The New PNSO Mateo the Tyrannotitan Model

A model of the South American carcharodontosaurid Tyrannotitan chubutensis is to be added to the PNSO mid-size range of prehistoric animal figures.  This new theropod figure will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks.  PNSO have already produced a Giganotosaurus figure as well as a Mapusaurus. Phylogenetic studies suggest that the geologically much older Tyrannotitan was closely related to Giganotosaurus and Mapusaurus.  The new figure will be called Mateo the Tyrannotitan.

PNSO Mateo the Tyrannotitan

This new dinosaur figure measures thirty-two centimetres in length.  The head height is reported to be around thirteen centimetres.   The beautiful dinosaur model has an articulated lower jaw.  It is supplied with an A3 Sci-Art Tyrannotitan poster and a full-colour booklet.  The booklet has sixty pages.

To view the range of PNSO models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Models.

Tyrannotitan chubutensis

Tyrannotitan (T. chubutensis) was formally named and described in 2005 (Novas et al). It was a large theropod, with body size estimates in excess of twelve metres. Body weight estimates also vary, Gregory S. Paul estimated seven tonnes, a body mass also supported by Larramendi and Rubén Molina-Pérez. Both cranial and postcranial remains are known. The fossils are associated with the Cerro Castaño Member of the Cerro Barcino Formation (Chubut Province, southern Argentina).

Tyrannotitan chubutensis has been classified as a member of the Giganotosaurini tribe within the Carcharodontosauridae family. As such, it is thought to be closely related to Giganotosaurus carolini and Mapusaurus roseae. Originally, thought to be a basal carcharodontosaurid subsequent studies (Canale et al) has redefined this enigmatic group of carnivorous dinosaurs and identified that these apex predators were highly diverse immediately prior to their extinction.

To read an article about another giant carcharodontosaurid (Meraxes gigas) : A New, Giant Carcharodontosaurid from Argentina.

This dinosaur is pronounced “Tie-ran-oh-tie-tan”.  Tyrannotitan chubutensis translates as the tyrant lizard of Chubut Province.

Tyrannotitan and Patagotitan

The discovery of Tyrannotitan cranial material has helped palaeontologists to better understand the morphology of carcharodontosaurid skulls.  For example, new size estimates were calculated for the total skull length of Giganotosaurus carolini.  In addition, scientists are slowly piecing together a trophic pyramid of the fauna associated with the Cerro Barcino Formation.  For example, fifty-seven Tyrannotitan teeth were found in association with the giant titanosaur Patagotitan.  The discovery of these teeth suggests that Tyrannotitan may have scavenged the bodies of these colossal dinosaurs.  It is also quite likely that Tyrannotitan hunted young, sick and old titanosaurs.  Although, it would have been a brave theropod to take on a healthy, fully-grown Patagotitan.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s 2017 blog post about the scientific description of Patagotitan mayorum: Giant South American Dinosaur Gets a Name.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.