Titanosaurian sauropod dinosaurs were diverse and abundant throughout the Cretaceous period, with a global distribution. However, few titanosaurian species are represented by multiple skeletons, let alone skulls. Diamantinasaurus matildae, from the Late Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, was represented by three specimens, including one that preserves a braincase and several other skull elements. In their new paper, paleontologists from Curtin University and elsewhere described a fourth specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae that preserves a more complete skull — including numerous skull elements not previously known for this species — as well as a partial skeleton.
Diamantinasaurus matildae lived during the early Late Cretaceous epoch, about 94 million years ago.
This dinosaur was first described and named in 2009 based on fossil finds in the Winton Formation of Australia.
Diamantinasaurus matildae was a medium-sized titanosaurian, measuring 16 m (52 feet) long and weighing up to 25 tons.
Only three specimens, including one that preserves a braincase and several other skull elements, were previously known.
Nicknamed ‘Ann,’ the new specimen preserves a more complete skull, including numerous skull elements not previously known for Diamantinasaurus matildae.
“‘Ann’ is the first sauropod dinosaur found in Australia to include most of the skull, and also the first Diamantinasaurus matildae specimen to preserve a back foot,” said Curtin University paleontologist Stephen Poropat.
“I was lucky enough to be involved in this Australian-first discovery. Being able to lead the research on these fossils was a huge privilege.”
“This skull gives us a rare glimpse into the anatomy of this enormous sauropod that lived in northeast Australia almost 100 million years ago.”
“In analyzing the remains, we found similarities between the ‘Ann’ skull and the skull of a titanosaur called Sarmientosaurus musacchioi, which lived in…
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