Xenotarsosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that stayed in South America (Argentina) throughout the Late Cretaceous Duration (100.5 – 66 million years ago). We do not understand a whole lot concerning this dinosaur as a result of the insufficient nature of the fossils. Nevertheless, it was just one of the initial dinosaur continues to be to be found in Argentina.
Summary and Dimension
Xenotarsosaurus is commonly referred to as an abelisaurid dinosaur. This classification is based upon resemblances in between the back legs of this dinosaur which of the Carnotaurus— a preferred dinosaur genus from South America’s Late Cretaceous Duration.
The common name Xenotarsosaurus is from the Greek words “Xenos,” which indicates unusual, and “tarsos,” which indicates tarsus. The name describes the remarkable develop of this dinosaur’s ankle joint bone which was entirely integrated. Just one species of this team has actually been recognized thus far. The particular name, bonapartei, honors Argentinian paleontologist José Fernando Bonaparte.
Very little is learnt about this dinosaur’s appearance because of the insufficient nature of the fossils located. Given that no cranial bones have actually been located thus far, researchers do not have enough details to explain the teeth of this dinosaur. Nevertheless, current quotes recommend that it could have considered concerning 1,654 pounds (750 kg) and had to do with 19.7 feet (6 m) lengthy) and 22 feet (6.7 m) high. The existing dimension quote is a little more than previous quotes of 18 feet, and a weight of 948 pounds that researchers appointed in 2016.
Diet– What Did Xenotarsosaurus Eat?
Like the Carnotaurus, Xenotarsosaurus was probably a killer. Specialists assume it may be among the primary predators of the Bajo Barreal Development. This indicates it taken advantage of smaller sized dinosaur species like the hadrosaurid Secernosaurus, and titanosaurian sauropods such as Drusilasaura
Environment – When and Where It Lived
Xenotarsosaurus was just one of the initial fossils found in South America’s Bajo Barreal Development. At the time, the development was thought about to be of Campanian Age. Nevertheless, a much more current modification of the development’s age reveals that it goes back to the Cretaceous’s Cenomanian/Turonian phases. It is tough to inform the specific nature of the Xenotarsosaurus‘ ‘ environment throughout the Late Cretaceous. Nevertheless, we understand the environment in Argentina at the time was warmer than today- day.
Hazards and Predators
Xenotarsosaurus was a leading dinosaur in it’s environment. This indicates it did not have a great deal of all-natural opponents orpredators Rather, it victimized various other dinosaurs that shared the exact same environment. Feasible risks were various other meat-eating dinosaurs that could have completed for the exact same food resource.
Discoveries and Fossils – Where Xenotarsosaurus Was Found
Rock Hound Juan Carlos Sciutto found fossils of the Xenotarsosaurus at an area concerning 6 kilometers north of the Ocho Hermanos cattle ranch in Argentina’s Chubut district. The website was fossil- abundant and consisted of lots of theropod fossils, consisting of that of the Xenotarsosaurus.
One more group led by paleontologist José Fernando Bonaparte recuperated a lot more bones from the exact same development. The exploration consisted of 2 former dorsal vertebrae and an appropriate hind arm or leg. Specialists think both discovers come from the exact same person. It had not been till 1986 that paleontologists released a full summary of the fossil and appointed the name Xenotarsosaurus bonapartei to the brand-new species.
The common name is based upon the framework of the hindlimb of the fossil. Despite the fact that the dinosaur had actually a merged ankle joint, researchers found that it shared resemblances with the Carnotaurus Based upon this, they organized the dinosaur as an abelisaurid. Nevertheless, some researchers recommend a different classification as an indeterminate neoceratosaurian theropod.
Termination – When Did It Pass away Out?
Xenotarsosaurus lived concerning 70- 65 million years back throughout the Late Cretaceous Duration. The specific reason for this dinosaur’s termination is unidentified. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the period it lived, it could have receded with the remainder of the land- residence dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous. The Cretaceous– Paleogene termination occasion, which took place 66 million years back, resulted in the termination of approximately 3- quarters of life in the world and finished the age of the dinosaurs.
Similar Animals to the Xenotarsosaurus
Similar dinosaurs to the Xenotarsosaurus consist of:
- Carnotaurus – This is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived from concerning 71 to 69 million years back. It stayed in South America around the exact same time as the Xenotarsosaurus, and both category of dinosaurs revealed extensive resemblances.
- Ekrixinatosaurus – This is the biggest Abelisaurid dinosaur to have actually ever before lived. With a size of approximately 32.8 feet, it was substantially bigger than the Xenotarsosaurus.
- Austrocheirus – This is an extinct genus of theropod dinosaur. Researchers have actually dated fossils of this dinosaur back to the Cenomanian date of the Cretaceous Duration, which indicates it lived concerning 96 million years back.
Relevant Animals
- Pachycephalosaurus
- Spinosurids
- Amargasaurus
