Petrobrasaurus Facts
Pronunciation: PET-ro-bra-SORE-us
Name meaning: Petrobras lizard
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height | 4m |
| Length | 15m |
| Weight | 12 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Sauropod |
| Location | Argentina |
Petrobrasaurus was a massive herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that thundered across the landscapes of what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 90 million years ago. This impressive creature belonged to the titanosaur group, which included some of the largest land animals that ever existed. Despite being known from only partial remains, Petrobrasaurus provides valuable insights into the diversity of South American sauropods during this period.
Like other sauropods, Petrobrasaurus possessed the classic long-necked, long-tailed body plan that made these dinosaurs so distinctive. It would have measured around 15 metres in length and stood approximately 4 metres high at the hip, making it a sizeable member of the titanosaur family. Its massive body was supported by four pillar-like legs, perfectly adapted for carrying its considerable weight across the Cretaceous floodplains of Patagonia.
As a herbivore, Petrobrasaurus spent its days browsing on the abundant plant life of its time, using its long neck to reach vegetation that other dinosaurs could not access. The Late Cretaceous period in South America was a time of remarkable sauropod diversity, and Petrobrasaurus represents just one of many titanosaur species that called this region home.
The discovery of Petrobrasaurus in the Puesto Hernández oil field highlights the unexpected places where palaeontological treasures can be found, demonstrating how industrial activities sometimes lead to remarkable scientific discoveries.
What made Petrobrasaurus distinctive?
Petrobrasaurus was distinguished by the specific characteristics of its vertebrae and other skeletal elements that set it apart from other titanosaurs. The partial skeleton shows features typical of titanosaurs but with unique combinations that identify it as a distinct species.
Behaviour
Like other sauropods, Petrobrasaurus likely lived in herds, moving slowly across the landscape in search of suitable vegetation. It would have used its long neck to browse on tall trees and ferns, possibly rearing up on its hind legs to reach even higher branches.
Discovery
Petrobrasaurus was first described by Leonardo S. Filippi and colleagues in 2011. The original fossils were discovered at Plottier Formation, Rincón de los Sauces, Patagonia, Argentina.
Petrobrasaurus FAQ
What did Petrobrasaurus eat?
Petrobrasaurus was a herbivore that fed on the abundant plant life of the
Late Cretaceous period. It would have eaten ferns, conifers, and flowering plants, using its long neck to reach vegetation at various heights that other dinosaurs couldn't access.
How big was Petrobrasaurus?
Petrobrasaurus measured approximately 15 metres in length and stood about 4 metres high at the hip. It weighed an estimated 12 tonnes, making it a substantial member of the titanosaur group, though not among the very largest sauropods.
When did Petrobrasaurus live?
Petrobrasaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 89.8 million years ago. This was a time when South America was home to an incredible diversity of sauropod dinosaurs.
Where was Petrobrasaurus found?
Petrobrasaurus was discovered in the Plottier Formation at Rincón de los Sauces in Patagonia, Argentina. Specifically, the fossils were found in the Puesto Hernández oil field, making this an unusual discovery location.
How do you pronounce Petrobrasaurus?
Petrobrasaurus is pronounced 'PET-ro-bra-SORE-us', with emphasis on the final syllable. The name flows quite naturally when broken down into its component parts.
What does Petrobrasaurus mean?
Petrobrasaurus means 'Petrobras lizard', named after the Brazilian oil company Petrobras. The specific name 'puestohernandezi' refers to the Puesto Hernández oil field where the dinosaur was discovered.
How fast could Petrobrasaurus run?
Like other large sauropods, Petrobrasaurus was not built for speed. Its massive size and body structure suggest it moved at a relatively slow walking pace, probably no faster than a few kilometres per hour.
What type of dinosaur was Petrobrasaurus?
Petrobrasaurus was a sauropod dinosaur, specifically a member of the titanosaur group. Titanosaurs were the most successful and diverse group of sauropods during the Cretaceous period, particularly in South America.
Was Petrobrasaurus related to birds?
As a sauropod, Petrobrasaurus was only distantly related to modern birds. Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, while sauropods like Petrobrasaurus belonged to a different major group of dinosaurs called saurischians, though they shared a common ancestor.
How many Petrobrasaurus fossils have been found?
Petrobrasaurus is known from a single holotype specimen consisting of a partial disarticulated skeleton. While this may seem limited, it provided enough distinctive features for scientists to identify it as a new species of titanosaur.
