Spinosaurus (spy-no-sore-us) is probably the most famous Spinosaur. It lived in Africa during the Mid Cretaceous.
Characteristics[]
Spinosaurus is the longest known predatory dinosaur. Only small amounts of material have been attributed to this genus. Length estimates for Spinosaurus range from 15-22 meters, and mass estimates can be as low as 6,000 kg, or above 10,000 kg.
The living creature[]
Like all Spinosaurs, its unique long crocodile-like snout would have made it excellent at capturing slippery fish. Its nostrils were positioned closer to its eyes, meaning that it could keep its snout mostly submerged and still be able to breathe. The snout of Spinosaurus also appears to have pores on the end that could possibly detect electrical signals from passing fish. The tail of Spinosaurus was also flat and, in the interpretation of some researchers, paddle-like.
Despite its obvious specialization, it was not confined to the water. Isotopic analysis shows some Spinosaurus populations were not more aquatic than other theropods.
Importance[]
When German Paleontologist Ernst Stromer first described Spinosaurus remains in 1915, it was thought to have been a Carnosaur, a relative of Allosaurus. With more research moving it to the Spinosaur family with the famous Baryonyx, it also became widely accepted as being the largest ever predatory dinosaur, toppling Giganotosaurus and Tyrannosaurus. It is certainly one of the most popular of all predatory dinosaurs, appearing often in films and documentaries.
While some suggest it was a specialist fish-hunter, others believe it to have been a generalist, more like a bear. While capable of catching fish, this reconstruction also portrays it as forcing smaller carnivores from kills. At this point, there is not sufficient evidence to prove or disprove either interpretation. This debate is discussed in greater detail here.