Titanosaur Eggs Found in Cold Cretaceous Argentina
Research published in Royal Society Open Science indicates that titanosaurs, some of the largest dinosaurs, produced eggs in a chilly environment towards the end of the Cretaceous period. The investigation, based on 255 fossilized egg fragments unearthed in 2020 and 2024 from the Chorrillo Formation in Argentina, reveals that the area was located 68 million years ago at a latitude of 55–60 degrees south, resembling the climate of contemporary New York City. A team led by Darla Zelenitsky from the University of Calgary discovered significant porosity in the eggshells, suggesting they were incubated in decaying plant matter. This finding contradicts earlier beliefs about nesting practices. Additionally, teeth found at the site imply a connection to colossosaurian titanosaurs, underscoring their reproductive flexibility in varying climates.
Key facts
- 255 fossilized titanosaur egg fragments were found in the Chorrillo Formation, southern Argentina.
- The eggs date back to about 68 million years ago.
- The site was at 55–60 degrees south latitude with a climate similar to modern New York City.
- The study was published in Royal Society Open Science.
- Darla Zelenitsky is a study co-author and paleontologist at the University of Calgary.
- Eggshells were highly porous, indicating they needed humid conditions to avoid drying out.
- Titanosaurs likely incubated eggs using heat from rotting vegetation, like modern crocodiles.
- Teeth found at the site belong to colossosaurian titanosaurs.
- A separate titanosaur fossil from Antarctica was identified in a study published in June.
- Robert Reisz, a paleontologist at the University of Toronto, commented on the findings.
Entities
Institutions
- University of Calgary
- Royal Society Open Science
- University of Toronto
- British Antarctic Survey
- CNN
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- Globe and Mail
Locations
- Argentina
- Chorrillo Formation
- Antarctica
- Mongolia
- Texas
- New York City
- Canada