Scientists in Argentina have uncovered a fascinating new dinosaur named Chucarosaurus diripienda. This long-necked giant measured about 100 feet and roamed Patagonia around 90 million years ago. Interestingly, the fossil blocks were so heavy they caused damage to a road during transport.
Lead researcher Fernando E. Novas from the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum led the study. The discovered partial skeleton included important hip and limb bones from the Río Negro province. The femur alone measures about 6.2 feet and features uniquely slender limb bones. These findings provide fresh insights into the design of sauropods, a group of large, plant-eating dinosaurs.
As a titanosaur, Chucarosaurus diripienda likely fed on high vegetation. Its long tail could have served as a weapon against predators. The name Chucarosaurus comes from the word “chucaro,” meaning tough, while “diripienda” refers to the jumbled nature of the fossil discovery.
The research used phylogenetic analysis to classify this dinosaur among its relatives. Interestingly, the proportions of its limb bones reveal more about how these creatures moved and lived. Unlike what was previously believed, not all giant sauropods had similar body structures. This discovery could reshape our understanding of dinosaur evolution and classification.
The fossils came from the Huincul Formation in the Neuquén Basin, a region rich in dinosaur remains. This geological setting provides a snapshot of a time when giant sauropods thrived in the Southern Hemisphere. The varied environments, including rivers and sand dunes, offer clues about how these animals lived and died.
Estimating the weight of such massive animals is tricky. Researchers use methods ranging from limb scaling to advanced 3D models. One analysis placed Chucarosaurus diripienda’s weight around 69 tons, which is impressive but below some of the largest dinosaurs known.
Fieldwork presented its own challenges. The weight of the fossils caused an accident during transport. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, and the bones survived intact. Once retrieved, the fossils underwent careful examination in the lab, revealing muscle scars and other features that informed researchers about the dinosaur’s life.
The study sheds light not only on Chucarosaurus diripienda but also on the broader evolution of sauropods. It highlights that size isn’t the only factor in their development; the structure of limbs plays a crucial role as well.
For more on this incredible find, you can read the published study in Cretaceous Research.
