Introduction
Dinosaurs were some of the largest creatures to ever roam the earth. These prehistoric giants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the small and agile to the massive and lumbering. Among the most awe-inspiring of these creatures were the largest dinosaurs, massive beasts that could weigh up to 100 tons and stretch dozens of meters in length. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the biggest and most impressive dinosaurs ever to have lived.
Patagotitan mayorum
The largest dinosaur discovered to date is the Patagotitan mayorum, a species of titanosaur that lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period (about 100 million years ago). This massive creature weighed an estimated 69 tons and measured around 122 feet (37 meters) in length. That’s longer than a basketball court! Its leg bones alone measured over 7 feet long.
Titanosaurs
Titanosaurs were a group of long-necked herbivores that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. They were among the last surviving dinosaurs before the mass extinction event that wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. Titanosaurs were also some of the largest animals to ever walk the earth, with some species weighing up to 100 tons.
Argentinosaurus huinculensis
Another contender for the title of largest dinosaur is Argentinosaurus huinculensis, also a titanosaur that lived in what is now Argentina around 90 million years ago. This dinosaur is estimated to have weighed between 60 and 100 tons and measured up to 115 feet (35 meters) in length. However, the fossils of this dinosaur are fragmentary, so its exact size is difficult to determine.
Sauroposeidon proteles
Sauroposeidon proteles is another contender for the title of largest dinosaur. This dinosaur lived about 110 million years ago in what is now North America. Sauroposeidon was also a titanosaur, and it is estimated to have measured up to 56 feet (17 meters) tall, making it the tallest dinosaur ever discovered. However, its weight is estimated to have been around 55 tons, which is smaller than both Patagotitan and Argentinosaurus.
Dreadnoughtus schrani
Dreadnoughtus schrani is another giant titanosaur that lived in what is now Argentina about 77 million years ago. This dinosaur is estimated to have weighed around 65 tons and measured up to 85 feet (26 meters) in length. Like the other titanosaurs, Dreadnoughtus was a herbivore with a long neck and tail.
Spinosaurus aegypticus
Aside from the titanosaurs, there were other dinosaurs that were among the largest ever to have lived. For example, the Spinosaurus aegypticus was a massive theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now North Africa. This dinosaur is estimated to have measured up to 59 feet (18 meters) in length and weighed around 12 tons. What made Spinosaurus unique among theropods was its elongated snout, which likely helped it catch fish in the rivers and lakes that it inhabited.
Giganotosaurus carolinii
Another massive theropod dinosaur was the Giganotosaurus carolinii, which lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Cretaceous period. This dinosaur is estimated to have measured up to 46 feet (14 meters) in length and weighed around 8 tons. Giganotosaurus was a relative of the more famous Tyrannosaurus rex, and it likely filled a similar ecological niche as a top predator.
Brachiosaurus altithorax
Finally, we have the long-necked sauropod dinosaur called the Brachiosaurus altithorax. This dinosaur lived during the Late Jurassic period in what is now North America, and it is estimated to have weighed around 88 tons and measured up to 85 feet (26 meters) in length. Brachiosaurus is famous for its long neck, which it used to reach high branches and leaves in trees.
So, which dinosaur was the largest? It’s difficult to say for sure, as different species have been estimated to be the largest based on different criteria. However, the Patagotitan mayorum is currently considered the largest dinosaur ever discovered based on its estimated weight and length. Of course, there may be even larger dinosaurs out there waiting to be discovered, so the title of “largest dinosaur” could change in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the largest dinosaurs were among the most impressive creatures to ever walk the earth. These massive beasts included long-necked titanosaurs, powerful theropods, and towering sauropods. While we may never see these creatures in person, their fossils and remains continue to inspire awe and wonder among scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.