The Jobaria that lived during the Middle Jurassic Period belonged to the Sauropoda, which included other species of dinosaurs that had distinctive features such as long necks and long tails.
Key facts about the Jobaria
| Domain | Description |
|---|---|
| Jobaria pronunciation | This kind of dinosaur is pronounced as ‘joh-bahr-ee-uh’. |
| What does Jobaria mean? | The name Jobaria tuguidensis came from the words, “Jobar”, which means that this type of species was named by the Tuareg, a nomadic group of people that lived in the area in which the species were found. The name “Jobar” also means a mythical creature that can grow about 66 feet long. The Jobaria was found in the Niger region, and the name “tuguidensis” was named after a cliff near where the species was found. |
| Dinosaur type | Sauropod |
| On the menu | Herbivorous |
| Length | 70 ft (21.34 m) |
| Height | 15 ft (4.57 m) at the hip |
| Weight | 48,501.7 lb (22,000 kg) |
| Life expectancy | The Jobaria Tuguidensis have been estimated to live between 80-300 years during the Cretaceous Period. |
| Legs used to get around | Quadrupedal |
| Estimated top speed | 25 km/h (15 mp/h) |
| When they lived | Middle Jurassic 164-161 million years ago |
| Where they have been found? | Niger region in Sahara, South Africa |
When & Where
In the year 1997, in the Niger region of Sahara, South Africa, paleontologist Dr. Paul Sereno and his team discovered a 95% or nearly complete skeleton of a Jobaria during their fossil-hunting experience. Together with the skeleton, Dr. Paul Sereno they also discovered a mass burial site, wherein they were able to see adult and young specimens. The reason why these specimens were found together is still a mystery, but it was believed that these specimens were taken during an ancient flash flood. Other experts say that some specimens were believed to be killed by another kind of dinosaur, possibly the Afrovenator.
Size & Weight
At the site of the discovery it was measured that the height of the Jobaria starting at the hip is about 15 ft or 4.57 meters at least. Their length is about 70 ft, or 21.34 meters, which is the size of two average school buses.
Mobility & Diet
Just like other sauropods, the Jobaria had a diet that includes leaves and other leafy vegitation that was seen during the Cretaceous period. With its long, flexible neck and teeth that are shaped like a spoon, it was easier for them to eat on slender branches.
The Jobaria dinosaur was quadrupedal, which means that they use all their 4 legs to walk and stand on. The Jobaria legs were directly positioned under its body with their feet close together, similar to that of an elephant’s. This means that the Jobaria can move with a much greater balance and agility, and can run faster than a human.
Interesting Points
- One unique trait of the Jobaria is that they are able to also rear up using their hind legs since the back leg bone (femur) has a circumference of about 1.5 times compared to the front leg bone (humerus). This means that the closer the rear feet to the center of mass, the easier it would be for the animal to stand or rear up on its hind legs.
- Lived from approximately 168.3 million years ago to 163.5 million years ago.
- Usually lived in a terrestrial environment.
- Reproduced by laying eggs.
- 2 different specimens have been found by paleontologists, and adult and a young dino.