small head, and massive body; formerly called Brontosaurus.

Etymology

From Greek 'apate' (deceit, possibly referring to misleading reconstructions) plus 'sauros' (lizard); renamed from the earlier name 'Brontosaurus' when scientists realized it was misidentified.

Kelly Says

Apatosaurus was so famous as 'Brontosaurus' that when scientists renamed it correctly in the 1990s, museums all over the world had to change their signs—it's one of the most famous name changes in paleontology!

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