"Three Sauropodomorphs"
Coloured pencil illustration, June 2008
Adapted from Luis Rey's illustrations in Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-To-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages
Top: Plateosaurus engelhardti von Meyer, 1837
Plateosauridae; Prosauropoda; Sauropodomorpha; Saurischia; Sauropsida; Chordata
From Late Triassic Germany
Middle: Apatosaurus ajax Marsh, 1877
Diplodocidae; Sauropoda; Sauropodomorpha; Saurischia; Sauropsida; Chordata
From Late Jurassic U.S.A.
Bottom: Brachiosaurus altithorax Riggs, 1903
Brachiosauridae; Sauropoda; Sauropodomorpha; Saurischia; Sauropsida; Chordata
From Late Jurassic/Early Cretaceous U.S.A.
Unlike the animals represented in the "Four Theropods" artwork, these three beasts have been known for over a century and represent (apart from Diplodocus, a close relative of Apatosaurus) the best known sauropodomorphs (the name for the group that includes both sauropods and prosauropods - "long-necked dinosaurs").
Apatosaurus is often colloquially (but incorrectly) known as Brontosaurus. This name is considered invalid due to the fact that Apatosaurus is the earlier name, despite the fact that Brontosaurus' name is more widely known. Also, I know the colours on Apatosaurus are a bit fanciful, but I couldn't resist drawing a pink dinosaur!
Next instalment... thyreophorans (the spiky ones)!
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