Neuquensaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago, in what is now Argentina. Its fossils were found in the Anacleto Formation near the Neuquén River, from which its name is derived. It was a relatively small sauropod compared to some of its relatives, with hardened, bone-like, raised scales on its back that acted as protective armor.
Neuquensaurus was a quadrupedal dinosaur that used its long neck to reach vegetation in tall trees. Its teeth were adapted for cropping and grinding plant material, suggesting a herbivorous diet. Given the vast size of sauropods, including Neuquensaurus, they likely required an extensive food supply to sustain themselves. The internal tissue structure of its tail is camerate in the centra and camellate in the neural arches, spines, and transverse processes.
Classification
Taxonomy
Neuquensaurus is a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago in Argentina and Uruguay in South America. It was first described by Richard Lydekker in 1893. The name Neuquensaurus is derived from the Neuquén Province in Argentina, where its fossils were first discovered.
Neuquensaurus belongs to the Titanosauriformes group of sauropods, which are characterized by their long necks and tails, as well as their sturdy bodies. This group of dinosaurs also includes some of the largest land animals to have ever lived.
Phylogeny
Neuquensaurus is a member of the Saltasauridae family of Titanosauriformes, which also includes other genera such as Saltasaurus and Rocasaurus. This family of dinosaurs is known for their unique osteoderms, which are bony plates that cover their skin.
Recent studies suggest that Neuquensaurus is closely related to other South American titanosaurs such as Alamosaurus and Opisthocoelicaudia. These dinosaurs are believed to have migrated from North America to South America during the Late Cretaceous, when the two continents were still connected by land.
Overall, Neuquensaurus is an important dinosaur for understanding the evolution and diversity of sauropods during the Late Cretaceous period. Its fossils provide valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of these fascinating creatures.
Discovery
History
Neuquensaurus, meaning “Neuquén lizard,” is a genus of saltasaurid sauropod dinosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago in Argentina. Its fossils were first discovered in the Anacleto Formation around Cinco Saltos, near the Neuquén river from which its name is derived. The genus was named and described by the Argentine paleontologist Jorge O. Calvo and his colleagues in 1997.
Excavation Site
The excavation site where Neuquensaurus fossils were found is located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. The Anacleto Formation, where the fossils were discovered, is a geological formation that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period. The formation consists of sandstones and mudstones that were deposited in a fluvial environment. The fossils of Neuquensaurus were found in outcrops of the Anacleto Formation around Cinco Saltos, near the Neuquén river. The fossils were recovered through a combination of surface prospecting and excavation.
Neuquensaurus was a relatively small sauropod with hardened, bone-like, raised scales on its back, which would have acted as protective armor. Its closest relatives include Antarctosaurus and Yamanasaurus. The discovery of new fossils and research on Neuquensaurus continues to provide insights into the evolution and behavior of sauropods during the Late Cretaceous period.
Description
Anatomy
Neuquensaurus is a genus of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83 to 66 million years ago. It belongs to the Titanosaur family and is characterized by its long neck and tail, as well as a robust body. The sauropod’s elongated neck was made up of 13 vertebrae, and its tail consisted of 50 vertebrae. The dinosaur had four sturdy limbs, which were used to support its massive body.
Size and Dimensions
Neuquensaurus was a relatively small sauropod compared to other members of its family. It measured approximately 15 meters in length and weighed around 10 tons. The dinosaur had hardened, bone-like, raised scales on its back, which would have acted as protective armor. Its femoral length was approximately 0.75 meters, and it had a fibular lateral tuberosity that was strongly developed.
In conclusion, Neuquensaurus was a herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83 to 66 million years ago. It had a long neck and tail, as well as a robust body, and was characterized by its four sturdy limbs. The dinosaur was relatively small compared to other members of its family and had hardened, bone-like, raised scales on its back that acted as protective armor.
Paleobiology
Diet
Neuquensaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago. Its diet consisted mainly of low-lying vegetation, such as ferns and horsetails. Its teeth were small and peg-like, which suggests that it may have used them to nip off small plants rather than to grind up tough vegetation.
Habitat
Neuquensaurus lived in what is now Patagonia, Argentina. It inhabited a variety of environments, from coastal plains to inland forests. Its fossils have been found in sediments that were deposited in rivers, lakes, and floodplains. The climate of this region was warm and humid during the Late Cretaceous, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Cultural Impact
In Museums
Neuquensaurus has become a popular dinosaur in museums around the world, especially in Argentina where it was discovered. The dinosaur’s unique features, such as its bone-like raised scales on its back, have made it a popular attraction for visitors. Many museums have reconstructed skeletons of the dinosaur, allowing visitors to see the dinosaur in its full glory.
In Argentina, the Museo Municipal Ernesto Bachmann in Villa El Chocón features a reconstructed skeleton of Neuquensaurus, along with other dinosaurs found in the region. The museum also has interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the dinosaur’s habitat and behavior. The Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio in Trelew also features a reconstructed skeleton of the dinosaur, along with other fossils from the region.
In Popular Media
Neuquensaurus has not had a significant impact in popular media, but it has made appearances in a few documentaries and educational programs. In the BBC documentary “Planet Dinosaur,” Neuquensaurus was featured as one of the dinosaurs that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period. The dinosaur was also featured in the educational program “Dinosaur Train,” where it was shown interacting with other dinosaurs and exploring its habitat.
Overall, Neuquensaurus has made a significant impact in the scientific community, but its impact in popular culture has been relatively minor. However, its unique features and fascinating history continue to capture the imagination of those who are interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric life.