FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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Laplatasaurus is also known by the meaning, La Plata or La Plata lizard. This sauropod lived during the Late Cretaceous evolution in South America. The genus was named in the year 1927 after researching different specimens laid out by paleontologists. This La Plata lizard-like dinosaur existed from 83.6 million years ago to 66 million years ago. The specific name of this dinosaur is derived from the Araucanos or Mapuche. However, in the year 1933, paleontologists renamed it from Titanosaurus madagascariensis to Laplatasaurus. This is one of the last species of dinosaurs that today is referred to as the original Titanosaurus classification.
The partial remains or fossils of this dinosaur have been found in Uruguay and Argentina. These fossils are being interpreted as late or early Cenomanian in age. That means they make the boundary line between early cretaceous or late cretaceous. During a 2015 re-assessment, it was found out that this classification of dinosaurs was very much closely related to Bonitasaura and Uberabatitian.
The name Laplatasaurus is pronounced as 'La-Pla-tah-sore-us'. Besides that, the type species name of this dinosaur is Laplatasaurus araukanicus. It is pronounced as 'La-Pla-tah-sore-us ara-uk-ani-cius'.
Laplatasaurus is an early basal dinosaur from the sauropod classification. The species is amongst the Plateosaurus trossingensis. Some paleontologists, including Von Huene, assigned them to Titanosaurus, and a new combination, Titanosaurus aurakanicus, was created. Others treated them as a separate genus.
There is a slight confusion regarding the geological time period of the genus's existence. It was interpreted that the Laplatasaurus fossils, which were discovered from Argentina, belonged to the Albian or the early Cenomanian age of the Upper Cretaceous period. However, those excavated from Uruguay distinctly belonged to the Cenomanian. This makes the origin of the genus at least early Cenomanian.
The full extent of the existence period of the genus is still under speculations since the specimens discovered from different places show differences in the temporal range.
The Laplatasaurus evolved in South America during the Upper Cretaceous period. The fossils of the dinosaurs were excavated from different formations of the continent, implying that they were widespread. The fossils of the dinosaur were discovered from the Allen formation Anacleto Formation of Argentina and the Asencio Formation of Uruguay.
The Laplatasaurus lived in terrestrial habitats; these types of habitats ranged from coastal lands to forests.
Three specimens of the genus were discovered from the Late Cretaceous formations of South America. This suggests that they probably herded together, but the actual social structure of the sauropod dinosaur is unknown.
The Laplatasaurus evolved during the Cenomanian phase of the upper Cretaceous age. They lived up to 66 million years ago.
The dinosaurs were oviparous in nature; they reproduced by laying eggs. However, since they are only known from fossils, no additional information could be concluded.
The Laplatasaurus was represented by partial remains of multiple specimens. However, there is no proper physical description of the genus.
The number of bones present in their body is not known. They are known for partial remains like limb elements, a series of caudal vertebrae, and some dorsal vertebrae.
They communicated using vocalizations like other dinosaurs.
The average length of a Laplatasaurus was around 59 ft (18 m). They were five times bigger than Canardia.
The Laplatasaurus was a medium-sized dinosaur that moved at a moderate speed. Their speed has not been determined.
The wight of the Laplatasaurus has not been determined.
The male and female species do not have any particular name; both of them were referred to as Laplatasaurus.
A baby Laplatasaurus is called a nestling or a hatchling.
The Laplatasaurus were herbivorous in nature; this made them less aggressive than the flesh-eating predators of the Late Cretaceous.
The genus was named way back in the past by Friedrich Von Huene in 1927. However, the species were not discovered till 1929. Von Huene described the type species for the first time in 1929 and placed the sauropod in the family Titanosauridae. The generic name refers to La Plata of Argentina.
*We've been unable to source an image of Laplatasaurus and have used an image of Stegosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Laplatasaurus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].
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At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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