Rinconsaurus

Extinct genus of dinosaurs

Rinconsaurus is a genus of titanosaur sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous in what is now Argentina. The type species, Rinconsaurus caudamirus, was described by Calvo and Riga in 2003, and is based on three partial skeletons.

Like all sauropods, Rinconsaurus was a large long necked quadrupedal animal, with a long, whip like tail and four pillar like legs. Rinconsaurus was an unusually slender sauropod. Although fossil discoveries are incomplete, and no complete necks or heads have been found, fully grown Rinconsaurus are estimated to have been 11 meters (36 ft) long and approximately 2.5 meters (8 ft) high at the shoulder. The body mass of Rinconsaurus has been estimated to be between 3.21 and 5.39 tonnes. It remains to be seen, however, if this classification will receive widespread acceptance.

Rinconsaurus, like all sauropods, was an herbivore. Fossilized dung associated with late Cretaceous titanosaurids has revealed phytoliths, silicified plant fragments, that offer clues to a broad, unselective plant diet. Besides the plant remains that might have been expected, such as cycads and conifers, discoveries published in 2005 revealed an unexpectedly wide range of monocotyledons, including palms and grasses (Poaceae), including ancestors of rice and bamboo, which has given rise to speculation that herbivorous dinosaurs and grasses co evolved. Titanosaurid teeth are usually spatulate (spoon shaped) or shaped like pegs. Teeth found in association with Rinconsaurus have been described as "pencil chisel like teeth" and had sharply inclined wear facets.