Millions of years ago, Earth was home to many giant creatures. Among them was the dinosaur Patagotitan mayorum, which is possibly the largest dinosaur ever known. Scientists think it weighed about 57 tonnes and was 37 metres long, similar to a jumbo jet.
Patagotitan belongs to a group called titanosaurs. These dinosaurs had long necks and sturdy legs. While we have known about some dinosaurs like Diplodocus for over a century, Patagotitan was found only in 2010 in Argentina. A farm worker found its large thigh bone in the badlands of Patagonia. They discovered that there were six bones from a small herd that likely died together.
Currently, scientists are discovering about 50 new dinosaur species each year, bringing the total to around 700. Researchers like Paul Barrett say this is due to more experts in different countries and re-examining older fossils.
Patagotitan ate large amounts of plants, needing about 120 kilos of food every day. It used its long neck to reach trees and drink water. Its bones and fossils help scientists learn more about this giant creature’s life and its environment.
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