Compact mode

Maiasaura vs Apatosaurus vs Edmontosaurus

Table of content

Basic Information Comparison
Physical Characteristics Comparison
Classification Comparison
Facts Comparison
Scientific Data Comparison

Historical Context Comparison
Scientific Classification Comparison
Behavioral Characteristics Comparison
Basic Info Comparison
Characteristics Comparison
Evaluation Comparison

Basic Information Comparison

Diet Type 🥩

"Primary feeding behavior and dietary preferences of the dinosaur, indicating whether it was a meat-eater, plant-eater, or had a mixed diet"

For all*

Herbivore

Describes dinosaurs that exclusively ate plants and vegetation
Scientific Name 🦖

Unique formal name given to each dinosaur species which includes genus and species designation,Used for taxonomic identification and classification in scientific literature

Maiasaura

Maiasaura Peeblesorum

The scientific name of Maiasaura is Maiasaura Peeblesorum. Maiasaura Peeblesorum was a duck-billed dinosaur known for nesting behavior and parental care.

Apatosaurus

Apatosaurus Ajax

The scientific name of Apatosaurus is Apatosaurus Ajax. Massive long-necked sauropod with distinctive whip-like tail

Edmontosaurus

Edmontosaurus Regalis

The scientific name of Edmontosaurus is Edmontosaurus Regalis. Edmontosaurus Regalis was a large duck-billed dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous period.

Physical Characteristics Comparison

Length 📏

"Maximum recorded length of the dinosaur from head to tail"

Maiasaura

9 meters

Maiasaura measured 9 meters in length Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

23 meters

Apatosaurus measured 23 meters in length Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

13 meters

Edmontosaurus measured 13 meters in length Click to see all.
Length Type 📏

"Classification of dinosaur size based on total length"

Maiasaura

Medium (3-10M)

Maiasaura was a Medium (3-10M) sized dinosaur Medium-sized dinosaurs between 3 and 10 meters in length

Apatosaurus

Giant (Over 20M)

Apatosaurus was a Giant (Over 20M) sized dinosaur Massive dinosaurs exceeding 20 meters in length

Edmontosaurus

Large (10-20M)

Edmontosaurus was a Large (10-20M) sized dinosaur Large dinosaurs between 10 and 20 meters in length
Distinguishing Features 🦄

Key physical characteristics that make the dinosaur species unique,Important for identification and classification

Maiasaura

Duck-Like Bill

The distinguishing features of Maiasaura are Duck-Like Bill. These dinosaurs had bills resembling modern ducks for efficient plant processing Click to see all.

Neural Crests

The distinguishing features of Maiasaura are Neural Crests. These dinosaurs had distinctive bony projections along their vertebrae Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

Long Neck

The distinguishing features of Apatosaurus are Long Neck. These dinosaurs had elongated necks for reaching varied food sources Click to see all.

Whip Tail

The distinguishing features of Apatosaurus are Whip Tail.

Edmontosaurus

Duck-Like Bill

The distinguishing features of Edmontosaurus are Duck-Like Bill. These dinosaurs had bills resembling modern ducks for efficient plant processing Click to see all.

Flexible Skull

The distinguishing features of Edmontosaurus are Flexible Skull. These dinosaurs had unusually mobile skull joints allowing for specialized feeding Click to see all.

Classification Comparison

For whom 👩

Target audience interested in this dinosaur species

Maiasaura

Students

Maiasaura would be particularly interesting for Students. Dinosaurs that help students learn about paleontology and evolution

Apatosaurus

Museum Curators

Apatosaurus would be particularly interesting for Museum Curators. Dinosaurs that make effective museum specimens

Edmontosaurus

Museum Curators

Edmontosaurus would be particularly interesting for Museum Curators. Dinosaurs that make effective museum specimens

Students

Edmontosaurus would be particularly interesting for Students. Dinosaurs that help students learn about paleontology and evolution
Purpose 📚

Primary purposes and uses of studying this dinosaur

Maiasaura

Educational Programs

Maiasaura is primarily studied for Educational Programs. Dinosaurs well-suited for teaching paleontology and prehistoric life

Apatosaurus

Scientific Research

Apatosaurus is primarily studied for Scientific Research. Dinosaurs that provide valuable data for various scientific studies

Museum Exhibitions

Apatosaurus is primarily studied for Museum Exhibitions. Dinosaurs that make impressive and educational museum exhibits

Edmontosaurus

Educational Programs

Edmontosaurus is primarily studied for Educational Programs. Dinosaurs well-suited for teaching paleontology and prehistoric life

Museum Exhibitions

Edmontosaurus is primarily studied for Museum Exhibitions. Dinosaurs that make impressive and educational museum exhibits

Facts Comparison

Interesting Fact 🧐

Fascinating scientific or historical information about the dinosaur

Maiasaura

First evidence of dinosaur parental care

Apatosaurus

Weighed as much as 4 elephants

Edmontosaurus

Could chew food better than most dinosaurs
Sarcastic Fact 🤣

Humorous or ironic observation about the dinosaur

Maiasaura

Prehistoric helicopter parent

Apatosaurus

Could not actually survive in water despite old theories

Edmontosaurus

Had better dental plan than modern humans

Scientific Data Comparison

Fossil Completeness 🦴

Rating of how complete the fossil record is for this dinosaur

For all*

8
Research Value 🔬

Rating of the scientific importance and research potential

Maiasaura

9

The research value score for Maiasaura is 9. Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

9

The research value score for Apatosaurus is 9. Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

7

The research value score for Edmontosaurus is 7. Click to see all.
Educational Value 📚

Rating of the dinosaur's value for educational purposes

Maiasaura

9

The educational value score for Maiasaura is 9. Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

8

The educational value score for Apatosaurus is 8. Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

8

The educational value score for Edmontosaurus is 8. Click to see all.
Public Interest 👥

Rating of general public interest and popularity

Maiasaura

8

The public interest score for Maiasaura is 8. Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

9

The public interest score for Apatosaurus is 9. Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

7

The public interest score for Edmontosaurus is 7. Click to see all.
Score ⭐

Overall rating combining various scoring attributes

Maiasaura

8.6

The overall score for Maiasaura is 8.6. Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

8.5

The overall score for Apatosaurus is 8.5. Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

7.5

The overall score for Edmontosaurus is 7.5. Click to see all.

