Approximately how tall was the primary dorsal vertebra used to describe *Xenoposeidon*?
Answer
Over 1.7 meters
The immense size of the fossil material is a key factor in understanding *Xenoposeidon*'s place among the largest land animals ever known. The primary specimen, a partial dorsal vertebra, was documented as being significantly large, specifically described as being over 1.7 meters in height. This scale places the animal in direct competition or potentially exceeding the size estimates of other massive titanosaurs, underscoring the biomechanical challenges inherent in supporting such a colossal structure, especially one exhibiting extreme pneumaticity.
Related Questions
What Greek roots combine to form the genus name *Xenoposeidon*?What specific anatomical structure does the specific epithet *pronelkocamerus* reference?To which Order do both *Xenoposeidon* and *Diplodocus* belong based on their general classification?What specific term denotes the large, deep pneumatic hollows observed in *Xenoposeidon*'s vertebrae?Approximately how tall was the primary dorsal vertebra used to describe *Xenoposeidon*?What Latin term describes the temporary classification given when a genus lacks sufficient evidence for firm placement?What characteristic of the type specimen contributes most to the phylogenetic ambiguity of *Xenoposeidon*?Which infraorder clade is suggested to group titanosaurs and brachiosaurids, potentially linking *Xenoposeidon*?What modern digital technique is employed to overcome taphonomic distortion when analyzing *Xenoposeidon*'s fragile vertebrae?Which specific vertebral surfaces determine how one vertebra articulates with the next in the spine?