Patagosaurus (Patagonian Lizard)

Basic facts

  • 80 feet (24m) length

  • Late Jurassic

  • Argentina

  • Herbivore

Patagosaurus is a genus of dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 165 to 150 million years ago. Its name is a tribute to the region where its fossils were discovered - Patagonia, a region that spans across southern Argentina and Chile.

The first fossils of Patagosaurus were unearthed in the famous Cañadón Calcáreo Formation of Patagonia, adding to the wealth of dinosaur discoveries in this fossil-rich region.

Patagosaurus was a colossal sauropod dinosaur, belonging to the group known for their long necks, massive bodies, and pillar-like legs. It is classified as a member of the Macronaria group within the Sauropod suborder, and more specifically, the family Cetiosauridae.

As a long-necked dinosaur, Patagosaurus likely had an extended neck that allowed it to reach vegetation high above the ground. Its long tail would have provided balance to support its massive body.

The exact size of Patagosaurus remains uncertain due to the fragmentary nature of the fossils, but it is believed to have been one of the larger sauropods of its time, possibly reaching lengths of up to 80 feet (24 meters) or more. Patagosaurus is a sauropod known for its general and unspecialized bauplan, characterized by its quadrupedal stance, elongated neck, small head, and remarkably long tail. As a result, it shares similarities with Cetiosaurus and other related genera that exhibit a similar morphology.