The Camarasaurus is among the best-studied species of sauropods in the world, thanks to numerous fossils discovered. A fossil of a young Camarasaurus has thus made it possible to estimate the growth rate as well as the longevity of this species.
Like all other sauropods, its vertebrae were hollow, but their unique structure distinguished them from other members of this group. Their skull is shorter and its neck and tail less long.
Their name comes from the configuration of their vertebrae—it means “chambered lizards.” It refers to large hollow spaces in the vertebrae that are thought to have housed air sacs, similar to those in birds. Different potential uses have been associated with them: to lighten the neck, to help with breathing, or to regulate body temperature.