Overview
Argentinosaurus is a strong contender for the title of largest land animal in Earth's history. Known primarily from fragmentary remains — including massive vertebrae and limb bones — estimates place it at 35 metres in length and up to 80 tonnes in weight. To support its immense bulk, its leg bones were essentially solid pillars of bone, and its heart would have needed to be truly extraordinary to pump blood throughout its body.
Key fact
May be the largest land animal that ever lived — each individual vertebra was 1.5 metres tall and weighed over 500 kg.
Did you know?
- Each vertebra alone weighed an estimated 500 kg.
- A herd crossing would have left footprints visible from orbit.
- Likely took 40 years to reach full size.
- The predatory Giganotosaurus may have hunted juveniles in packs.