Camarasaurus was a large sauropod that once roamed North America. It likely lived in herds and features a comparatively shorter neck and tail than most sauropods, but a larger head. Its name means 'chambered lizard'. It's one of the most commonly found sauropod fossils. Its chisel-shaped teeth were suitable for consuming coarse plant matter.
Discovery
The first Camarasaurus find was in 1877 during the Bone Wars. Most fossil finds so far have been within the Morrison Formation. A full skeleton of Camarasaurus was found in 1925, but it was a juvenile specimen that led many to believe the species was smaller than current thinking. Complete skeletons have been found in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Paleoecology
A wide range of dinosaur species are found in the Morrison Formation. The area had a semi-arid climate. In the Morrison Basin there was more water with swampy lowlands, lakes and river channels.