Historical Context Comparison

Time Period 🕗

"Geological time period during which the dinosaur existed, helping place it in Earth's prehistoric timeline"

Maiasaura

Late Cretaceous

Maiasaura lived during the Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs that lived during the final period before extinction

Apatosaurus

Late Jurassic

Apatosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic Dinosaurs that lived during the later part of the Jurassic period

Edmontosaurus

Late Cretaceous

Edmontosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Dinosaurs that lived during the final period before extinction
Discovery Location 🌍

Geographic location where the first fossils of the dinosaur species were found,Important for understanding paleobiogeography and fossil distribution

Maiasaura

Montana USA

The discovery location of Maiasaura is Montana USA. Montana's fossil-rich formations have produced numerous well-preserved dinosaur specimens Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

Morrison Formation Wyoming

The discovery location of Apatosaurus is Morrison Formation Wyoming. The Morrison Formation contains diverse Late Jurassic dinosaur fossils Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

Alberta Canada

The discovery location of Edmontosaurus is Alberta Canada. Describes dinosaurs discovered in the rich fossil beds of Alberta, Canada Click to see all.

Scientific Classification Comparison

Family Classification 🦕

Scientific family classification that groups related dinosaur genera,Important for understanding evolutionary relationships

Maiasaura

Hadrosauridae

The family classification of Maiasaura is Hadrosauridae. Hadrosauridae were duck-billed dinosaurs specialized in processing plant material. Click to see all.

Apatosaurus

Diplodocidae

The family classification of Apatosaurus is Diplodocidae. Diplodocidae were massive sauropods known for their extremely long necks and tails. Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

Hadrosauridae

The family classification of Edmontosaurus is Hadrosauridae. Hadrosauridae were duck-billed dinosaurs specialized in processing plant material. Click to see all.

Behavioral Characteristics Comparison

Social Behavior 🐣

Known or strongly theorized social behaviors and interactions within the species,Based on fossil evidence and comparative analysis

Maiasaura

Social Groups

The social behavior of Maiasaura was Social Groups. Dinosaurs that lived in organized social structures with defined roles

Apatosaurus

Herding

The social behavior of Apatosaurus was Herding. Dinosaurs that lived and moved together in groups for protection and social interaction

Edmontosaurus

Herding

The social behavior of Edmontosaurus was Herding. Dinosaurs that lived and moved together in groups for protection and social interaction

Basic Info Comparison

Made In Date 🕒

The geological period when the dinosaur existed

Maiasaura

Late Cretaceous

Maiasaura existed during the Late Cretaceous. Late Cretaceous dinosaurs showcase peak dinosaur diversity before extinction

Apatosaurus

Late Jurassic

Apatosaurus existed during the Late Jurassic. Late Jurassic dinosaurs show advanced evolutionary features and size increases

Edmontosaurus

Late Cretaceous

Edmontosaurus existed during the Late Cretaceous. Late Cretaceous dinosaurs showcase peak dinosaur diversity before extinction
Made In 🌎

The geographical locations where fossils of this dinosaur were discovered

For all*

North America

Dinosaurs discovered in North America showcase unique adaptations to the continent's diverse environments

Characteristics Comparison

Known For ⭐

Distinctive characteristic or feature that makes this dinosaur notable

Maiasaura

Parental Care Evidence

Maiasaura is known for Parental Care Evidence.

Apatosaurus

Gentle Giant

Apatosaurus is known for Gentle Giant.

Edmontosaurus

Duck-Billed Dinosaur Adaptations

Edmontosaurus is known for Duck-Billed Dinosaur Adaptations.

Evaluation Comparison

Pros ✅

Advantages and positive aspects of studying this dinosaur

Maiasaura

Extensive Fossil Record

These dinosaurs have numerous fossil specimens found across different locations

Nesting Behavior Evidence

Species with fossil evidence of nesting and parental care behaviors

Apatosaurus

Well Preserved Fossils

Dinosaur species known from exceptionally well-preserved fossil remains

Iconic Sauropod

Important For Understanding Herbivore Evolution

Species that reveal key adaptations in plant-eating dinosaur evolution

Edmontosaurus

Abundant Fossils

Species with numerous fossil specimens allow detailed study of population variations

Well-Studied Species
Cons ❌

Disadvantages and challenges in studying this dinosaur

Maiasaura

Limited Defensive Features

Predator Vulnerability

Apatosaurus

Limited Brain Size

These dinosaurs had relatively small brains compared to their body size Click to see all.

Slow Movement

Species known for their sluggish locomotion Click to see all.

Vulnerable To Predators

Describes dinosaurs that were more susceptible to predator attacks due to their physical limitations or defensive capabilities Click to see all.

Edmontosaurus

Common Appearance

Dinosaurs with distinctive features that set them apart from common dinosaur appearances Click to see all.

Limited Defensive Features