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The area where the new species of sauropod was discovered is unusual as it would have been a desert at that time, 110 million years ago.
A team of Spanish and Argentine paleontologists have discovered the remains of a dinosaur that lived 110 million years ago in the center of the country, revealed Friday the National University of La Matanza.
The remains came from three distinct dinosaurs belonging to the group of herbivorous sauropods, the best known being Diplodocus and Brontosaurus. This new species has been named Lavocatisaurus agrioensis.
"We found most of the bones of the skull: the muzzle, the jaws, many teeth, as well as the bones that define the orbits, for example, so we were able to create an almost complete reconstruction," said researcher Jose Luis Carballido. at the Egidio Feruglio Museum and the National Council of Scientific Investigations.
Parts of the neck, tail and back have also been found.
"Not only is it the discovery of a new species in an area where one does not expect to find fossils, but the skull is almost done," added Carballido.
The remains belonged to an adult of about 12 meters long and two miners of about six to seven meters.
Paleontologists say that the dinosaurs moved in groups and died together.
"This discovery of an adult and two miners also means the first record of a group move among the rebbachisaurus dinosaurs," said lead author Jose Ignacio Canudo. from the University of Zaragoza.
Paleontologists discovered the remains of three distinct members of the new species: one adult and two juveniles.
The area in which the fossils were found is unusual for dinosaurs because it would have been a desert with sporadic lakes at that time.
The Sauropods were the greatest creatures ever to have roamed the planet. Supersaurus could reach 33 to 34 meters long and Argentinosaurus could have weighed up to 120 tons.
They were herbivorous quadrupeds with long necks and tails, massive bodies and small heads.
But the discovery at Neuquen, published in the scientific journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, remains a huge surprise.
"While one can imagine that this group of sauropods could have adapted to more arid environments, with little vegetation, little moisture and little water, it would be a good thing. is an area in which you would not look for fossils, "said Carballido.
Explore further:
Fossils of the largest dinosaur found in Argentina (update)
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