Giraffatitan brancai is a unique species of brachiosaurid macronary sauropod that lived at the end of the Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 145 million years ago, in what is now Africa. Initially classified as Brachiosaurus brancai, later studies revealed significant differences, leading to the creation of the genus Giraffatitan.
This giant herbivore walked on four legs, had a long and robust neck, as well as a relatively short tail. Unlike other sauropods, its build resembled that of modern giraffes, with front legs longer than the hind legs. It used its long neck to feed on the treetops, thanks to its spatulate teeth suitable for its diet.
The holotype specimen, known from a nearly complete skeleton displayed in the Natural History Museum in Berlin, suggests that Giraffatitan measured between 21.8 and 23 meters in length and probably reached 13 meters in height at the head. Recent estimates of its weight vary from 23.2 to 39.5 tons. Some studies even suggest that it could have reached up to 26 meters long, 15 meters high and weighed 45 tons.
Giraffatitan had a relatively small brain compared to its body size, suggesting a distinct metabolism. It is debated whether it was endothermic, warm-blooded, or poikilothermic, cold-blooded, with implications for its maturation time and daily energy needs. Additionally, it is believed that its large nostrils were at the front of the snout, not above the eyes as previously thought.
This giant inhabited a predominantly terrestrial environment, and studies suggest that its size could have contributed to maintaining its body temperature. Although there has been speculation about its aquatic behavior, recent evidence suggests that it was unlikely to spend much time in water due to respiratory and locomotion limitations.
Incredible museum-quality replicas with a high degree of scientific rigor in which an exhaustive paleontological study has been used for their development to create this magnificent model.
Approximate measurements of the Giraffatitan:
This giant herbivore walked on four legs, had a long and robust neck, as well as a relatively short tail. Unlike other sauropods, its build resembled that of modern giraffes, with front legs longer than the hind legs. It used its long neck to feed on the treetops, thanks to its spatulate teeth suitable for its diet.
The holotype specimen, known from a nearly complete skeleton displayed in the Natural History Museum in Berlin, suggests that Giraffatitan measured between 21.8 and 23 meters in length and probably reached 13 meters in height at the head. Recent estimates of its weight vary from 23.2 to 39.5 tons. Some studies even suggest that it could have reached up to 26 meters long, 15 meters high and weighed 45 tons.
Giraffatitan had a relatively small brain compared to its body size, suggesting a distinct metabolism. It is debated whether it was endothermic, warm-blooded, or poikilothermic, cold-blooded, with implications for its maturation time and daily energy needs. Additionally, it is believed that its large nostrils were at the front of the snout, not above the eyes as previously thought.
This giant inhabited a predominantly terrestrial environment, and studies suggest that its size could have contributed to maintaining its body temperature. Although there has been speculation about its aquatic behavior, recent evidence suggests that it was unlikely to spend much time in water due to respiratory and locomotion limitations.
Incredible museum-quality replicas with a high degree of scientific rigor in which an exhaustive paleontological study has been used for their development to create this magnificent model.
Approximate measurements of the Giraffatitan:
- 1:18 Scale Assembly Kit
- Length 730mm
- Height 900mm
- Snout-tail length 1225 mm
- Includes acrylic or metal support
- Base not included
