Dinosaurs, the colossal creatures that once roamed the Earth, continue to captivate our imagination. Among these prehistoric giants, some stand out for their enormous size. In this article, we will embark on a journey to discover the top 10 largest dinosaurs ever known to have existed.
World’s Largest Dinosaur Ever
The largest dinosaurs, known as sauropods, were an incredible group of reptiles that ruled the land for over 150 million years. Their diverse forms adapted to various environments during this extensive period. To determine the biggest dinosaur, paleontologists analyze fossil evidence, examining bone structure, joint surfaces, and limb proportions. Using computer software, they reconstruct digital skeletal models and estimate the overall size by ‘fleshing out’ these models based on tissue densities observed in similar contemporary animals. This meticulous process helps unveil the colossal nature of these ancient giants that once roamed the Earth.
Key Facts Related to the Biggest Dinosaurs in the World
Here are some of the key facts related to the biggest dinosaurs in the world:
- Supersaurus, based on Colorado fossils, is the largest known dinosaur, estimated to be 105-138 feet long, living around 153 million years ago.
- Maraapunisaurus, a potential contender for the largest dinosaur, lacks conclusive evidence due to the loss of its sole fossil.
- Sauroposeidon, initially mistaken for petrified wood, revealed itself as one of the largest dinosaurs when University of Oklahoma fossils were rediscovered six years after their initial storage in 1994.
Top-10 Biggest Dinosaurs in the World
Argentinosaurus, with the estimated length and weight of 100 feet and 100 tons respectively, claims the title of the biggest dinosaurs in the world, followed by Patagotitan, Dreadnoughtus, and Paraceratherium.
Here is the list of top-10 largest dinosaurs in the world ever:
LARGEST DINOSAURS IN THE WORLD | ||||
Rank | Dinosaurs | Scientific Name | Estimated Weight | Estimated Length |
1. | Argentinosaurus | Argentinosaurus huinculensis | Up to 100 tons | 100 feet |
2. | Patagotitan | Patagotitan mayorum | 70 tons | 122 feet |
3. | Dreadnoughtus | Dreadnoughtus schrani | 59 tons | 85 feet |
4. | Paraceratherium | Paraceratherium orgosensis | 33 tons | 26 feet |
5. | Amphicoelias | Amphicoelias fragillimus | Unknown | Potentially up to 230 feet |
6. | Sauroposeidon | Sauroposeidon proteles | 40-60 tons | 110 feet |
7. | Diplodocus | Diplodocus carnegii | 15 tons | 85-90 feet |
8. | Brachiosaurus | Brachiosaurus altithorax | Unknown | 105 feet |
9. | Turiasaurus | Turiasaurus riodevensis | 51 tons | 98 feet |
10. | Austroposeidon | Austroposeidon magnificus | 25 tons | 25 meters |
World’s Largest Dinosaur – Argentinosaurus
Scientific Name: Argentinosaurus huinculensis
Weight: Up to 100 tons
Length: 100 feet
Argentinosaurus huinculensis, the world’s largest dinosaur, is estimated to have weighed up to 100 tons and measured around 100 feet in length. Known from limited fossils in Argentina, including vertebrae, ribs, and an incomplete femur, its colossal size is inferred through comparisons, showcasing an impressive long neck and tail.
Second Biggest Dinosaur in the World – Patagotitan
Scientific Name: Patagotitan mayorum
Weight: 70 tons
Length: 122 feet
Patagotitan mayorum, the world’s second-largest dinosaur, weighed approximately 70 tons and measured an astounding 122 feet in length. A significant femur bone, measuring 2.4 meters, contributed to estimates of it being among the largest land animals. Fossil discoveries in Argentina have provided crucial insights into its size and anatomy.
Third Largest Dinosaur in the World – Dreadnoughtus
Scientific Name: Dreadnoughtus schrani
Weight: 59 tons
Length: 85 feet
Dreadnoughtus schrani, the world’s third-largest dinosaur, boasted a weight of 59 tons and an impressive length of 85 feet. Abundant fossils have made it one of the best-understood titanosaurs, revealing its robust, bulky body and specialized adaptations for a herbivorous lifestyle.