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- The Dinosaur Era
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South America was home to the largest dinosaur that has ever walked the face of the Earth, this was around 100 million years ago. It is possible that the Argentinosaurus may have stood as tall as 21 meters (70 feet) and measured an enormous 35 meters (115 feet) in length. Scientists have estimated that it may have weighed out to as much as 75 to 100 tons.

The Argentinosaurus was not an animal that would travel by itself. It is probable that it moved in herds of around 20, they would strip vegetated areas of leaves, seed, and fruit before moving on to find a new place to graze. It is hard to believe that any animal ever dared to attack this humongous creature. However, one vicious and daring creature did. Argentinosaurus was stalked by a truly remarkable predator that is called the Giganotosaurus.

This distant relative of Allosaurus measured 14 meters (45 feet) in length and weigh about 6 to 8 tons. Its skull alone was over 1.6 meters long and was lined with rows of needle-sharp teeth. While it wasn’t as gigantic as its prey, Giganotosaurus’ overall size makes it the largest carnivore to have ever lived. During the Early Cretaceous age, South America took as the stage for the ultimate hunt. The largest prey in history was running away from the largest predator in history.

The Giganotosaurus most likely hunted the Argentinosaurus in packs of six or more. They would have singled out individuals that were young, weak, or isolated from the herd and pursued them persistently. Perhaps they would take turns to bit in order to weaken their prey until they were worn out.

The Giganotosaurus was armed with powerful jaws that would have inflicted traumatic damage on their victims that weren‘t so lucky. When the time seemed to be good, the pack of the Giganotosaurus would head in for the kill without wasting any time. They would gorge themselves in a frenzied binge. After an Argentinosaurus steak, the Giganotosaurus didn’t have to eat for weeks.

The plains and valleys that were located in South America during the Early Cretaceous was also home to Diplodocus-like dinosaurs that were called Andesaurus. They may have been stalked by the Giganotosaurus as well. Iguanodons were large, fast-moving dinosaurs that also fed upon vegetation in the forests and woodland.

High in the sky, the Pteranodon used its membranous wings in order to soar on air currents called thermals. However, these creatures were not quite the masters of the skies. The Pteranodon would have crossed flight paths with the Ornithocheirus, which was the biggest flying animal in history. Ornithocheirus boasted a wingspan of 40 feet, which is equivalent to one of a small airplane.

The Ornithocheirus fed itself by swooping down over lakes. It would dip its beak into the water and snatch up fish with its razor sharp teeth. It’s probable that when the Ornithocheirus would swoop down over lakes, it would move the water.