Saltasaurus

Definition

Saltasaurus is a genus of sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, primarily in what is now Argentina. This dinosaur is known for its unique characteristics, including its relatively small size compared to other sauropods and its distinctive bony armor plates, which provided protection against predators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Saltasaurus was relatively small for a sauropod, measuring about 12 to 15 meters in length.
2. It possessed distinctive bony osteoderms embedded in its skin, providing a layer of protection against predators.
3. The dinosaur was primarily herbivorous, feeding on low-lying vegetation, and its body structure suggests it could rear up on its hind legs to reach higher foliage.
4. Fossils of Saltasaurus have been discovered in the Late Cretaceous rocks of Argentina, specifically in the Neuquén Province.
5. This dinosaur is significant because it demonstrates an evolutionary adaptation among some sauropods towards more defensive traits.

Review Questions

• What are the unique physical characteristics of Saltasaurus that differentiate it from other sauropods?
  • Saltasaurus is notably distinguished by its smaller size compared to many other sauropods and its unique bony armor plates called osteoderms. These bony structures provided extra protection against predators. Unlike larger sauropods that relied solely on size for defense, Saltasaurus exhibited an adaptation that involved both its physical stature and its protective features.
• Discuss the ecological role of Saltasaurus within its environment during the Late Cretaceous period.
  • Saltasaurus played an important ecological role as a herbivore in its Late Cretaceous environment. Its diet consisted mainly of low-lying vegetation, which suggests it helped shape plant communities through grazing. Additionally, its size and defensive adaptations likely influenced predator-prey dynamics in its ecosystem, as it was less vulnerable to attacks compared to unarmored species.
• Evaluate how the discovery of Saltasaurus has contributed to our understanding of sauropod diversity and adaptations during the Late Cretaceous period.
  • The discovery of Saltasaurus has significantly enhanced our understanding of sauropod diversity, particularly in terms of adaptations for survival in specific environments. Its bony armor suggests a shift in defensive strategies among some herbivorous dinosaurs, reflecting evolutionary pressures from predators. This highlights that not all sauropods followed the same evolutionary path; instead, they adapted uniquely based on their ecological niches and predation risks during the Late Cretaceous.

Related terms

Sauropod: A group of large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by their massive bodies and long tails, which includes well-known species like Brachiosaurus and Apatosaurus.

Cretaceous Period: The last period of the Mesozoic Era, lasting from about 145 to 66 million years ago, known for the diversification of dinosaurs and the emergence of flowering plants.

Titanosaur: A subgroup of sauropods that were characterized by their large size and distinctively evolved features, such as long necks and tails, and some had bony armor.