A massive dinosaur, weighing as much as nine elephants, has been discovered in Thailand. This giant, called Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, roamed the Earth over 100 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.
Nagatitan was a sauropod, known for its long neck, lengthy tail, and plant-based diet. It measured around 27 meters (about 89 feet) long and could weigh up to 28 tons, making it larger than Dippy the Diplodocus, by 10 tons. This discovery marks Nagatitan as the largest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia.
But even this giant is still smaller than Patagotitan, a sauropod that could weigh around 70 tons, possibly the largest land animal to ever exist.
The name Nagatitan has a rich background. “Naga” refers to mythological water serpents in Asian folklore, while “Titan” relates to the elder gods of Greek mythology. The species name “chaiyaphumensis” highlights its origin from Chaiyaphum province in Thailand, where its bones were unearthed in 2016, near a dried pond.
Researchers from Thailand and University College London (UCL) conducted extensive studies of the fossil. Using advanced surface-scanning techniques, they created 3D models of the bones without needing to transport them. “Thanks to technology, we can study fossils efficiently without extensive travel,” explains Paul Upchurch, a UCL paleobiologist.
The fossil remains included eight vertebrae, five ribs, parts of the pelvis, and limb bones. Marking it as “the last titan,” Nagatitan was found in the Khok Kruat Formation, the youngest area for dinosaur fossils in Thailand.
This region held various prehistoric creatures, including sharks, turtles, and predatory theropods. Fossils indicate it was once a vibrant environment of shrublands and savannas, intersected by rivers, possibly allowing Nagatitan to drink easily.
During the Early Cretaceous, these dinosaurs adapted well to warm conditions, possibly due to their large size, which might have helped dissipate heat. However, significant environmental changes eventually led to the end of the dinosaur era in Southeast Asia.
“As the area transformed into a shallow sea, it’s unlikely we’ll find more dinosaur remains in younger rocks,” shares Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, lead author of the study. “This could be the last large sauropod discovered in Southeast Asia.”
This find is significant not only for its historical context but also on a personal level for researchers. “I’ve always been fascinated by dinosaurs,” says Sethapanichsakul. “This discovery fulfills a childhood dream of naming a dinosaur.”
The study was published in Scientific Reports, highlighting the importance of ongoing paleontological research in understanding our planet’s rich history.
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