Discovery of New Gigantic Sauropod Dinosaur Species in China

Paleontologists in China have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery in the field of paleontology with the identification of a new genus and species of sauropod dinosaur, named *Tongnanlong zhimingi*. This remarkable find, which dates back approximately 147 million years to the Late Jurassic epoch, was unearthed from the fossil-rich Suining Formation located in the Tongnan district of Chongqing, within the Sichuan Basin. The newly identified species is estimated to measure between 23 to 28 meters (approximately 75.5 to 92 feet) in length, positioning it among the largest terrestrial dinosaurs known to science.

The announcement was made by Dr. Xuefang Wei from the Chengdu Center of China Geological Survey, alongside a team of researchers, who argue that the discovery enriches our understanding of sauropod diversity and evolutionary trends during the Jurassic period. According to Dr. Wei, “Sauropods were gigantic, quadrupedal herbivores and the largest terrestrial dinosaurs that ever existed.” He further elaborated that the *Tongnanlong zhimingi* belonged to the family Mamenchisauridae, which has been shown through phylogenetic analyses to have a more global distribution during the Late Jurassic than previously understood.

Historically, the sauropod fauna of the Middle to Late Jurassic period in the Sichuan Basin has been considered endemic and distinct from other contemporaneous faunas around the globe. This notion, however, has been challenged by recent phylogenetic studies that suggest a broader distribution of these dinosaurs. The implications of the *Tongnanlong zhimingi* find may lead to a reevaluation of the East Asian Isolation hypothesis, which posited that geographic and climatic barriers confined these species to East Asia. Dr. Wei's team’s findings suggest a more interconnected global distribution of sauropod dinosaurs in this era.

The fossil remains, which were excavated during construction work, include three dorsal and six caudal vertebrae, as well as parts of the scapula, coracoid, and several hindlimb bones. The Suining Formation, where these remains were found, is characterized by its distinctive purplish-red mudstone and sandstone, which has yielded a variety of invertebrate fossils and some vertebrate remains, including fish and turtles, illustrating a rich ecosystem.

Dr. Wei emphasized the significance of this discovery: “*Tongnanlong zhimingi* enriches the diversity of eusauropods and provides new insights into the evolutionary dynamics during a time when these giants were becoming increasingly larger.” The research team’s findings were published in the *Scientific Reports* journal on July 10, 2025, marking a significant contribution to the field of paleontology and enhancing our understanding of prehistoric life.

The discovery is expected to stimulate further research in the Sichuan Basin, which has long been a focal point for paleontological studies in China. As researchers continue to uncover more about the prehistoric ecosystems of this region, it may lead to additional finds that could reshape our understanding of dinosaur evolution, biogeography, and the ecological dynamics of the Late Jurassic period. The implications of this research extend beyond paleontology, offering insights into the evolutionary processes that have shaped life on Earth over millions of years.