Dinosauria
Saurischia
Sauropodomorpha
Sauropoda
Macronaria
Titanosauria Antarctosauridae
Pronunciation: an-TARK-toe-SOR-uh-day
Author: George Olshevsky
Year: 1978
Meaning: Non-northern lizards (see etymology)
Locomotion: Quadrupedal (4 legs)
Synonyms: Titanosauridae?
Author: George Olshevsky
Year: 1978
Meaning: Non-northern lizards (see etymology)
Locomotion: Quadrupedal (4 legs)
Synonyms: Titanosauridae?
Definition
No official definition.
About
Antarctosauridae was coined by George Olshevsky at a time when the validity of Titanosaurus indicus—anchor of Titanosauria and Titanosauridae—was being questioned.
Although it's based on only a few tail bones and a femur, many paleontologists feel that Titanosaurus is perfectly valid, though if proven otherwise then Titanosauridae will become known as Antarctosauridae, the next available name. Apparently not even officially defined, Powell listed Antarctosauridae as a junior synonym of Titanosauridae in 2003, but all of the "big hitting paleontologists" are far from convinced by Titanosaurus indicus so we list "titanosaurids" as "antarctosaurids". If we're wrong, blame them!
Antarctosauridae (Titanosauridae) plus Saltasauridae together form the group called Lithostrotia—"paved with stones"—which is a reference to their armoured backs.
Etymology
Antarctosauridae is derived from the Greek "ant" (opposite), "arktos" (north), "sauros" (lizard) and "-idae" (family).
