Palaeontologists have unearthed a fossil skull from a prehistoric Australian titan that lived 95 million years ago.
The Diamantinasaurus matildae specimen has been nicknamed Ann. The skull is the most complete of a sauropod – long-necked dinosaur – found in Australia.
Read more: Waiter! There’s a sauropod in my soup! Dinosaur footprints in Chinese restaurant confirmed
Found in Winton in western-central Queensland, Ann’s skull tells us about how this subadult and its species ate and lived, but also about connections between Australian titanosaurs – a group of sauropods that grew to massive sizes, some up to 100 tonnes – and their South American cousins.
Lead researchers Dr Steven Poropat speaks with Cosmos about the significance of Ann’s skull.
Originally published by Cosmos as Australia’s most complete sauropod skull tells an intercontinental story
Evrim Yazgin
Evrim Yazgin has a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematical physics and a Master of Science in physics, both from the University of Melbourne.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.