Bustingorrytitan
Bustingorrytitan is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Argentina. Named for the landowner of the fossil site, its scientific name also references its immense size and the significant faunal changes occurring during its time. Bustingorrytitan is considered one of the largest titanosaurs discovered, with a significant portion of its skeleton found.
Key Facts
- ›Bustingorrytitan lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
- ›Fossils were discovered in the Huincul Formation of Argentina.
- ›It is classified as a lithostrotian titanosaur.
- ›Estimated weight is approximately 67.3 tonnes.
- ›The genus name honors Manuel Bustingorry, the landowner.
- ›The species name 'shiva' refers to the Hindu god of destruction and transformation.
- Estimated Weight of Approximately 67.3 Tonnes.
- Considered One of the Largest Titanosaurs.
- Partial Skeleton Includes A Tooth, Vertebra, Possible Ribs, Scapula, Humerus, Femur, Tibiae, and Fibula.
Argentinosaurus, Chucarosaurus
Argentina
About Bustingorrytitan
Bustingorrytitan is a colossal titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period. Its fossils were unearthed in the Huincul Formation of Argentina, a region renowned for yielding the remains of some of the largest land animals to have ever lived. The genus name, "Bustingorrytitan," is a tribute to Manuel Bustingorry, the landowner of the site where the significant fossils were discovered, paired with the Greek word "titan" to reflect the dinosaur's immense size. The specific epithet, "shiva," draws from the Hindu deity known for destruction and transformation, alluding to the notable faunal shifts occurring in the Cenomanian-Turonian epochs.
Discovery and Classification
Fossil discoveries at the "Bustingorry II" site in Villa El Chocón led to the announcement of this sauropod, initially given the informal name "Sauropodus." It was formally described and named as a new genus and species of titanosaur in 2023. Phylogenetic analyses place Bustingorrytitan within the Lithostrotia, a group of titanosaurs that itself is recovered as a subclade of Saltasauroidea. This classification highlights its place within the diverse family of long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs.
Physical Characteristics and Paleoecology
Bustingorrytitan is notable for its substantial size. Based on femur allometry, its weight has been estimated at approximately 67.3 tonnes (about 74.2 short tons), positioning it among the largest titanosaurs known. It is worth noting that the specimen examined may not represent a fully grown individual, suggesting even greater potential size. Despite the reliability of limb bone allometry being debated for exceptionally large sauropods, this estimate underscores Bustingorrytitan's gigantism. The Huincul Formation has also yielded remains of other enormous titanosaurs, such as Argentinosaurus and Chucarosaurus. The presence of these distinct, giant species alongside Bustingorrytitan indicates that immense size evolved multiple times independently within the Eutitanosauria group.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bustingorrytitan mean?
The name Bustingorrytitan means 'Bustingorry's giant'. It honors Manuel Bustingorry, the owner of the land where the fossils were found, and combines his name with the Greek word 'titan' to signify its large size.
When did Bustingorrytitan live?
Bustingorrytitan lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically the Cenomanian stage. This places it in a time of significant faunal turnover.
Where were the fossils of Bustingorrytitan found?
Fossils of Bustingorrytitan were discovered in the Huincul Formation in Villa El Chocón, Argentina. This formation has yielded remains of several other large sauropods.
How large was Bustingorrytitan?
Bustingorrytitan is estimated to have weighed approximately 67.3 tonnes, making it one of the largest known titanosaurs. However, estimates based on femur allometry are sometimes debated.
What group of dinosaurs does Bustingorrytitan belong to?
Bustingorrytitan is classified as a lithostrotian titanosaur. It was found alongside other giant titanosaurs, suggesting multiple independent evolutions of large size within the Eutitanosauria group.
Related Dinosaur species
Aeolosaurus
Aeolosaurus was a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous Period. Characterized by a long neck and tail, it was a quadrupedal herbivore. The genus is well-represented, with remains from several individuals belonging to at least two species, though no skull material has been recovered.
Antarctosaurus
Antarctosaurus was a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period in South America. The genus is known from several species, though many are considered dubious due to fragmentary remains and taxonomic confusion. The type species, Antarctosaurus wichmannianus, is estimated to have reached about 17 meters in length, while Antarctosaurus giganteus, though poorly known, represents one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered.
Argyrosaurus
Argyrosaurus is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived approximately 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. Fossils of this large herbivore were discovered in Argentina, which inspired its name meaning 'silver lizard'.