News Paleontology

How massive long-necked dinosaurs rose to rule the Jurassic herbivores

Volcanic activity may have altered plant life and ushered in rise of dinosaur giants

illustration of a long-necked dinosaur leaning down to drink from a river

Newly discovered Bagualia alba (illustrated) is one of the oldest true sauropod fossils ever discovered, dating to 179 million years ago. Like other sauropods, B. alba had powerful jaws and an oversized gut, which helped it consume particularly tough plant material.

© J. Gonzalez

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Long-necked sauropods, the largest animals ever to walk on Earth, may have thundered into dominance during the Jurassic Period thanks to a large burst of volcanic activity that began around 184 million years ago, a new study suggests.