Scientists unearth gigantic long-necked dinosaur 'Titan' in Spain, details here

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, Spain's ancient history has been illuminated as never before. Fossils recently unearthed provide evidence of a colossal, never-before-seen dinosaur species that roamed the Iberian Peninsula approximately 122 million years ago. Named Garumbatitan morellensis, this newly described dinosaur species was found during excavations at the Sant Antoni de la Vespa fossil site, located near the city of Morella.

Published on September 28 in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, a groundbreaking study by researchers details the findings, shedding light on the fascinating history of these long-extinct giants.

Garumbatitan morellensis belonged to the sauropod family, characterized by their iconic long necks, extended tails, small heads, and sturdy, pillar-like legs. The initial discovery of this remarkable species dates back to a decade-long excavation effort spanning from 2005 to 2008.

One of the most astonishing aspects of this find is the fact that Garumbatitan morellensis was a Titanosaur, a subgroup within the sauropod family. What makes this particularly intriguing is that Titanosaurs, like Garumbatitan morellensis, were the only sauropod lineage to survive until the cataclysmic asteroid impact that occurred roughly 66 million years ago.

The excavation yielded not just a single specimen but the remains of three individuals. Among these remains were massive vertebrae, lengthy leg bones, and the astonishing discovery of two nearly complete sets of foot bones—an extremely rare find in the world of sauropod fossils.

These colossal fossils, according to estimates, date back to the Lower Cretaceous period, spanning from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago.

While Titanosaurs were among the heaviest of sauropods, it's worth noting that they were not the longest. That title belongs to Supersaurus, an as-of-yet unspecified sauropod species, measuring an astounding 128 feet or 39 meters in length.

Garumbatitan morellensis's unique bone structure hints at its relatively primitive nature, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these massive, long-necked dinosaurs. Belonging to the subgroup Somphospondyli, these titanic creatures left their mark on every modern-day continent. However, the precise origins of Somphospondyli remain shrouded in mystery. The discovery of a long-necked dinosaur in Spain raises intriguing questions about whether Europe might have been their initial habitat.

This remarkable find not only expands our understanding of Spain's ancient past but also contributes to the broader tapestry of Earth's prehistoric ecosystems