During the Late Cretaceous Period, roughly 100 million years ago, the massive herbivores of the world’s southern continents roamed in ecosystems whose secrets are being slowly revealed through exciting fossil discoveries. One such dinosaur is Campananeyen, a recently described member of the sauropod family from Argentina. Known for its large size and lightweight, air-filled bones, this dinosaur is a fascinating addition to the rebbachisaurid family, an enigmatic group of herbivorous dinosaurs that thrived in the region.
The discovery of Campananeyen has allowed scientists to further piece together the lives of these ancient giants and the landscapes they inhabited. Its remains, uncovered in the Neuquén Province, give us insight into how the ecosystems of South America evolved during the Cenomanian Epoch, and the unique adaptations that allowed such massive creatures to survive and thrive.
Campananeyen Key Facts
Keyword | Fact |
---|---|
Pronunciation | cam-pan-ah-NAY-en |
Meaning of name | Campanas Air |
Group | Sauropoda |
Type Species | Campananeyen fragilissimus |
Diet | Herbivore |
When it Lived | 100.5 to 93.9 MYA |
Period | Late Cretaceous |
Epoch | Cenomanian |
Length | Approximately 25.0 feet |
Height | Approximately 6.0 feet at the hips |
Weight | Not available |
Mobility | Moved on all four legs |
First Discovery | 2009 by Rogelio ‘Mupi’ Zapata |
Described by | 2024 by Lucas Lerzo, Fidel Torcida Fernández-Baldor, Juan Canale, John Whitlock, Alejandro Otero, and Pablo Gallina |
Holotype | MMch-PV 71 |
Location of first find | Candeleros Formation, Neuquén Province, Argentina |
Campananeyen Origins, Taxonomy, and Timeline
The name Campananeyen comes from two elements that reflect both the location of its discovery and its anatomical features. “Campanas” refers to the Las Campanas locality where its remains were found, while “Neyen,” from the Mapudungun word for “air,” nods to the dinosaur’s pneumatized skeleton—a feature that allowed its bones to be lighter despite its considerable size. This naming convention ties the dinosaur to its regional and cultural roots, offering a glimpse into how local geography and language have shaped our understanding of its discovery.
Campananeyen belongs to the group of dinosaurian herbivores known as Sauropoda, famous for their long necks, small heads, columnar limbs, and massive bodies. Within Sauropoda Campananeyen is classified within Rebbachisauridae, a poorly understood group of sauropods known mainly from highly fragmentary remains. Although restricted to the Cretaceous, rebbachisaurids are thought to have diverged from other diplodocoids in the middle Jurassic, implying a long “ghost lineage” (a period in which a species/clade is assumed to have existed but for which no fossil evidence is known) for the group.
Type species
The type species is Campananeyen fragilissimus, which means “very fragile,” reflecting the delicate, highly pneumatized structure of its bones. Like many sauropods, Campananeyen was likely slow-moving, using its size and bulk as a defense against predators. Rebbachisaurids are further distinguished by their characteristic vertebral anatomy (including non-bifid/divided cervical neural spines and “petal shaped” dorsal neural spines) and dental “battery” formed of numerous closely-aligned teeth.
This dinosaur lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, specifically in the Cenomanian Epoch, between 100.5 and 93.9 million years ago. During this time, Argentina was part of the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, and the region where Campananeyen lived was a semi-arid braided river system representing the ancient “Kokorkom Desert” . This was an era of giant herbivores and fearsome predators, each adapted to the shifting climates and environments of the Cretaceous world.
Discovery & Fossil Evidence
In 2009, paleontologist Rogelio ‘Mupi’ Zapata made a notable discovery in the Barda Atravesada de Las Campanas locality within the Candeleros Formation, near Villa El Chocón in Neuquén Province, Argentina. This region, already renowned for its Late Cretaceous fossil record, provided the setting for the unearthing of Campananeyen, a newly identified sauropod. The remains, cataloged as MMch-PV 71, were part of an ongoing field study aimed at better understanding the diversity of dinosaur species in the area.
