Dinosaur senior: Enormous skeleton of prehistoric beast larger than a blue whale and heavier than Dippy the diplodocus will go on show at history museum
- Titanosaurs were a group of gigantic long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs
- The giant dinosaurs were found on all continents 100million years ago
- New exhibit will only just fit inside the enormous 30ft-high Waterhouse Gallery
For those wondering how big the Natural History Museum's new dinosaur is, the clue is in the name.
A titanosaur skeleton, the most complete giant dinosaur remains ever discovered, will be showcased next year.
The exhibit is four times heavier than the museum's famous Dippy the diplodocus, and 40ft longer than its blue whale, Hope.
Patagotitan mayorum, to give the titanosaur its Latin name, will only just fit inside the enormous 30ft-high Waterhouse Gallery.
Titanosaurs were a diverse group of gigantic long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs, found on all continents 100million years ago
Museum fossil expert Professor Paul Barrett said: 'Comparable in weight to more than nine African elephants, this star specimen will inspire visitors to care for some of the planet's largest and most vulnerable creatures, which face similar challenges for survival.'
The titanosaurs were the last great group of sauropod dinosaurs before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, about 65 million years ago.
Like other sauropods, titanosaurs were herbivorous quadrupeds with long tails, long necks, and small heads.
They differed from other sauropods, however, in that the titanosaurs’ bodies were stockier and their limbs produced a wider stance than other sauropods.
Titanosaur fossils have been found on all continents except Antarctica and include some 40 species.
The group contains the largest terrestrial animals known, some even approaching the size of modern whales.
The London museum's patagotitan, uncovered in South America, was estimated to be 121ft long and weigh 65 tons. It has been loaned to the UK by Argentina.
Dr Alex Burch, director of public programmes at the Museum says, 'We are so excited that Patagotitan, the most complete giant dinosaur ever discovered, is making its European debut here at the Natural History Museum, the home of the dinosaur.
A titanosaur skeleton, the most complete giant dinosaur remains ever discovered, will be showcased next year
The London museum's patagotitan, uncovered in South America, was estimated to be 121ft long and weigh 65 tons. It has been loaned to the UK by Argentina
'Our fascination with dinosaurs provides the ideal opportunity to inspire and inform the next generation about the natural world, and empower them to act for the planet.'
The cast of Patagotitan mayorum has been provided to the Museum by the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (MEF), Argentina.
Most watched News videos
- Terrifying moment driver overtakes van and narrowly avoids crash
- Maryland's Key Bridge collapses after struck by container ship
- Camilla hands out gifts at Royal Maundy ceremony on behalf of King
- Starmer and Rayner embrace as they launch election campaign
- Police tape off Kennington station after 'multiple stabbings'
- Hilarious moment King's Guard shout 'make way' at pigeons in London
- British man fighting for Putin posts video from Russia online
- Sally Nugent hilariously finds out 'hedgehog' is a hat bobble
- Police surround Kennington tube station after reports of stabbing
- EasyJet pilot aborts landing at London Gatwick Airport due to storm
- Moments after Baltimore bridge struck by a container vessel
- Tourist is filmed napping in his tent on the beach with a crocodile