Bajadasaurus

A “New Dinosaur” Named in 2019

The fossils of Bajadasaurus were discovered in the Bajada Colorada Formation in the Patagonia region of Argentina.

What was found included a nearly complete skull and three cervical vertebrae (neck bones).
Following the research on these precious fossils, it was officially registered and named as a new species in February 2019.
In the history of dinosaur research, it can be said that this is still a very recent discovery.

A Similar Appearance to Amargasaurus and a “Crucial Difference”

Like its close relative Amargasaurus, which lived in the same region and era, Bajadasaurus is characterized by extremely long, bifurcated spines (neural spines) growing out of its cervical vertebrae.
However, there was one major, crucial difference between the two.

The Spines of Amargasaurus

They extended “backward” from the neck.

The Spines of Bajadasaurus

They protruded radically “forward,” extending past the front end of the neck.

These unique spines extending forward, much like the horns of an antelope, are the exact origin of its specific name, pronuspinax, which means “forward-leaning spines.”

“The Role of the Spines” That Shook Up a Long-Standing Debate

It is well known that dicraeosaurids, including Amargasaurus, had remarkably well-developed neural spines on their necks, but “what these spines were used for” had been the subject of fierce debate among paleontologists for many years.

However, the discovery of the sharply forward-pointing fossils of Bajadasaurus brought a strong leading theory to this long-standing mystery.

The theory suggests that it is highly likely these long, sharp spines functioned as a “defensive strategy (weapon)” to startle and protect themselves from predators like carnivorous dinosaurs.
The spines, extending as if to intimidate anything in front of them, are believed to have been magnificent armor that helped them survive the harsh Early Cretaceous period.