Photo Credit: Unexpecteddinolesson
The holotype specimen consists of an incomplete skeleton, including a braincase and right quadrate from the skull, along with parts of the dorsal, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, and sections of the ilia. Additional fossil material, such as two ungual phalanges, provided further insight into the dinosaur’s anatomy. Notably, pieces of the neck vertebrae and ilium display strong evidence of pneumaticity—the presence of air-filled cavities—suggesting that despite its large size, this dinosaur was relatively lightweight. Although incomplete, the skeletal remains were well-preserved, enabling scientists to reconstruct key features of Campananeyen’s structure and biomechanics.
Interestingly, the cranial remains of this specimen had been described in a 2016 scientific paper but left unnamed until the official description of Campananeyen fragilissimus was published in 2024. Despite the significance of this find, no other specimens of Campananeyen have thus far been unearthed, though the Candeleros Formation continues to be a fertile ground for uncovering Cretaceous-era fossils. This discovery, alongside others from the region, enriches our understanding of the diverse ecosystems that existed during this time, highlighting the important role the site plays in piecing together Argentina’s prehistoric past.
Campananeyen Size and Description
Short Description of Campananeyen
Although known only by fragmentary remains, the body of Campananeyen was undoubtedly typical of sauropods, characterized by a long neck, robust body, and strong limbs. Its vertebrae were hollowed out by air-filled extensions of the pulmonary system, a trait known as pneumaticity, which lightened the skeleton, making it easier for the dinosaur to support its long neck and large body. Its head, though not fully recovered in the fossil record, would have been relatively small compared to the rest of its body, a common feature in sauropods. The tail, long and tapering, likely served as a counterbalance, helping the dinosaur maintain its posture while moving across the landscape.
This dinosaur moved on all four legs, with its hind limbs being particularly strong to support its weight. The pelvic girdle, although also extensively pneumatized, provided a solid foundation for these powerful legs, allowing Campananeyen to traverse the plains and forests in search of food. While its speed is difficult to estimate, it likely moved slowly, relying more on size than agility for defense against predators.
Size and Weight of Type Species
In terms of size, Campananeyen fragilissimus was not among the largest sauropods, but it was still an imposing presence. At approximately 25.0 feet long and 6.0 feet tall at the hips, it was large enough to reach high into the trees to graze on a wide variety of vegetation. Its relatively smaller size, at least compared to other sauropods, like Argentinosaurus, may have given it an advantage in accessing different types of vegetation or living in regions that could not support larger herbivores.
The exact weight of Campananeyen is not yet known, as only partial remains have been recovered, but its lightweight, air-filled bones would have reduced the overall mass compared to other dinosaurs of similar size. Estimates based on similar species suggest it could have weighed several tons, but without more complete fossil evidence, this remains speculative.
The Dinosaur in Detail
One of the most remarkable features of Campananeyen was its highly pneumatic skeleton, a trait that allowed this large sauropod to carry its massive frame more efficiently. Air-filled spaces in its bones reduced the overall weight, helping it conserve energy while supporting its considerable bulk. This adaptation was particularly critical for managing its long neck, which allowed the dinosaur to reach high-growing vegetation that smaller herbivores could not access. The skeleton’s pneumaticity also extended the sacral region – a feature typical of rebbachisaurids but taken to an extreme measure in Campananeyen – further contributing to this overall weight-saving strategy.
The hind limbs of Campananeyen were likely robust and powerful, anchoring much of the dinosaur’s weight as it moved slowly yet steadily across the landscape. These sturdy legs, supported by a reinforced pelvic girdle, gave the animal the strength and stability needed to forage over vast territories. The sacral ribs, uniquely reinforced with a dorsal alar arm, would have provided additional support for the leg muscles, further aiding its ability to carry heavy loads while moving. Its tail, likely substantial in both length and weight, played a crucial role in maintaining balance, especially given the significant weight of its long neck. Additionally, it had a joint between its vertebrae called the hyposphene-hypantrum articulation – rare for rebbachisaurids – which helped provide extra support to its body. Together with the lightweight structure of its pelvis, these features would have helped Campananeyen move steadily and slowly through its environment.
