Researchers at Stony Brook University in New York have made a new discovery that is turning the world of dinosaurs upside down. According to a report by the British news agency PA, the Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum dinosaur species has set a new record – at least for the time being. The dinosaur had a neck that was more than 15 meters long. This corresponds to the length of six giraffes’ necks and thus exceeds all previously known dinosaur species.
Although few bones of the dinosaur were found, researchers were able to reconstruct the animal’s size and shape using complete skeletons of its closest relatives. In doing so, they discovered the impressive neck length, which exceeds that of all previously known dinosaurs.
“At 15 meters long, Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum looks like the record holder — at least until something longer is discovered,” the PA quoted Stony Brook University paleontologist Andrew J. Moore as saying.
The scientists also found that the giants’ vertebrae were hollow, similar to those of small birds. To ensure their stability, the dinosaurs had ribs on their necks that were four meters long. The new findings will soon be published in the journal “Journal of Systematic Palaeontology”.
