"Titanosaurs: Earth's Largest Land Animals with Reptile and Mammal Traits"

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Source: The Conversation
"Titanosaurs: Earth's Largest Land Animals with Reptile and Mammal Traits"
Photo: The Conversation
TL;DR Summary

Titanosaurs, a lesser known group of sauropod dinosaurs, were the largest land animals on Earth, with nearly 100 species that varied greatly in size. Recent discoveries have revealed that they had a unique way of life, merging reptile and mammal characteristics. They originated in the Early Cretaceous Period and thrived on all seven continents, with evidence suggesting rapid growth rates similar to mammals. Fossil findings also indicate that titanosaurs had a diverse diet and high tooth-replacement rates, contributing to their biological success. If not for the asteroid impact 66 million years ago, these long-lived and diverse creatures would likely have continued to thrive.

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