Skull in detail
Campananeyen’s skull had several unique features. Its braincase had some distinct characteristics, like a poorly developed crista prootica (a small ridge) and an unusual opening for the facial nerve, which faced forward instead of backward, unlike related dinosaurs like Limaysaurus. The quadrate fossa (a hollow area on the skull) was much larger than in any other known rebbachisaurid. Also, the quadrate condyle (the part of the jaw joint) was similar to Nigersaurus, with the inner part being twice as wide as the outer part. These features indicate that Campananeyen likely had a specialized way of feeding, allowing it to graze efficiently on tall plants.
Campananeyen Illustration Sketch
Contemporary Dinosaurs
In the semi-arid ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous, where it represented one of the last surviving members of Diplodocoidea, Campananeyen shared its environment with a variety of fascinating contemporaries, each occupying unique ecological niches. One such herbivore was Chakisaurus, a smaller but resourceful ornithopod dinosaur that thrived in the underbrush. Unlike Campananeyen, which reached high into the trees to graze, Chakisaurus fed on lower-growing plants, allowing both species to coexist without direct competition for food. Their differing feeding habits enabled them to occupy complementary roles within their shared habitat, fostering a balanced ecosystem filled with diverse plant life. The peaceful coexistence of these two dinosaurs exemplified how varied feeding strategies can enhance biodiversity and stability in prehistoric environments.
Sauropods Andesaurus & Argentinosaurus
Roaming the same landscapes was the colossal Andesaurus, another impressive sauropod that dwarfed even Campananeyen. With its immense size and long neck, Andesaurus could access a wider range of plant species, leading to potential competition for food resources. However, the rich flora in the warm, humid environment was likely plentiful enough to support both giants. As they grazed side by side, they shaped their surroundings, clearing vast swaths of vegetation and creating open spaces that benefited other species. The dynamic between these two massive herbivores illustrates how diverse feeding habits, combined with the abundance of resources, allowed for the peaceful coexistence of these towering dinosaurs.
Another significant contemporary was the titanosaur Argentinosaurus, one of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. Like Campananeyen, Argentinosaurus was a massive sauropod, but its sheer size and bulk gave it access to vast amounts of vegetation. Despite the potential for competition, both dinosaurs likely adopted a different approach to resource acquisition. Argentinosaurus could graze on the tallest trees, while Campananeyen focused on a different layer of the vegetation – possibly utilizing the unique rebbachisaurid “dental battery” to process more fibrous foodstuffs – thereby reducing direct competition for food. This delicate balance between the two giants would have contributed to the overall health of their ecosystem, showcasing how different species can coexist and flourish within the same environment, each playing a crucial role in shaping their prehistoric world.
Theropod Buitreraptor
Adding a layer of complexity to this ecosystem was the agile therapodan predator Buitreraptor, known for its speed and cunning hunting tactics. While it was unlikely that Buitreraptor directly targeted an adult Campananeyen due to its size, the presence of such a predator would have had an impact on the behavior of large herbivores. The threat posed by Buitreraptor may have encouraged Campananeyen to adopt a more cautious approach to its surroundings, possibly leading to herd behaviors for added protection – particularly during the laying season. Living in groups would have provided safety in numbers, allowing these gentle giants to forage more effectively while minimizing the risk of predation. The interplay between predator and prey in this vibrant environment highlights the intricate web of life in the Late Cretaceous.
Interesting Points about Campananeyen
- Unique Name Origin: Its name combines local geographic and cultural references, reflecting its ties to Argentina’s Las Campanas locality and Mapudungun language.
- Lightweight Skeleton: The dinosaur’s pneumatized bones, filled with air, made its large body much lighter, a common adaptation in sauropods.
