Spinosaurus

Family

Theropod

Era

Middle Cretaceous, 95 million years ago

Where he lived?

Egypt and Morocco

Weight

20.000Kg

Height

5,4m

Length

15m

The Spinosaurus was a carnivorous dinosaur with enormous teeth and powerful jaws. This predator walked on two muscular legs and was relatively fast, allowing it to hunt both on land and in water. With a length of up to 15 meters and a weight exceeding 12 tons, it is considered one of the largest theropods.

The Sail of the Spinosaurus

One of the most distinctive features of the Spinosaurus is its sail-like structure running along its back. This “sail” was supported by long bony spines that grew rigid from the vertebrae. Although its exact function remains a mystery, paleontologists suggest it could have been used for display or to help control body temperature.

Unique Adaptations

The Spinosaurus had a tall and narrow tail with powerful muscles at the base, giving it great strength and agility in the water. Its powerful hind legs and three long forward-facing claws allowed it to move skillfully in different environments. Additionally, its neck was less curved than other theropods and was equipped with large conical teeth, ideal for catching fish.

Unusual Skull and Vertebrae

In many ways, the Spinosaurus was a typical theropod. However, two regions of its anatomy - the skull and vertebrae - were not typical at all. Its snout was long and crocodile-like, with the nostrils further back and closer to the eyes than usual. The end of the lower jaw was broadened and rounded in relation to the rest of the snout, suggesting specialization in catching fish.

An Amphibious Hunter

All these traits indicate that the Spinosaurus plunged its jaws into the water to catch fish, but it was also large and powerful enough to hunt small to medium-sized dinosaurs on land. This duality in its feeding behavior makes it one of the most versatile predators of the Cretaceous.

Fossil Discoveries and Ernst Stromer

The Spinosaurus was first described by the German paleontologist Ernst Stromer von Reichenbach in 1915. Stromer, a passionate scientist, conducted expeditions to Egypt in the early 20th century, where he discovered the remains of this impressive dinosaur in the region known as Bahariya Oasis. The discovery of the Spinosaurus was significant, as it revealed a new species of theropod with never-before-seen characteristics. Unfortunately, Stromer’s fossil collection, which included the first and best specimen of Spinosaurus, was destroyed during an Allied bombing in Munich in 1944 during World War II. This loss was a heavy blow to paleontology, as it contained irreplaceable specimens that Stromer had collected with great effort.

Despite this tragedy, detailed notes and drawings have allowed modern scientists to continue studying the Spinosaurus. In recent years, new discoveries in Morocco have provided more fossils, helping to reconstruct the image of this unique dinosaur. These findings have reaffirmed and expanded Stromer’s initial knowledge, consolidating the Spinosaurus as one of the most fascinating and distinctive theropods of the dinosaur era. Ernst Stromer’s dedication and contribution to paleontology continue to inspire current scientists.

A Versatile Predator

The Spinosaurus remains one of the most intriguing dinosaurs due to its unique features and the amount of information that has been obtained from its fossils. At Dinosaurland, we are dedicated to exploring and sharing the wonders of these incredible prehistoric animals. We invite you to discover more about the Spinosaurus and other fascinating dinosaurs at our theme park, where history comes to life and education combines with adventure.

Come and immerse yourself in the world of the Spinosaurus and learn about the adaptations and behaviors that made this dinosaur one of the most unique predators of its time. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience filled with discoveries and excitement!