A new study shows that two elephant-sized South American sauropods were well suited to rising onto their hind legs when young. Researchers used engineering tools to test bone stress in seven dinosaur species. The findings indicate that smaller individuals handled the posture more easily than larger ones.
The research focused on Uberabatitan from Brazil and Neuquensaurus from Argentina. These dinosaurs lived about 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. Digital models of their femurs showed lower stress levels compared with bigger sauropods when the animals shifted weight onto their hind legs.
Scientists applied finite element analysis to simulate forces from gravity and muscle activity. Julian Silva Júnior, the study's first author, noted that smaller sauropods had robust bones that dissipated stress effectively. Larger adults likely found the position less comfortable due to increased body weight.
The ability may have helped young dinosaurs reach high vegetation, deter predators, or attract mates. The study was supported by FAPESP and published in the journal Palaeontology with contributions from researchers in Brazil, Germany, and Argentina.