Last Monday, scientists unveiled a replica of the largest dinosaur species ever discovered in Brazil. The discovery of the giant fossil was big-time news, especially for Brazilians. Only 15 of the 1,000 known dinosaur species in the world have been discovered in the South American nation. "If dinosaur species were soccer goals," says scientist Andrew Kellner, "Brazil would be getting pounded."
The medium-size herbivore roamed central Brazil 80 million years ago. It measured 13 yards from head to tail and weighed around nine tons. The species, named Maxakalisaurus topai, belongs to the titanosaur group. Four species in that group have been found in Brazil so far.
The bones were found near the city of Prata between 1998 and 2002. Since then, scientists have worked to build a model of the new dinosaur species.