Huge New Dinosaur Species Found in Argentina

The recently discovered fossil of a giant dinosaur that roamed South America 80 million years ago is not only remarkably complete but also represents a new species, Brazilian and Argentine paleontologists announced today. Futalognkosaurus dukei, a four-legged, long-necked herbivore, measured about 110 feet from head to tail and was four stories tall at the shoulder.

The fossilized skeleton is 70% complete, the most intact giant dinosaur fossil ever found—most are only about 10% complete. A wealth of plants, fish and other small specimens contemporary with Futalognkosaurus were found with the specimen, providing a rare look at the ancient ecosystem: "It's like a whole lost world for us," said one paleontologist. (More dinosaurs stories.)