- Recently Described: Although discovered in 2009, Campananeyen wasn’t formally described until 2024, making it one of the more recent additions to the Rebbachisauridae.
- Herbivorous Diet: This sauropod’s long neck allowed it to feed on tall plants that other herbivores couldn’t reach, giving it an ecological advantage.
- Coexisted with Giants: Campananeyen lived alongside some of the largest dinosaurs, including Andesaurus and Argentinosaurus, in the fertile plains of ancient Argentina.
- As a member of the Rebbachisauridae, Campananeyen was one of the last-lived diplodocoid dinosaurs.
Campananeyen in its Natural Habitat
During the Late Cretaceous, Campananeyen inhabited the ancient Korkorkom Desert, a landscape of braided rivers, isolated oases, and wind-blown dunes. The region where it lived was part of Gondwana, a southern supercontinent that would later break apart to form modern South America, Africa, and other landmasses. The environment was dominated by scattered riparian forests of conifers, ferns, and cycads, providing much-sought food sources for large herbivores. Rivers crisscrossed the land, likely breaking their banks in times of heavy rain and flowing out across the floodplain. This hardscrabble habitat supported numerous large herbivores, with Campananeyen thriving on the high-growing plants that it could reach with its long neck.
Feeding and its impact on the ecosystem
As a herbivore, Campananeyen primarily fed on the tall vegetation found in its environment, such as coniferous trees and large ferns. Its long neck allowed it to graze on plants that smaller herbivores couldn’t access, minimizing direct competition for food. Moreover, its unique rebbachisaurid dental battery possibly allowed it to grind up plant matter that other sauropods – with their primitive cropping dentition – could not process, further minimizing competition. Moving on all fours, this dinosaur likely traversed vast distances in search of food, moving at a slow but steady pace. Herd behavior would have offered protection against predators, while also allowing the dinosaur to cover more ground while foraging. Though primarily defensive, its sheer size would have deterred most predators, except for the largest carnivores like Giganotosaurus.
The presence of Campananeyen in the environment likely had a significant impact on the ecosystem. By feeding on large amounts of vegetation, this dinosaur helped shape the landscape, clearing large areas of plants and potentially creating open spaces for new growth. Its large size also meant that it needed vast territories to find enough food, possibly influencing the migration patterns of other herbivores in the region. Additionally, the movement of herds through the landscape would have trampled undergrowth, further impacting the local ecology. Campananeyen’s role as a massive herbivore was crucial to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Campananeyen lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 100.5 to 93.9 million years ago, during the Cenomanian Epoch.
This dinosaur was an herbivore, feeding primarily on tall vegetation like conifers and ferns. Its long neck allowed it to access plants that other herbivores couldn’t reach.
Although only known from fragmentary remains, Campananeyen was possibly around 25.0 feet long and stood approximately 6.0 feet tall at the hips, making it a medium-sized sauropod compared to other giants of the time.
The social behaviors of long-extinct animals are notoriously difficult to reconstruct, however, it’s possible that Campananeyen lived in herds, possibly congregating during the breeding/laying season in order to gain added protection from predators like Giganotosaurus.
Campananeyen was a member of the Rebbachisauridae family, within the superfamily Diplodocoidea. In fact, Rebbachisauridae were the only group of diplodocoids to survive through to the later Cretaceous, although much about the group (especially its origins) remains a mystery.
Sources
The information in this article is based on various sources, drawing on scientific research, fossil evidence, and expert analysis. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of Campananeyen.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/08912963.2024.2383708?needAccess=true
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301860613_New_rebbachisaurid_cranial_remains_Sauropoda_Diplodocoidea_from_the_Cretaceous_of_Patagonia_Argentina_and_the_first_endocranial_description_for_a_South_American_representative_of_the_clade
Article last fact checked: Joey Arboleda, 10-03-2024
Featured Image Credit: UnexpectedDinoLesson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons