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Brachiosaurus is one of the largest known land animals, based on a
complete skeleton found in Tanzania. Each neck vertebra was more than 3
feet (1 meter) long. Its large nostrils were located on top of its head,
which caused speculation that Brachiosaurus might have spent time
submerged in water. However, recent studies have shown that a creature as
large as Brachiosaurus could not have inhaled and inflated its lungs
against the water pressure at depths of total submergence. Its front legs
were longer than its rear legs and it stood 24 feet (7.3 meters) at the
shoulder. It had small narrow feet for its size and the first digit of the
front foot had a claw as did the first three digits of the hind foot. The
function of the claws is unknown though they may have been used for raking
plants or in self defense.
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