What method must paleontologists use to estimate the size of Argentinosaurus due to incomplete fossils?
Answer
Scaling methods using ratios derived from more complete sauropods
Because key elements like a full vertebral column or femur are missing, paleontologists must rely on scaling methods that use the few large bones available, primarily the massive vertebrae, and apply ratios derived from better-preserved sauropods.
Related Questions
How many complete skeletons of Argentinosaurus have paleontologists uncovered?What type of fossil material primarily constitutes the basis for describing Argentinosaurus?Who first reported the material constituting the basis for the description of Argentinosaurus in 1993?Roughly how old are the fossils of Argentinosaurus found in the Candeleros Formation?To which major group of sauropods does Argentinosaurus belong?What method must paleontologists use to estimate the size of Argentinosaurus due to incomplete fossils?What might the lack of complete, intact skeletons for super-giant sauropods suggest about taphonomy?In which specific province of Argentina was the critical fossil assemblage of Argentinosaurus unearthed?What threshold must typically be met for a dinosaur skeleton to be considered 'complete' in paleontology?Which other titanosaur is mentioned as being known from more extensive remains than Argentinosaurus?