Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaurs

Published: 23rd Jan 2016

David Attenborough features the amazing story of the world’s largest dinosaur on BBC1 on January 24th. Starting with the discovery of over 200 bones of this new species of titanosaur in Argentina by a local farmer. Bones from 7 titanosaurs were discovered in close proximity. From detailed study of the bones it became obvious these dinosaurs were the largest yet to be seen. They measured 37 metres long, about the same as 4 London buses, and weighed about 70 tonnes. They are not just the biggest dinosaurs ever found but also the largest animal to ever walk on the land.

Attenborough follows the scientists and palaeontologists on the journey of discovery, from excavating the bones to cleaning and studying them and trying to reveal how these massive beasts actually lived. The previous holder of the largest dinosaur was the Argentinosaurus. This new titantosaur has a backbone that is 10% larger. South America has been a good source of giant dinosaurs.

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