Argentinosaurus

1. Argentinosaurus

• Taxonomy & Discovery: A titanosaurian sauropod discovered in Neuquén Province, Argentina in 1987—initially misidentified as petrified wood fossils-uk.comThe Times of India.
• Size & Appearance: Possibly the heaviest dinosaur, stretching between 37–40 m (121–131 ft) and weighing close to 100 tonnes fossils-uk.comdiscoverwildscience. Its body was typical of sauropods: long neck, massive body, sturdy limbs, long tail.
• Historical Significance: Represents the grandeur of sauropods—massive herbivores that dominated Late Cretaceous ecosystems.
• Excavation & Fossils: Discovered by a rancher, recognized later through paleontological analysis of vertebral remains fossils-uk.com.

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2. Patagotitan mayorum

• Taxonomy & Discovery: Titanosaurian sauropod from the Cerro Barcino Formation, Patagonia, Argentina. Uncovered in 2012 and described in 2017 RedditNews18Discover Magazine.
• Size & Appearance: Estimated at ~37 m (121 ft) and ~69–70 tonnes—one of the most complete specimens, offering great anatomical insight RedditNews18Discover Magazine.
• Fossil Richness: Multiple individuals found (~130 bones), making it among the best-documented giant sauropods Reddit.
  

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3. Dreadnoughtus schrani

• Taxonomy & Discovery: Titanosaurian sauropod discovered in Patagonia by Kenneth Lacovara in 2005; name means “fears nothing” WIREDdino-world.com.
• Size & Appearance: Measured ~26 m (85 ft) and weighed ~60–65 tonnes, with about 70% of its skeleton preserved in situ WIREDdino-world.com.
• Scientific Value: Its exceptional completeness allows detailed anatomical and biomechanical studies using 3D modeling and modern imaging WIRED.

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4. Supersaurus (Supersaurus vivianae)

• Taxonomy & Discovery: Diplodocid sauropod discovered in Colorado in 1972 dino-world.com.
• Size & Appearance: Possibly the longest dinosaur—estimates range 39–42 m (128–138 ft), though lighter than titanosaurs (~35–40 tonnes) dino-world.com.
• Exhibits: Remains (e.g. vertebrae) displayed at Wyoming Dinosaur Center, with nicknames like “Jimbo” and “Goliath” dino-world.com.

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5. Bruhathkayosaurus matleyi

• Taxonomy & Discovery: A fragmentary titanosaurian sauropod from the Late Cretaceous Kallamedu Formation of India Wikipedia.
• Size & Appearance: Estimates vary widely—length possibly over 35 m, up to 45 m, and weight around 80–110 tonnes Wikipedia.
• Challenges: Holotype fossils have disintegrated, leaving gaps and uncertainties in size estimates Wikipedia.

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6. Turiasaurus riodevensis

• Taxonomy & Discovery: A European sauropod discovered in Spain (Villar del Arzobispo Formation) Wikipedia.
• Size & Appearance: One of Europe’s biggest dinosaurs, now estimated at 21–30 m in length, weighing ~40–50 tonnes Wikipedia.
• Noteworthy Feature: Belongs to a distinct group, “Turiasauria,” differing from neosauropods Wikipedia.
  
  

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7. Other Notables (Carnivorous Giants)

• Giganotosaurus carolinii: Among the largest theropods, ~12–13 m long and ~4–8 tonnes, lived in Argentina ~99–95 million years ago Wikipedia.
• Spinosaurus & Carcharodontosaurus: Massive carnivores (~13–15 m), though less complete fossil records fossils-uk.com.

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Summary Table

Dinosaur	Clade	Estimated Length	Weight	Key Notes
Argentinosaurus	Titanosauria	37–40 m	~100 tonnes	Longest/heaviest from fragmentary remains
Patagotitan	Titanosauria	~37 m	~69–70 tonnes	Multiple individuals, very complete
Dreadnoughtus	Titanosauria	~26 m	~60–65 tonnes	70% complete; excellent for biomechanical study
Supersaurus	Diplodocid	39–42 m	~35–40 tonnes	Longest contender; exhibits in museums
Bruhathkayosaurus	Titanosauria	35–45 m (est.)	80–110 tonnes	Speculative due to lost fossils
Turiasaurus	Turiasauria	21–30 m	~40–50 tonnes	Europe’s largest; distinct clade
Giganotosaurus	Theropoda	~12–13 m	~4–8 tonnes	Apex predatory dinosaur

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Fossil Excavation & Scientific Insights

• Many of these giants were discovered in South American deserts and rift basins, with Argentina and USA (Colorado) being hotspots.
• Dreadnoughtus offered a near-natural skeleton that aided posture and movement studies via 3D modeling WIRED.
• The disintegration of Bruhathkayosaurus’s holotype poses challenges in scientific validation Wikipedia.
• Supersaurus excavations include exhibits nicknamed “Jimbo” and “Goliath,” showcased in museums for public viewing .

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Geographic Spread

These massive dinosaurs roamed across:

• South America – Argentinosaurus, Patagotitan, Dreadnoughtus, and Puertasaurus
• North America – Supersaurus
• Europe – Turiasaurus
• Asia (India) – Bruhathkayosaurus
• Theropods (Carnivores) – Giganotosaurus in Argentina