Campylodoniscus
Campylodoniscus is a genus of titanosaur sauropod dinosaur that lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous Period. Its name, meaning 'bent tooth', refers to its distinctive dentition. The genus is known from limited fossil evidence, primarily a single jaw bone.
Key Facts
- ›Campylodoniscus was a titanosaur sauropod dinosaur.
- ›It lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, specifically the Cenomanian stage (approximately 95 million years ago).
- ›Fossils were discovered in Argentina, specifically within the Bajo Barreal Formation.
- ›The genus is known from a single maxilla (upper jaw bone) containing seven teeth.
- ›Its scientific name means 'bent tooth', derived from Greek.
- ›Some researchers consider Campylodoniscus a nomen dubium (doubtful name) due to the limited fossil material.
- Possessed curved or bent teeth.
- Estimated to be around twenty meters in length.
Argentina
About Campylodoniscus
Campylodoniscus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous Period. Specifically, it lived in what is now Argentina during the Cenomanian stage, approximately 95 million years ago. As a member of the titanosaur group, Campylodoniscus was likely a large, long-necked herbivore.
Naming and Classification
The genus was first described by Friedrich von Huene in 1929 as Campylodon ameghinoi. The genus name, meaning 'bent tooth' from Greek, refers to the distinctive shape of its dentition. The specific epithet honored Florentino Ameghino. Later, in 1961, H. Haubold and O. Kuhn renamed the genus to Campylodoniscus, a diminutive form, because the original name was already in use for a fish.
Fossil Evidence
The fossil remains attributed to Campylodoniscus are scarce, consisting of a single jaw bone, the maxilla, which was found to hold seven teeth. This limited evidence has led some paleontologists to consider Campylodoniscus a nomen dubium (doubtful name), as its distinctiveness is difficult to establish definitively from such sparse material.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Based on its classification as a titanosaur, Campylodoniscus is estimated to have been around twenty meters in length. While its exact habitat is not detailed in available records, dinosaurs from the Bajo Barreal Formation, where its fossils were found, likely inhabited a diverse Late Cretaceous environment in South America.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Campylodoniscus mean?
The name Campylodoniscus means 'bent tooth'. It is derived from the Greek words 'kampylos' (bent or curved) and 'odon' (tooth), referring to the shape of its teeth.
When did Campylodoniscus live?
Campylodoniscus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, specifically in the Cenomanian stage, which was approximately 95 million years ago.
Where were the fossils of Campylodoniscus found?
The fossil remains of Campylodoniscus were discovered in Argentina, within an area known as the Bajo Barreal Formation.
What type of dinosaur was Campylodoniscus?
Campylodoniscus was a sauropod dinosaur, belonging to the titanosaur group. Titanosaurs were a diverse group of long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs.
How complete is the fossil record for Campylodoniscus?
The fossil record for Campylodoniscus is very limited. It is known primarily from a single jaw bone, the maxilla, which contained seven teeth.
Is Campylodoniscus a valid dinosaur genus?
Some researchers consider Campylodoniscus to be a nomen dubium, meaning a 'doubtful name'. This is due to the scarcity of fossil evidence, making its distinctiveness difficult to confirm.
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'.