| Brontosaurus Brontosaurus baxteri | |
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| Sapience level | Non-sapient |
| Average length | 80-120 ft. |
| Location / range | Skull Island |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Social unit | Herd |
| Population status | Extinct |
| Danger rating | Extreme threat |
Brontosaurus (Brontosaurus baxteri) is a species of large sauropod dinosaur native to Skull Island.
Anatomy and appearance[]
Brontosaurus baxteri is the biggest creature on Skull Island and rivals its prehistoric sauropod ancestors in size. Adults can reach lengths of 80-120 feet (24-36 m), enabling the herbivorous creatures to graze at heights that no other Skull Island plant-eater can even begin to reach. Physically, the creatures are virtually identical to prehistoric sauropods- they have massive, elephantine legs, long necks sporting small heads, and powerful tails used for self defense (although few predators dare to attack fully grown adults).
Unlike prehistoric sauropods, Brontosaurus baxteri give birth to live young that, much like baby mammals, can walk within hours after birth. This, coupled with protection from every older herd member, greatly increases the infants' chances of survival. Because the massive herbivores could easily destroy Skull Island's vegetation and thereby the delicate ecosystem, their numbers are kept in check by a slow reproduction rate.
Behavior[]
Female Brontosaurus leave the herd when they mature, preventing inbreeding. They join other herds while the males stay to defend the herd. The herds are lead by an adult bull which produces pheromones which stop younger males from reaching (sexual) maturity, making the bull the herd's only reproductive male.
During feeding, the herds often separate. In order to stay in touch with each other, the members communicate by stomping on the ground, producing vibrations which are carried far enough for all members to sense them. Individuals feeding on the outskirts of the herds often serve as sentries, warning the other creatures of predator attacks.
Brontosaurus often create game trails in forests, leaving a path of demolished trees which other herbivores previously held back by the thick vegetation can now pass.
Trivia[]
- Although the creature is fictional, its name is not: Brontosaurus was an official dinosaur genus from 1879 to 1903. In 1903 it was discovered that Brontosaurus remains actually belonged to the genus Apatosaurus. Because this genus was described earlier (in 1877), it replaced Brontosaurus as the official name. Brontosaurus continued to be a popular synonym, which is probably why the writers of The World of Kong chose to use the name for this creature.
- The species name, baxteri, is a tribute to Bruce Baxter, a character in the 2005 remake.