Dinosaur discovery: Meet the ‘bizarre’ Spinosaurus – one of the largest dinosaurs to exist

Dinosaurs: Fossil shows ‘different appearance’ says expert

Dinosaur experts have discovered new information about the elusive Spinosaurus. The giant carnivore acted like a heron when feeding; snatching fish in the water from the riverbank.

The Spinosaurus is one of the most mysterious big dinosaurs that palaeontologists have been studying.

It was first discovered back in 1915, but ever since then, its behaviour and characteristics have baffled experts.

The dinosaur is believed to be one of the very largest carnivorous dinosaurs to exist, reaching up well over 15m in length.

It was most recently depicted in the 2001 film Jurassic Park III, where it fought – and won – against a Tyrannosaurus rex.

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Now, palaeontologists have uncovered new truths about the fabled beast.

It was previously suggested that the Spinosaurus lived in water, and used its giant tail to propel itself in pursuit of fish.

But, it’s now been claimed that the dinosaur wasn’t well adapted to life in the water.

Instead, it preferred to perch on the edge of riverbanks, and snatch fish out of the water; similar to a heron or wading bird.

DON’T MISS
Dinosaur discovery: T-Rex fossil finds reveals tyrannosaurus’ early life [NEWS]
What is E750 in Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous? [LATEST]
Dinosaur discovery: Found fossils may be largest land animal [ANALYSIS]

“Spinosaurus was a bizarre animal even by dinosaur standards, and unlike anything alive today,” said the University of Maryland’s Principal Lecturer in Vertebrae Palaeontology, Tom Holtz.

“So, trying to understand its ecology will always be difficult.

“We sought to use what evidence we have to best approximate its way of life.

“And what we found did not match the attributes one would expect in an aquatic pursuit predator in the manner of an otter, sea lion, or short-necked plesiosaur.”

The scientists compared the fossils and features of the Spinosaurus with the skulls and skeletons of other, similar dinosaurs, as well as both extinct and living animals.

They suggested that the Spinosaurus wouldn’t have been fast or efficient enough to catch their prey in the water.

That hinted at the suggestion that they were more likely to catch their food from the shoreline.

It’s already been revealed that the Spinosaurus was a less efficient swimmer than the modern-day crocodile.

But, crucially, it also had fewer tail muscles than a crocodile, and would have faced more drag in the water, owing to its giant size.

Queen Mary University of London’s senior lecturer, and lead author of the study, Dr David Hone, said: “Whilst our study provides us with a clearer picture of the ecology and behaviour of Spinosaurus, there are still many outstanding questions and details to examine for future study and we must continue to review our ideas as we accumulate further evidence and data on these unique dinosaurs.

“This won’t be the last word on the biology of these amazing animals.”

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post ‘Shocking’: dodgy plumbing jobs rife at new home building sites
Next post Phil Collins age: How old is Phil Collins, what is the Genesis star doing now?