Sorna's Brachiosaurus
"Everyone, if you look out to the left of the plane you can see a whole herd of Brachiosaurs, in fact you can see in the front of the group the Alpha Male grazing there."
~Dr. Alan Grant
Species:
Brachiosaurus sp.
Common Name:
Sorna's Brachiosaurus
Family:
Brachiosauridae
Seen in:
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Vocalizations:
Description:
This exotic looking breed of Brachiosaurus is the largest of the three varieties. Its common name refers the fact this strain is endemic to the Costa Rican Island Isla Sorna. They were first seen in 2001 during Dr. Grant's venture to the island. Like all the Brachiosaur breeds, the Sorna's Brachiosaurus exhibits the key traits of the species: a long vertical neck, a small head, powerful forelimbs, and a robust short tail.
Unlike the Greater and Lesser Brachiosaurs, the Sorna's Brachiosaurus sports a warm tone of mint green across its body, with yellowish green patterns and markings. Males feature a striking red patterning on their crests and neck, which females lack. These Brachiosaurs have a considerably stockier build than the other two strains. This is especially apparent on their torso and limbs. Their necks are also exceptionally flexible.
Despite their name, the Greater Brachiosaur actually has a smaller body mass than the Sorna's Brachiosaur, with the later being the true largest. A particularly unique feature of this breed is the shape of its crest. Instead of a forward-facing, pompadour-shaped crest, the Sorna's Brachiosaurus curiously has a crest that points backwards, reminiscent of a young Parasaurolophus crest.
Size Estimates:
15.5m Tall
16.5m Long
Did you know?
Of the three breeds, the Sorna's Brachiosaurus has been observed in the largest herds, possibly indicating it is the most social of the strains. It is also the only breed confirmed to have a patriarchal hierarchy.
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
Endemic to Isla Sorna, these Brachiosaurs have a small geographic range. Only ever seen on the island back in 2001, it is unclear if the breed is still alive, or if it has been introduced to any other locations.
Despite this, the Sorna's Brachiosaurus thrived on Isla Sorna, living in large patriarchal herds scattered across open plains. This breed can also be seen grazing near riverbanks, sharing their habitat with animals such as Parasaurolophus, Ankylosaurus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops.
Individual Variation:
During Dr. Grant and the Kirbys' navigation through the island’s interior riverbanks, a group of four Brachiosaurs was seen approaching them. Three sported the typical red crests distinct to their breed while a fourth individual lacked this coloration.
While it is yet to be confirmed, it can be presumed that this individual represents a female Sorna's Brachiosaur. It is thus speculated that sexual dimorphism is present in Sorna’s Brachiosaurus, with males sporting predominant red markings on their crests, likely for mating display, while females lack these.