**Suuwassea: A Unique Dinosaur from the Jurassic Period**
Suuwassea is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 156 to 147 million years ago. Fossils of this dinosaur were found in Montana, USA, specifically in a place called the Morrison Formation. The discovery of Suuwassea’s bones happened during expeditions from 1999 to 2000, and scientists J.D. Harris and Peter Dodson described this dinosaur in 2004.
**Name Origin**
The name “Suuwassea” comes from the language of the Crow Tribe, a Native American group. The word “suuwassa” means “the first thunder heard in spring.” This name was chosen in honor of the “thunder lizard” nickname often used for large dinosaurs. The specific name, “emilieae,” pays tribute to a supporter of the fossil expeditions, Emilie deHellebranth, who passed away in 2001.
**What Did Suuwassea Look Like?**
Suuwassea was quite large, estimated to be about 15 meters long, which is longer than a school bus. It likely weighed around 5 metric tons, similar to the weight of a small elephant. Like other dinosaurs in its family, Suuwassea was a herbivore, which means it ate plants.
It had some features that were similar to other dinosaurs but also showed signs of being more primitive. This means it had characteristics that were a mix of both ancient and more modern dinosaur traits.
**Classification and Family**
Suuwassea belongs to a family of dinosaurs known as Dicraeosauridae, which are part of the larger group of sauropod dinosaurs. Sauropods are known for their long necks and large bodies. The classification of Suuwassea has been debated. It was once thought to belong to a different family, but later studies placed it firmly within the Dicraeosauridae family.
In summary, Suuwassea was a fascinating dinosaur from a long time ago, known for its size and distinctive features. Its name connects it to Native American culture, and it continues to be a subject of interest for scientists studying the history of dinosaurs.