What distinguishes the confidence level of *Dreadnoughtus*'s weight estimate compared to more fragmentary giants?
Answer
A more substantial, known set of bones, particularly the limbs
The weight estimate for *Dreadnoughtus* is considered highly reliable because it possesses a substantial, known set of bones, especially the robust limb bones necessary for calculating body volume and stress testing.
Related Questions
What does the name *Dreadnoughtus* roughly translate to?What was the initial estimated weight of *Dreadnoughtus* in metric tons?Approximately what percentage of the *Dreadnoughtus* skeleton was recovered?To which specific clade within the sauropods did *Dreadnoughtus* belong?In which geographical region were the remains of *Dreadnoughtus schrani* discovered?Who was the species name, *D. schrani*, chosen to honor?Which major parts of the *Dreadnoughtus* skeleton were notably absent from the recovered material?How many times heavier did *Dreadnoughtus* weigh compared to a modern adult African Bush Elephant (averaging around 6 tons)?What distinguishes the confidence level of *Dreadnoughtus*'s weight estimate compared to more fragmentary giants?What feature of the recovered limb bones is direct evidence of the immense compressive forces *Dreadnoughtus* legs had to withstand?What evolutionary advantage might *Dreadnoughtus*'s massive size have conferred in its ecosystem?