Argentinosaurus, whose title means “Argentine lizard”, is likely one of the largest dinosaurs ever found. A member of a bunch of giant sauropods referred to as Titanosaurs, Argentinosaurus roamed South America throughout the Late Cretaceous interval.
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Argentinosaurus Information
- Sort of Dinosaur: Sauropod
- Weight loss program: Herbivore
- Continent(s) Discovered: South America
- Size: Roughly 30–35 meters (98–115 ft)
- Peak: Estimated to be round 7 meters (23 ft) on the shoulder
- Weight: Estimates vary from 50 to 100 metric tons (55 to 110 brief tons)
- Interval: Late Cretaceous (roughly 94-97 million years in the past)
What Did Argentinosaurus Look Like?
Argentinosaurus was a colossal sauropod dinosaur, identified mainly for its large measurement. Measuring roughly 30 to 35 meters (98 to 115 ft) in size, Argentinosaurus was among the many longest dinosaurs that ever roamed the Earth. Its top on the shoulder was round 7 meters (23 ft), giving it a towering presence in its surroundings.
You could find out extra concerning the various kinds of dinosaurs on this web page: Sorts Of Dinosaurs
To place the immense measurement of Argentinosaurus into perspective, its size can be equal to roughly 2.5 to 2.9 normal metropolis buses positioned finish to finish. Its top on the shoulders would have been as excessive as a two-story home!
When it comes to weight, estimates counsel that Argentinosaurus possible weighed between 50 and 100 metric tons (55 to 110 brief tons).
That’s across the weight of 8 or 9 metropolis buses!
The dinosaur’s immense weight was supported by its 4 thick, pillar-like legs, which had been tailored to bear the large mass of its physique. These legs had been strong and columnar – like these of an elephant – however way more large, making certain stability and help.
The physique of Argentinosaurus was characterised by a protracted neck and tail, with a large, barrel-shaped torso. The elongated neck allowed it to succeed in excessive vegetation, important for its herbivorous food regimen, whereas the lengthy, whip-like tail helped with steadiness and may need served as a defensive software.
The pores and skin of Argentinosaurus, whereas not definitively identified, is believed to have been tough and scaly, with potential variations in shade and patterns for camouflage or thermoregulation.
The pinnacle of Argentinosaurus was comparatively small compared to its huge physique, geared up with peg-like tooth appropriate for stripping leaves off crops.
What Sort Of Dinosaur Was Argentinosaurus?
Argentinosaurus was a kind of sauropod dinosaur. Sauropods had been characterised by their massive measurement, lengthy necks, lengthy tails, and 4 thick, pillar-like legs.
Argentinosaurus belonged to a bunch of sauropods referred to as Titanosauria. The titanosaurs had been a various group of sauropod dinosaurs that lived from the Late Jurassic to the top of the Cretaceous interval.
Titanosaurs had been herbivorous and included a few of the heaviest and longest dinosaurs identified, equivalent to Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan.
The fossilized stays of titanosaurs have been discovered on each continent, indicating their widespread distribution and adaptation to numerous environments.
The place Did Argentinosaurus Dwell?
Argentinosaurus lived in what’s now the Patagonia area of Argentina, in South America.
This big dinosaur was first found in Argentina in 1987. Its fossil stays had been discovered within the Huincul Formation within the Neuquén Province of Patagonia. The invention was made by an area farmer, who stumbled upon the bones, which had been later studied and described by paleontologists.
The sort species, Argentinosaurus huinculensis, was formally described in 1993 by paleontologists José F. Bonaparte and Rodolfo Coria. The invention included vertebrae and elements of the pelvis, which offered important insights into the large measurement and traits of this sauropod dinosaur.
The title Argentinosaurus means “Argentine Lizard”. The precise a part of the dinosaur’s title (huinculensis), refers back to the space during which it was discovered.
When Did Argentinosaurus Dwell?
Argentinosaurus lived throughout the Late Cretaceous interval, roughly 94 to 97 million years in the past.
You could find out extra concerning the Cretaceous and different intervals of the Mesazoic Period on this web page: Dinosaur Durations
Earth Throughout The Cretaceous Interval
Through the Late Cretaceous interval, South America had a heat and semi-arid local weather with huge floodplains, river techniques, and deltas. These landscapes had been lined with forests of conifers, ferns, and different prehistoric crops, offering ample vegetation to help massive herbivorous dinosaurs like Argentinosaurus.
The area was a part of the supercontinent Gondwana and was dwelling to a various dinosaur neighborhood, together with different titanosaurs, theropods, and smaller herbivores. The ecosystem additionally included early mammals, reptiles, and birds.
What Different Dinosaurs Did Argentinosaurus Dwell With?
Different dinosaurs discovered within the Huincul Formation (the positioning of Argentinosaurus’ discovery) embrace:
Mapusaurus: a big carnivorous theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous interval, carefully associated to Giganotosaurus, that lived in what’s now Argentina and sure hunted in packs. It probably preyed on massive herbivores equivalent to Argentinosaurus.
Skorpiovenator: A mid-sized theropod dinosaur, identified for its distinctive cranium and tooth. A near-complete skeleton discovered within the Huincul Formation makes it one of many best-known abelisaurids.
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You possibly can see extra Cretaceous Interval dinosaurs on this web page: Cretaceous Interval Dinosaurs