Unquillosaurus Facts
Pronunciation: un-KWEE-yo-SORE-us
Name meaning: Unquillo Lizard
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 3m |
| Length | 8m |
| Weight | 1 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Argentina |
Unquillosaurus ceibalii was a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago in what is now Argentina. This mysterious predator roamed the ancient landscapes of South America during a time when the continent was home to some of the most spectacular dinosaurs ever discovered.
What makes Unquillosaurus particularly intriguing to palaeontologists is how little we know about it. The entire genus is based on a single fossilised pubis bone - part of the hip structure - discovered in the Los Blanquitos Formation of Salta Province. This fragmentary evidence has made classification extremely challenging, though most researchers believe it was a maniraptoran theropod, placing it in the same group as modern birds' closest dinosaur relatives.
Based on the size and structure of the surviving bone, scientists estimate that Unquillosaurus was a substantial predator, likely measuring around 8 metres in length and standing approximately 3 metres tall at the hip. As a theropod, it would have been bipedal, walking on powerful hind legs whilst using its arms for grasping prey. Like other large theropods of its time, Unquillosaurus was almost certainly a carnivore, hunting other dinosaurs and animals in its South American habitat.
The Late Cretaceous period in Argentina was a time of incredible dinosaur diversity, and Unquillosaurus would have shared its environment with massive sauropods, armoured ankylosaurs, and other fearsome predators. However, until more fossil material is discovered, much about this enigmatic theropod remains a tantalising mystery.
What made Unquillosaurus distinctive?
Due to being known from only a single pubis bone, specific distinguishing features of Unquillosaurus remain largely unknown. The bone's structure suggests it was a large, robust theropod with powerful hindlimbs typical of major predators.
Behaviour
With only a hip bone to study, specific behaviours of Unquillosaurus remain speculative. As a large theropod, it likely exhibited typical predatory behaviours including active hunting and possibly scavenging opportunities when available.
Discovery
Unquillosaurus was first described by Jaime Powell in 1975. The original fossils were discovered at Los Blanquitos Formation, Salta Province, Argentina.
Unquillosaurus FAQ
What did Unquillosaurus eat?
As a theropod dinosaur, Unquillosaurus was a carnivore that fed on meat. It likely hunted other dinosaurs and animals in its
Late Cretaceous environment, though its exact prey preferences remain unknown due to limited fossil evidence.
How big was Unquillosaurus?
Based on the single pubis bone discovered, scientists estimate Unquillosaurus was approximately 8 metres long and stood about 3 metres tall at the hip, weighing roughly 1 tonne. However, these measurements are highly speculative given the limited fossil material.
When did Unquillosaurus live?
Unquillosaurus lived during the
Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.6 million years ago. This was a time when South America hosted incredible dinosaur diversity.
Where was Unquillosaurus found?
The only known Unquillosaurus fossil was discovered in the Los Blanquitos Formation in Salta Province, Argentina. This region has yielded several important dinosaur discoveries from the
Late Cretaceous period.
How do you pronounce Unquillosaurus?
Unquillosaurus is pronounced 'un-KWEE-yo-SORE-us', with emphasis on the second syllable. The name combines 'Unquillo' (referring to the discovery region) with 'saurus' meaning lizard.
What does Unquillosaurus mean?
Unquillosaurus means 'Unquillo Lizard', named after the Unquillo region near where the fossil was discovered in Argentina. The species name 'ceibalii' honours the finder of the specimen.
How fast could Unquillosaurus run?
The running speed of Unquillosaurus is unknown due to the extremely limited fossil evidence. As a large theropod, it may have been capable of considerable speed when hunting, but without more complete remains, any estimate would be highly speculative.
What type of dinosaur was Unquillosaurus?
Unquillosaurus was a theropod dinosaur, most likely belonging to the Carcharodontosauridae family. However, its exact classification remains uncertain due to being known from only a single bone, making it a nomen dubium.
Was Unquillosaurus related to birds?
As a theropod dinosaur, Unquillosaurus was indeed related to birds, though likely not as closely as some smaller theropods. Most researchers consider it a maniraptoran, placing it within the broader group that eventually gave rise to modern birds.
How many Unquillosaurus fossils have been found?
Only one Unquillosaurus fossil has ever been found - a single pubis bone discovered in 1975. This extremely limited fossil record makes Unquillosaurus one of the most poorly known dinosaurs ever named.
