Huge New Dinosaur Species Found

Brazilian and Argentine paleontologists have discovered the largely complete fossil of a new species of giant dinosaur that roamed what is now northern Patagonia about 80 million years ago.

The herbivorous Futalognkosaurus dukei measured an estimated 32 to 34 metres from head to tail and was as tall as a four-storey building. It is one of the three biggest dinosaurs yet found in the world.

"It's a new species, it's a new group," Argentine paleontologist Juan Porfiri told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.

The find pointed to a new lineage of titanosaurs, with particularly bulky necks, he said. "Its neck was very big in diameter, strong and huge."

The fossil was 70 per cent preserved, compares with about 10 per cent usual for other giant dinosaur finds in the world.


Image Gallery: Reuters
Source: Globe & Mail
Tags: Futalognkosaurus Dukei | Dinosaur | Fossil