Neuquensaurus Facts
Pronunciation: new-KWEN-sore-us
Name meaning: Neuquén lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 3m |
| Length | 10m |
| Weight | 4 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | Argentina |
Neuquensaurus was a fascinating sauropod that roamed the landscape of what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period, between 85.7 and 72.2 million years ago. This impressive dinosaur belonged to a group of sauropods known for their relatively compact size compared to their enormous relatives like Brontosaurus. Despite being smaller than some sauropods, Neuquensaurus still reached lengths of around 10 metres and stood roughly 3 metres tall at the hip.
What made Neuquensaurus particularly interesting was its armoured skin, which featured small bony plates called osteoderms embedded within it. These protective plates were a distinctive feature amongst sauropods and helped defend this gentle giant from the numerous predators that shared its South American habitat. The dinosaur lived in a warm, semi-arid environment with seasonal rivers and lush vegetation along waterways.
Like all sauropods, Neuquensaurus was a herbivore that spent its days browsing on plants. Its long neck allowed it to reach vegetation at various heights, from ground-level ferns to higher tree branches. The dinosaur likely travelled in herds across the ancient floodplains of Argentina, following seasonal food sources and migrating to avoid dry periods.
Fossil evidence for Neuquensaurus comes from the Anacleto Formation near Cinco Saltos, close to the Neuquén River from which it takes its name. The discovery of multiple specimens has helped palaeontologists understand more about the diversity of Late Cretaceous sauropods in South America.
What made Neuquensaurus distinctive?
Neuquensaurus had small bony plates called osteoderms embedded in its skin, providing natural armour that was uncommon among sauropods. It was relatively small for a sauropod, with a compact body and proportionally shorter neck than its giant relatives.
Behaviour
Neuquensaurus likely lived in herds and migrated seasonally across the South American landscape in search of fresh vegetation. As a gentle herbivore, it would have spent most of its time feeding, using its long neck to browse plants at different heights whilst remaining alert for predators.
Discovery
Neuquensaurus was first described by Richard Lydekker in 1893. The original fossils were discovered at Anacleto Formation, Neuquén Province, Argentina.
Neuquensaurus FAQ
What did Neuquensaurus eat?
Neuquensaurus was a herbivore that fed on plants such as ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. It used its long neck to browse vegetation at different heights, from ground level up to tree canopies, and likely had a preference for softer plant material that was easier to digest.
How big was Neuquensaurus?
Neuquensaurus was about 10 metres long and stood roughly 3 metres tall at the hip. It weighed approximately 4 tonnes, making it relatively small for a sauropod compared to giants like
Brontosaurus or
Argentinosaurus.
When did Neuquensaurus live?
Neuquensaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, between 85.7 and 72.2 million years ago. This was towards the end of the age of dinosaurs, not long before the mass extinction event that ended their reign.
Where was Neuquensaurus found?
Neuquensaurus fossils were discovered in Argentina, specifically in the Anacleto Formation near Cinco Saltos in Neuquén Province. The fossils were found close to the Neuquén River, which gives the dinosaur its name.
How do you pronounce Neuquensaurus?
Neuquensaurus is pronounced 'new-KWEN-sore-us', with emphasis on the middle syllable. The name combines 'Neuquén' (the Argentine province where it was found) with 'saurus' meaning lizard.
What does Neuquensaurus mean?
Neuquensaurus means 'Neuquén lizard', named after the Neuquén Province and river in Argentina where its fossils were discovered. The name honours the geographic location of this important dinosaur find.
How fast could Neuquensaurus run?
The speed of Neuquensaurus is not well established, but like most sauropods, it was likely a slow-moving animal. Its large size and four-legged stance suggest it moved at a leisurely walking pace, probably no faster than a modern elephant.
What type of dinosaur was Neuquensaurus?
Neuquensaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the Saltasauridae family. Sauropods were the long-necked, plant-eating giants of the dinosaur world, though Neuquensaurus was smaller than many of its relatives.
Was Neuquensaurus related to birds?
Neuquensaurus was not directly related to birds. As a sauropod, it belonged to the saurischian dinosaurs, but birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, which were a completely different group. However, all dinosaurs share a common ancestor.
How many Neuquensaurus fossils have been found?
Multiple Neuquensaurus specimens have been discovered since the first fossils were found in 1893, including vertebrae, limb bones, and the distinctive osteoderms (bony plates). However, no complete skeleton has been found, and much of our knowledge comes from fragmentary remains.
