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Dinosaurs: Spinosaurus (Spined Lizard)

 

Last updated: 8th Feb 2025

 

What is Spinosaurus?

 

Spinosaurus, whose name means "spine lizard," was a large, meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 99 to 94 million years ago. Spinosaurus is famous for its impressive sail-like structure on its back!

 

 

How big was Spinosaurus?

 

Length: Spinosaurus could grow up to 14 meters (46 feet) long.

Weight: This giant weighed around 7,400 kilograms (16,314 pounds).

 

 

Appearance

 

Spinosaurus had several unique and intriguing features: Teeth: It had smooth, cone-shaped teeth, perfect for catching fish. Sail: A tall sail on its back, possibly used for temperature regulation or mating displays. Legs: Short hind legs and possibly a wide, paddle-like tail. Snout: A long, narrow snout with a distinctive notch near the front, ideal for trapping fish.

 

 

How has our understanding of Spinosaurus' appearance changed over the years?

 

For much of the last century, Spinosaurus was reconstructed as a land-based dinosaur similar to Tyrannosaurus and Allosaurus, with long hind legs. This view began to shift as scientists discovered more complete fossils.

 

Land-based Spinosaurus (2000)

 

 

Today, scientists believe that Spinosaurus had relatively short legs and a wide, paddle-like tail, adaptations that suggest a semi-aquatic lifestyle. These features suggest that Spinosaurus may have spent much of its time in water, hunting fish and possibly small dinosaurs along shorelines. There has also been much debate over the sail on its back, with some scientists suggesting that it had a fleshy hump instead. However, current research suggests that Spinosaurus may have had a thin, sail-like structure, used for regulating its temperature, attracting mates, or helping it to swim.

 

 

Aquatic Spinosaurus (2022)

 

Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

 

 

Walking with Dinosaurs: Semi-aquatic Spinosaurus

 

 

What did Spinosaurus eat?

 

Spinosaurus was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It mainly fed on fish, including Onchopristis, thanks to its specialised jaws, but it may have also eaten other dinosaurs. Its long snout and sharp teeth made it an effective hunter in watery environments.

 

 

Where did Spinosaurus live?

 

Fossils of Spinosaurus have been found in North Africa, particularly in Egypt and Morocco. During the Late Cretaceous period, this area was made up of tidal flats and mangrove forests, providing an ideal habitat for a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

 

 

Interesting Facts

 

• Meaning: Spinosaurus means "spine lizard."

• Speed: Scientists believe it could walk on two legs, though some reconstructions show it walking on all fours.

• Swimming: Spinosaurus may have spent a lot of its time in water, thanks to its paddle-like tail.

• Sail Function: The sail could have been used for body temperature regulation, mating displays, or even helping it move through water.

 

 

How did Spinosaurus move?

 

Spinosaurus was likely capable of walking on two legs, but scientists are still debating whether it might have also walked on all fours at times. Its short legs and long body suggest it could move efficiently in water.

 

Spinosaurus Facts Pronounced: SPINE-oh-SORE-us Name Means: "Spined Lizard" Length: 14–18 metres (46–59 feet) Weight: 12,000–20,000 kg (13–22 tons) Diet: Carnivore (Meat) Time: Late Cretaceous Period. Habitat: Coastal Rivers Fossils Found: Africa

 

Why did Spinosaurus have a sail?

 

There are several theories about the sail on Spinosaurus' back. It might have helped to regulate its body temperature, been used in mating displays to attract partners, or even assisted in swimming by acting as a stabilizer.

 

 

What were the unique features of Spinosaurus?

 

Spinosaurus had several unique features that set it apart from other dinosaurs:

 

• Smooth teeth: Ideal for catching fish.

• Powerful snout: Used to trap and catch prey.

• Sail: A prominent feature that may have various uses.

 

 

How accurate is the Jurassic Park Spinosaurus?

 

The portrayal of Spinosaurus in the Jurassic Park III movie has generated much debate. While the film's depiction was thrilling, modern research has provided a more nuanced understanding. For instance, Spinosaurus is now thought to have had a more aquatic lifestyle than shown in the movie, with adaptations for swimming and hunting in water.

 

Spinosaurus (as depicted in the Jurassic park movie franchise)

 

 

Spinosaurus FAQ

 

Q1: What is a Spinosaurus?

A1: Spinosaurus was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous Period, around 112-93 million years ago. Its name means "spine lizard" because of the long spines on its back that formed a sail-like structure.

 

Q2: How big was the Spinosaurus?

A2: Spinosaurus was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, growing up to 50 feet long and weighing around 7-20 tons. It had a long, narrow snout and a sail-like structure on its back.

 

Q3: What did Spinosaurus eat?

A3: Spinosaurus was primarily a piscivore, meaning it ate fish. Its conical teeth and long snout were well-suited for catching fish, but it may have also eaten other small animals.

 

Q4: Where did Spinosaurus live?

A4: Spinosaurus lived in what is now North Africa. Fossils have been found in Egypt, Morocco, and other parts of the Sahara Desert, which was a lush, riverine environment during the Cretaceous.

 

Q5: What makes Spinosaurus different from other dinosaurs?

A5: Spinosaurus is known for its distinctive sail-like structure on its back, which was formed by elongated spines. It also had a long, narrow snout and conical teeth, which were adaptations for catching fish.

 

Q6: How did Spinosaurus hunt its prey?

A6: Spinosaurus likely used its long snout and sharp teeth to catch fish in rivers and lakes. It may have also used its strong forelimbs and claws to grasp and hold onto its prey.

 

Q7: What did Spinosaurus look like?

A7: Spinosaurus had a long, narrow snout, a sail-like structure on its back, and strong forelimbs with large claws. Its body was covered in scales, and it had a long tail for balance.

 

Q8: Why is Spinosaurus important to scientists?

A8: Spinosaurus provides valuable insights into the evolution of spinosaurid dinosaurs and their adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Its fossils help scientists understand the diversity of predatory dinosaurs during the Cretaceous.

 

Q9: Where can I see a Spinosaurus skeleton?

A9: You can see Spinosaurus skeletons in several museums, including the National Geographic Museum, where a reconstructed skeleton is on display.

 

Q10: What is the significance of the name Spinosaurus?

A10: The name Spinosaurus means "spine lizard," reflecting its distinctive sail-like structure formed by elongated spines on its back. It was named by paleontologist Ernst Stromer in 1915.

 

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