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Margie's On The Move (video)

Object Description

This video shows the dismantling and removal of the skeleton of the ‘Amargasaurus cazaui’ known as Margie from the foyer of Melbourne Museum in preparation for the new exhibition Dinosaur Walk.

Educational Value Statement

‘Amargasaurus cazaui’ belonged to the group Sauropod Dinosaurs which were large four legged herbivores with small heads, teeth shaped for cropping plants, long necks and roomy bodies for digesting plant food.  Its name (a-marg-a-sore-us) means La Amarga. The fossils of ‘Amargasaurus’ were discovered in Argentina.  ‘Amargasaurus’ lived 130–112 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous.

 This bizarre-looking sauropod was found in Patagonia, Argentina, in 1984. Amargasaurus was one of only three members of the dicraeosaur family. It was smaller (between six and 10 metres long) and had a shorter neck than most sauropods. Recent research suggests that the dicraeosaurs were a group of sauropods that browsed close to the ground, which is reflected in their size.

 Amargasaurus had two rows of distinctive spines along its neck, back and tail. These were almost certainly used for defence, especially the ones on its neck, which were sharp. Some of the spines may also have supported a sail of skin, which could have assisted the animal to regulate the temperature of its blood. The spines or a sail could also have been used for display in mating rituals, to warn off a rival or even to signal to other animals in the herd.

© Museum Victoria and Curriculum Corporation 2008 (except where otherwise indicated). You may view, display, print out, copy and modify this material for non-commercial educational purposes provided you retain all acknowledgements associated with the material.