Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Giant Titanosaur Eggs Found in Cold Climate

Fossilized titanosaur eggs discovered in southern Argentina suggest these massive dinosaurs nested in surprisingly cold regions during the late Cretaceous period.

The eggs, found in the Chorrillo Formation and dating to about 68 million years ago, indicate that titanosaurs, some weighing up to 75 tonnes, reproduced far from the equator. The nesting site, at 55-60 degrees south latitude, had a climate comparable to modern-day New York City.

Analysis of the eggshells revealed high porosity, meaning they would dry out if exposed. This suggests the dinosaurs used a method similar to modern crocodiles, incubating eggs in piles of rotting vegetation to maintain humidity and heat.

Researchers are uncertain of the exact titanosaur species, but teeth found at the site belong to colossosaurian titanosaurs. If the eggs are from this group, it implies abundant food resources were available to support the hatchlings' rapid growth.

This discovery provides new insights into dinosaur reproductive strategies and their ability to adapt to challenging, higher-latitude environments, enabling survival and reproduction where resources might be scarce for large animals.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.