Rocasaurus (General Roca Lizard)
Basic facts
26 feet (8m) length
Late Cretaceous
Argentina
Herbivore
Rocasaurus, scientifically known as "Rocasaurus muniozi," is classified as a sauropod dinosaur. The name "Rocasaurus" is derived from "Roca," a reference to the region of Argentina where its fossils were discovered, and "saurus," meaning lizard. The species name "muniozi" honors the discoverer of the fossils, Fidel Munioz.
The discovery of Rocasaurus fossils occurred in the early 1970s in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. Although partial, the well-preserved remains have provided paleontologists with important information about the anatomy and characteristics of Rocasaurus. It was a close relative to Saltasaurids.
Rocasaurus was a medium sized dinosaur, relatively small for a sauropod, characterized by its long neck, stout body, and pillar-like legs, typical of sauropods. Although the size estimation remains incomplete due to the limited remains, Rocasaurus is believed to have reached lengths of around 26 feet or 8 meters.
As a sauropod, Rocasaurus had a small head relative to its massive body and a relatively long neck that facilitated reaching vegetation high in the trees. Its teeth were adapted to crop plant material efficiently, and its strong jaw muscles allowed it to process vast amounts of vegetation.