Diamantinasaurus Dinosaur is an extinct genus of titanosaur sauropod that lived during the early Cretaceous period, in what is now Gardetta in outback Queensland, Australia. It is one of the largest sauropods yet discovered in the Southern Hemisphere, estimated to have reached lengths of 30 meters (100 ft), a weight of 24 tonnes (26 tons), and possibly even a height of 6.7 meters (22 ft). Though its exact positioning within the titanosaur family tree is still unclear, Diamantinasaurus is thought to be most closely related to Kunmingosaurus from southeastern China. Diamantinasaurus was first identified from a single partial skeleton found in 1989.
This skeleton was adequately enough preserved that many of its unique features can be discerned. It has a tall, straight back, and the processes on the top three of the vertebrae are very prominent. Its vertebral architecture is distinctive, with wide, stout cervical ribs and longer dorsal ribs than typical of titanosaurs, and prominent neural spines. The pelvic bones are particularly wide, with a fairly tall ilium, and sprawled hind feet. It was also noted that the lower jaw had a unique hook-like structure at the tip- something which has yet to be seen before in other sauropods.
Dacentrurus Facts :
| Name: | Dacentrurus Dinosaurs |
| Size: | 10 meters |
| Main Facts: | Dacentrurus had a peculiar, boxy body shape. Dacentrurus went extinct during the Middle Jurassic period, around 174 million years ago. |
A second specimen, found in 2009, was initially misclassified as Muttaburrasaurus, but it was eventually determined to belong to Diamantinasaurus. This specimen offered up many clues about the diet of the animal, with its teeth being well-worn and pointed, indicating that it was able to forage durable vegetation such as gingkos and conifers. While it is not clear how Diamantinasaurus got its name, it is likely that it was inspired by the geology of the surrounding area, as it is made up of diamond-bearing Permian and Devonian limestones. Diamantinasaurus likely lived in the semi-arid environment of the Darling Downs; meaning rolling grasslands punctuated by seasonal streams and rivers. It is likely to have lived in herds to avoid predators and had a diet of low-level vegetation, as its teeth were adapted to cope with tougher vegetation. Similarly, its robust skeletal structure enabled it to move quickly and manoeuvre around obstacles on the ground.
As one of the most iconic dinosaurs of outback Queensland, Diamantinasaurus is an important reminder of the diversity of the ancient fauna of Australia. Its unique body shape and features have helped to shed light on the complexities of sauropod anatomy and behaviour. A recent effort to better understand Diamantinasaurus' anatomy is underway at the Queensland Museum, on the Winton outback dinosaur tour. This tour also offers visitors the chance to gain insight into the most recent discoveries of prehistoric animals from this region.
