Patagosaurus is an extinct genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle-Late Toarcian period in Patagonia, Argentina. The name “Patagosaurus” means “Patagonia lizard” and it was first discovered in deposits of the Cañadón Asfalto Formation. Although originally twelve specimens were assigned to the taxon, at present only one is considered valid.
Patagosaurus was a relatively small sauropod, measuring around 50 feet in length and weighing around 10-15 tons. Like other sauropods, it had a long neck and tail, and a small head with blunt teeth for cropping vegetation. Its forelimbs were shorter than its hind limbs, and it walked on all fours. Its long neck likely allowed it to reach high vegetation, and it was a herbivore, feeding on ferns and other plants.
Discovery and Naming
Discoverers
Patagosaurus was first discovered in the early 20th century by a team of paleontologists in Patagonia, Argentina. The team consisted of researchers from the American Museum of Natural History and the Museo de La Plata, including William Berryman Scott, Elmer S. Riggs, and Guillermo Bodenbender. The discovery was made in deposits of the Cañadón Asfalto Formation, which date back to the Middle-Late Toarcian period, around 179 to 177 million years ago.
Etymology
The name Patagosaurus is derived from the region where it was discovered, Patagonia, and the Greek word “sauros,” meaning lizard. The specific epithet, “fariasi,” honors the Argentine geologist Dr. Eduardo Farias, who discovered the first specimen of the dinosaur in the 1960s. The name pays homage to the significance of the region in the discovery of the dinosaur and the contribution of the researchers who made the discovery possible.
The discovery of Patagosaurus has provided valuable insights into the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period. The dinosaur’s unique physical characteristics and the location of its discovery have made it an important subject of study for paleontologists around the world.
Classification
Family and Order
Patagosaurus belongs to the family Cetiosauridae, which is a group of sauropod dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic Period. Cetiosaurids were characterized by their long necks, small heads, and large bodies. They were herbivores and had a wide distribution, with fossils found in Europe, South America, and Africa.
Patagosaurus is part of the order Saurischia, which also includes theropods (such as Tyrannosaurus rex) and other sauropods (such as Diplodocus). Saurischians are distinguished from the other major group of dinosaurs, Ornithischia, by the structure of their pelvis.
Related Species
Patagosaurus is closely related to other sauropods in the family Cetiosauridae, such as Cetiosaurus and Jobaria. These dinosaurs shared many anatomical features, such as elongated necks and tails, and relatively small heads. However, Patagosaurus was also distinct from these other sauropods in some ways, such as the shape of its hips and vertebrae.
Some researchers have suggested that Patagosaurus may be a basal member of the clade Eusauropoda, which includes many of the more advanced sauropods. However, this relationship is still debated among paleontologists, and more research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary history of Patagosaurus and its relatives.
Description
Patagosaurus was a long-necked sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, about 165-155 million years ago. It was first discovered in Patagonia, Argentina in 1903, and has since been found in other parts of South America as well.
Size and Build
Patagosaurus was a medium-size sauropod that weighed about 15 tons. With a length of up to 80 feet, it possessed a long neck and a very long tail. Its elongate neck was used to reach vegetation high above the ground, while its small head was adapted for cropping and processing plant material.
Distinctive Features
Patagosaurus possessed a general and unspecialized bauplan of being quadrupedal, having an elongate neck, a small head and a very long tail. Therefore, it is similar to Cetiosaurus and other related genera, who possessed the same morphology. It resembled the English sauropod Cetiosaurus, but its hips and vertebrae were different.
Paleobiology
Diet
Patagosaurus was a herbivorous dinosaur, feeding on plants such as ferns, horsetails, and conifers. It had a long neck and a small head, which would have been useful for reaching up into trees to access foliage that was out of reach for other herbivores. The teeth of Patagosaurus were spoon-shaped, which suggests that it may have been adapted for browsing on soft vegetation.
Habitat
Patagosaurus lived in what is now Patagonia, Argentina, during the Middle-Late Toarcian period, around 179 to 177 million years ago. The area was characterized by a warm and humid climate, with a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Patagosaurus likely lived near rivers and lakes, where it could find water and food.
Behavior
Patagosaurus was a large and slow-moving dinosaur, and it likely spent much of its time grazing and browsing for food. It may have traveled in herds for protection against predators, which included large carnivorous dinosaurs such as Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus. Patagosaurus may have also used its long tail as a defensive weapon against predators, swinging it like a club to fend off attacks.
Overall, Patagosaurus was a fascinating dinosaur that lived in a unique environment and had unique adaptations for its herbivorous lifestyle. Its fossils provide valuable insights into the paleobiology of sauropod dinosaurs and the ecosystems they inhabited.
Fossil Record
Patagosaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 160 to 150 million years ago. The fossil record of Patagosaurus is not extensive, but it has provided valuable information about the morphology and evolution of sauropods.
Locations
Patagosaurus fossils have been found in Patagonia, Argentina. Patagonia is known for its rich fossil record, and the discovery of Patagosaurus fossils has contributed significantly to our understanding of the region’s prehistoric fauna.
Historical Finds
The first Patagosaurus fossil was discovered in 1977, and it was described in 1979. The fossil consisted of a partial skeleton, including vertebrae, limb bones, and a partial skull. Since then, additional Patagosaurus fossils have been found, including a nearly complete skeleton discovered in 2011.
The study of these fossils has led to a better understanding of the anatomy and evolution of sauropods, particularly those that lived during the Late Jurassic period. The fossils have also provided insight into the paleoenvironment of Patagonia during this time, including the types of plants and animals that lived there.
Overall, while the fossil record of Patagosaurus is limited, it has contributed significantly to our understanding of sauropod dinosaurs and the prehistoric world they inhabited.
Cultural Impact
In Museums
Patagosaurus has been a popular exhibit in many natural history museums around the world. Due to its unique shape and size, it often attracts visitors of all ages. The Natural History Museum in London has a complete skeleton of Patagosaurus on display, which is one of the largest and most complete specimens in the world. The museum also has a replica of the dinosaur’s skull, which helps visitors understand the animal’s anatomy.
Other museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History in New York, also have displays of Patagosaurus bones and replicas. These exhibits provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the dinosaur’s life and habitat, as well as the science behind fossil discovery and preservation.
In Popular Media
Patagosaurus has not received as much attention in popular media as some other dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus Rex or Velociraptor. However, it has appeared in a few documentaries and educational programs, where its unique characteristics and role in sauropod evolution have been highlighted.
In the animated series “Dinosaur Train,” Patagosaurus is featured as a friendly and curious character who enjoys exploring the world around him. This portrayal helps children learn about the dinosaur’s physical features and behavior in a fun and engaging way.
Overall, Patagosaurus may not be as well-known as some other dinosaurs, but its importance in the study of sauropod evolution and its popularity in museums make it a fascinating creature to learn about.