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Barackosaurus
BARACKOSAURUS - THE MOST COMPLETE SAUROPOD
progress report of preparation of the Barackosaur
(updated scientifical report 01/2010, pdf)
Nothing epitomizes the popular image of dinosaurs more than Apatosaurus “Brontosaurus”. The largest land creatures that lived were also the most spectacular !
The present dinosaur skeleton is by far one of the most complete of the large sauropod fossils ever discovered and unquestionably the best Apatosaurus specimen to date. Our second Apatosaurus skeleton certainly ranks as one such example. Here we have an associated nearly complete skeleton for which to further compare and study. The fossil features skeletal sections preserved in articulation. Most of cervical series, 20-30 caudal, and many dorsal vertebrae are kept together in articulation. Complete sets of foot bones where also found together including most of the pelvic elements.The neck series represents at least 11 vertebrae articulated complete with spines and ribs and terminating with skull. Thus, we have the first documented Apatosaurus skull attached to its cervicals, complete with the entire skeleton.
Despite the popularity of giant long neck dinosaurs, they are also some of the most poorly understood, as scientists to this day have little understanding of how they grew so large, how they moved, and how they evolved. Therefore, every new discovery adds vital information towards our understanding of this fascinating group.
Barackosaurus is the most complete sauropod found, belonging to a member of the family, Diplodocidae with a near perfect skull attached.
The family Diplodocidae is represented by some of the most gigantic dinosaurs known to mankind. These include the species: Apatosaurus, Brontosaurus, Diplodocus, Barosaurus, Supersaurus, and Amphicelias. This outstanding fossil is nicknamed “Barackosaurus” to commemorate the historic presidential.election of Senator Barack Obama. The informal naming of this new fossil occurred during the exciting week of the 2008 election, which coincided with our celebration of the first glimpses of the magnifi cent skull, which was exposed during preparation. The estimated 65-foot-long fossil skeleton is approximately 85% complete, well documented and belonged to a young adult individual.
This long-awaited discovery makes it possible to evaluate more extensively species status and concepts for this fascinating group of dinosaurs. Thus, “Barackosaurus” promises to change the way paleontologists view the evolution of long-necked dinosaurs. Although, it has yet to be officially studied, preliminary observations have so far offered fresh but radical information suggesting that this new dinosaur shares characteristics of both Apatosaurus and Diplodocus types.
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Making plaster jackets for transport of the bones |
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Team at work
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