Abditosaurus
Abditosaurus is an extinct genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Catalonia, Spain. It is known from the most complete titanosaur skeleton ever discovered in Europe, representing a large species that inhabited the Ibero-Armorican Island. Phylogenetic analyses suggest it was related to South American and African saltasaurines, distinguishing it from other European dwarf sauropods.
Key Facts
- ›Abditosaurus is the most complete titanosaur skeleton found in Europe.
- ›It lived during the Late Cretaceous period (Maastrichtian age).
- ›The dinosaur inhabited the Ibero-Armorican Island, a prehistoric island comprising modern-day Spain, Portugal, and southern France.
- ›Estimated to be 17.5 meters long and weigh 14 tonnes, it was the largest titanosaur on its island.
- ›Its scientific name, Abditosaurus, means 'forgotten lizard'.
- ›It is believed to be related to South American and African saltasaurines.
- Estimated length of 17.5 meters
- Estimated mass of 14 tonnes
- Possessed an ossified sternal rib and ossified calcaneum
- Most complete titanosaur skeleton found in Europe
- Semi-articulated neck with twelve of estimated fourteen cervical vertebrae
Paralititan, Maxakalisaurus, Alamosaurus, Pellegrinisaurus, Baurutitan, Dreadnoughtus, Lirainosaurus, Atsinganosaurus, Garrigatitan, Ampelosaurus, Lohuecotitan
Europe
About Abditosaurus
Abditosaurus is an extinct genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the Maastrichtian age. The genus is known from a single species, Abditosaurus kuehnei, discovered in the Conques Formation of Catalonia, Spain. Its discovery is particularly significant as the fossil represents the most complete titanosaur skeleton ever found in Europe, providing invaluable insights into this group of large, herbivorous dinosaurs.
History of Study
The remains of Abditosaurus were first discovered in 1954 by German paleontologist Walter Georg Kühne during a search for fossil mammals. Initial excavations yielded several bones, but work was halted due to funding limitations. The fossils were tentatively assigned to a species of Hypselosaurus in 1956. Subsequent expeditions in the 1980s and a more recent series from 2012 to 2014 uncovered additional skeletal elements, including vertebrae, limb bones, and sternal plates. The species was formally named and described in 2022 by a team of paleontologists, honoring its discoverer, Walter Georg Kühne.
Description and Paleoecology
Abditosaurus was a large titanosaur, estimated to have reached a length of 17.5 meters (57 feet) and a weight of 14 tonnes (15 short tons). It was the largest titanosaur species inhabiting the Ibero-Armorican Island, a prehistoric landmass that encompassed present-day Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Unlike many other European sauropods of the time, which were smaller and adapted to island life, Abditosaurus appears to have lacked such adaptations, suggesting it may have been a recent arrival to the ecosystem. Its diet consisted of plants, typical of herbivorous sauropods. The discovery of associated eggs resembling those found in Gondwana hints at potential migratory patterns or biogeographic connections.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abditosaurus mean?
The generic name Abditosaurus means 'forgotten lizard'. It is derived from the Latin word 'abditus', meaning 'concealed' or 'forgotten', because the fossil material remained undiscovered for sixty years. The suffix 'saurus' comes from the Greek word for 'lizard'.
When did Abditosaurus live?
Abditosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the Maastrichtian age. This places its existence at the very end of the age of dinosaurs.
Where was Abditosaurus discovered?
The fossils of Abditosaurus were discovered in the Conques Formation, located in Catalonia, Spain. This region was part of the prehistoric Ibero-Armorican Island during the Late Cretaceous.
How large was Abditosaurus?
Abditosaurus was a large dinosaur, estimated to have reached a length of approximately 17.5 meters (57 feet) and a mass of around 14 tonnes (15 short tons). It was the largest titanosaur species on the Ibero-Armorican Island.
What is significant about the Abditosaurus fossil discovery?
The discovery of Abditosaurus is significant because the type specimen represents the most complete titanosaur skeleton ever found in Europe. Notably, it includes a semi-articulated neck with twelve of an estimated fourteen cervical vertebrae, which is a rare find for sauropods.
What was Abditosaurus's diet?
As a titanosaurian sauropod, Abditosaurus was a herbivore. Sauropods are characterized by their long necks and tails, and their diet consisted primarily of plants.
Related Dinosaur species
Adynomosaurus
Adynomosaurus is a genus of lambeosaurine dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Catalonia, Spain. Discovered in 2012 and named in 2019, it is known from limited fossil material, notably a distinctive, underdeveloped shoulder blade. This feature, contributing to its scientific name meaning "weak shoulder lizard," sets it apart from other hadrosaurs, though its precise evolutionary relationships remain a subject of ongoing research.
Acantholipan
Acantholipan is a genus of herbivorous nodosaurid dinosaur discovered in Mexico. It lived during the early Santonian age of the Late Cretaceous period and is known from fragmentary fossils, including a partial skeleton with osteoderms. Acantholipan gonzalezi is the type species, named in honor of paleontologist Arturo Homero González-González.
Acanthopholis
Acanthopholis is a genus of herbivorous ankylosaurian dinosaur belonging to the family Nodosauridae. It lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in England and is characterized by its distinctive armor, including keeled plates and prominent spikes along its neck and shoulders. The genus name translates to "spiny scales."