Organism
Sauropod Dinosaurs
TL;DR
Largest terrestrial animals ever (50-80 tons), approaching fundamental structural limits.
Largest terrestrial animals ever (50-80 tons), approaching fundamental structural limits. Required semi-aquatic lifestyles or quadrupedal postures to distribute weight across four pillar-like limbs. Bone material has finite compressive strength (~200 MPa for cortical bone) - beyond certain sizes, no amount of thickening prevents failure.
Notable Traits of Sauropod Dinosaurs
- 50-80 tons
- Required quadrupedal weight distribution
- Approached bone material limits