Epachthosaurus: Research Database
Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown
Research Note: Epachthosaurus was a theropoda from the Cretaceous of Unknown, providing important data on prehistoric life and ecosystem dynamics.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Martínez Giménez Rodríguez 2004: Epachthosaurus and related taxa Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology | Confirmed | A | 2004 | Fossil | Martínez Giménez Rodríguez, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology | Taxonomy |
Casal Ibiricu 2010: Epachthosaurus and related taxa Revista Brasileira de Paleontologia | Confirmed | C | 2010 | Fossil | Casal Ibiricu, Revista Brasileira de Paleontologia | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Epachthosaurus
- Complete skeletal morphology and ecological role.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Theropoda.
- Distribution and evolutionary history.
In Depth
Epachthosaurus is a genus of basal titanosaur that lived in South America during the late Cretaceous. This is significant because much more advanced titanosaurs were living in South America at this time, which in itself suggests that Epachthosaurus was a late surviving form. One individual of Epachthosaurus (UNPSJB-PV 920) is represented by an almost complete skeleton lacking only the skull and some of the vertebrae, and is recognised as one of the most complete individual titanosaurifom skeletons so far discovered.
Epachthosaurus seems to have been quite small for its type of dinosaur, and living in South America during the late Cretaceous, it may have been preyed upon by abelisaurs, and perhaps even carcharodontosaurs.
Further Reading
- Epachthosaurus sciuttoi (gen. et sp. nov.), un dinosaurio sauropodo del Cret�cico de Patagonia (Provincia de Chubut, Argentina) [Epachthosaurus sciuttoi (gen. et sp. nov.), a sauropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous of Patagonia (Chubut province, Argentina)]. - Actas del V Congreso Argentino de Paleontologia y Bioestratigrafia, Tucum�n, Argentina 1:123-128 - J. E. Powell - 1990.
