Fragmentary Fossils Make It Hard to Determine the Biggest Dinosaur

Determining the largest dinosaur is complicated by incomplete skeletons. Sauropods like Nagatitan, recently discovered in Thailand, are estimated at over 88 feet long and 30 tons, but only partial remains exist. The title of largest dinosaur has shifted over time, from Brachiosaurus to Argentinosaurus, Futalognkosaurus, and Patagotitan, all known from fragmentary fossils. Missing bones, especially vertebrae, can significantly alter size estimates. Preservation requires rare conditions like massive floods to bury carcasses before decomposition and scavenging. Studies of the Mygatt-Moore Quarry show bones exposed for years, with insect damage and bite marks from carnivores like Allosaurus. Even when buried, sediment weight can crush delicate bones. The fossil record may be biased, as seen in the debated 'sauropod hiatus' in North America. Currently, Argentinosaurus is considered the heaviest at over 80 tons based on limb bone thickness, but individual size variation within species is poorly understood. New sauropod fossils are being discovered at an increasing rate, suggesting more giants await discovery.