Amargasaurus

* Evolution 2
* Database

* Evolution 2

***Amargasaurus*** is a genus of sauropod dinosaur in *Evolution 2*, originating in Early Cretaceous South America.

## Characteristics

Named after the site of its discovery, La Amarga Formation in Argentina, *Amargasaurus* is a sauropod of relatively small size, measuring around 10 meters in length and weighing around 2.9 tons. A member of the Dicraeosauridae family of sauropod dinosaurs, its long neck and sharp teeth allow it to eat tough vegetation from trees, while the two rows of long neural spines that run along its neck and upper back - forming a double row - help *Amargasaurus* to defend itself from predators; an important characteristic given that this dinosaur has poor hearing and is unable to move at high speeds. The base genome of the creature is characterized by dark orange scales on its body, a creamy-colored underbelly, and a slightly gray snout.

## Gameplay

### Behaviour

*Amargasaurus* is a peaceful species that can easily coexist with other herbivorous species, whether in small groups or as solitary individuals. Like other sauropods, *Amargasaurus* primarily eats leaves. However, due to its smaller size, it is unable to feed on tall trees.

Similar to all land dinosaurs in *Evolution 2*, the *Amargasaurus* can drink water and rest when fatigued. Occasionally, when idle, the *Amargasaurus* will take a seated posture. At times, when two *Amargasaurus* are in close proximity, one may approach the other in an affectionate manner. Their heads may meet, akin to a hug, before they continue walking side by side for a while, until eventually, one of them moves away.

*Amargasaurus* possesses a natural instinct to flee from any potential predator that attempts to hunt it, despite its slow movement.

Given its reasonable cost and moderate appeal, *Amargasaurus* can be a efficient dinosaur to incubate when you are starting out your park. Notably undemanding compared to certain sauropods, *Amargasaurus* is well-suited to smaller enclosures.

## Paleontology

*Amargasaurus* was first discovered in 1984 in Argentina within the sedimentary rocks of the La Amarga Formation, by the same expedition lead by Argentine paleontologist José Bonaparte excavating a near-complete skeleton, which also uncovered the single but extremely well-preserved *Carnotaurus* specimen. Living about 125 million years ago (and thus being far older than *Carnotaurus*), this is one of the few Cretaceous sauropods known from a complete skeleton. It is also one of the smaller sauropods, as, despite reaching up to 10 meters in length, most of that was neck and tail, and the animal wouldn't be much heavier than a modern rhino. The distinctive row of spines along its neck has been the subject of considerable debate among paleontologists, with some theorizing that it was used for thermoregulation, while others believe they protected the animal from predators.

*Amargasaurus* was a member of the Dicraeosauridae family, related to Rebbachisaurids such as *Nigersaurus* and diplodocids such as *Diplodocus* and *Apatosaurus*. While not closely related to the giant titanosaurs such as *Dreadnoughtus*, *Amargasaurus* was a close relative of *Maraapuniasaurus*, one of the largest dinosaurs from the Jurassic, known from a giant vertebra long lost to the elements. Despite numerous attempts to unearth more, Bonaparte’s discovery is the only *Amargasaurus* fossil on record.

### Paleoecology

*Amargasaurus* lived in the Early Cretaceous period in the Argentinian La Amarga Formation, a former floodplain and lake ecosystem around 120-130 million years ago. While numerous other creatures from this formation are identified based on inconclusive remains, crucial elements such as the jaws are absent from the skeleton of *Amargasaurus.* It existed alongside other sauropods, including *Amargatitanis* and *Zapalasaurus*, as well as an indeterminate species of s*tegosaur* and the small theropod ceratosaur *Ligabueino*. *Amargasaurus* lived in groups among the woodlands and creeks of South America, migrating regularly in search of food.

## Behind the scenes

*Amargasaurus* stood among the initial dinosaurs to be included in *Evolution 2*, making its debut in the game's announcement trailer on June 11th, 2021. Subsequently, on June 25th, 2021, it was granted a Species Field Guide. Additionally, an official short article investigating the intricacies of this species was posted on the Frontier forums.

## Gallery

VideosSpecies Field Guide - Amargasaurus
Images
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Vaaler, J. E. (June 25, 2021). *Species Field Guide - Amargasaurus*. Frontier Forums. Retrieved June 25, 2021.