What general range of mass, in metric tons, is the consensus estimate for Patagotitan mayorum?
Answer
60 to 70 metric tons
While exact mass calculation for extinct animals carries inherent uncertainty due to relying on scaling equations applied to fossil evidence, there is a strong scientific consensus regarding the approximate weight range for Patagotitan. This consensus places the massive titanosaur in the realm of 60 to 70 metric tons. This range is supported by various scaling models derived from skeletal dimensions, such as the over 2.4-meter femur, and firmly establishes Patagotitan as one of the heaviest land animals known to science, rivaling other giants like Argentinosaurus.
Related Questions
In which geographical location were the initial fossil remains of Patagotitan mayorum unearthed?What specific skeletal measurement of Patagotitan surpassed 2.4 meters in length?Which paleontologist provided an estimate of roughly 69 tonnes for a 35-meter-long Patagotitan individual?What structural feature, besides dense bone, was necessary in the vertebral column of Patagotitan to manage its weight?How is the estimated mass of Patagotitan generally compared to fully grown African elephants for perspective?When did the formal description and scientific confirmation of the species Patagotitan mayorum occur?What potential outcome might occur if current density models used for Patagotitan are deemed too conservative?Which North American sauropod is noted as being extremely long but typically estimated to be lighter than Patagotitan?What specialized anatomical feature, besides bone density, would the Patagotitan require to handle the load during its stance phase?What general range of mass, in metric tons, is the consensus estimate for Patagotitan mayorum?