Argentinian archaeologists have recently discovered a remarkably preserved skeleton of a Titanosaurus, a long-necked herbivorous dinosaur that lived approximately 71 million years ago.
According to archaeologist and geologist Bernardo Gonzalez Riga, what is particularly unusual about this skeleton is that it still retains its jointed vertebrae, suggesting that the animal fell and was preserved in that position.
Mr. Gonzalez reported that scientists found a trace of a foot with toes and claws in an exceptionally well-preserved state, along with some hind leg bones, a tail, and a portion of the pelvis.
Such findings are extremely rare, as only one or two complete Titanosaurus specimens have been discovered globally.
Mr. Gonzalez is a professor at Cuyo University, one of two universities involved in the excavation team.
The skeleton was uncovered while the German oil company Wintershall Energy was exploring oil potential in the Neuquén province, an area known for many archaeological artifacts.
Initial examinations of the bones indicate that this dinosaur was a long-necked creature measuring around 10 meters long and weighing approximately 12 tons. This colossal herbivore could grow up to 35 meters in length when fully mature, living during the Late Cretaceous period around 83 to 65 million years ago.
The skeleton is nearly complete from the ribs to the tail, although there are no signs of the head and neck, which seem to have eroded away over millions of years.
The fossils have been transported to the Lago Barreales archaeological center in Neuquén for further analysis.
