Spinosaurus: A Changing Aquatic Predator!
An old model Spinosaurus in a Cretaceous River Delta. Our new understanding of the creature has a much rounder body.
Our understanding of dinosaurs is always in flux. The discovery of a new fossil, or the reexamination of an old one, can upend everything we know about a given species. Consider the Spinosaurus, one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever walk the Earth. This massive theropod topped out at about 60 feet, and weighed 8.8 tons. Still, so much remains unknown about these giant hunters and what we do is subject to constant reexamination.
Nearly everything about Spinosaurus defies traditional thought about carnivorous dinosaurs. To begin with, Spinosaurids are the only known family of semi-aquatic dinosaurs, paddling around shallow water to snap up unsuspecting prey. They also had long, narrow skulls, almost crocodile-like in appearance, and their jaws were lined with conical teeth instead of the curved, blade-like ziphodont teeth of most theropods.
A group of fossil Spinosaurus teeth from Mini Museum
As its name suggests, Spinosaurus also had elongated neural spines forming a massive dorsal sail. In some species, the spines in the namesake sail measure more than 6ft (2m) in length, providing the framework for an impressive structure that would rise high above the water. The shape and function of this spine sail have been hotly debated topics, with no consensus formed on the spine’s exact evolutionary function.
Some theories suggest that the sail wasn't a sail at all but a "fatty-hump". However, a detailed reconstruction in 2014 concluded that the spines were too poorly vascularized to support such a structure and the spines were likely covered by skin and used for display. The same study also suggests that its limbs were somewhat shorter than previously thought, and appear to be specifically adapted to paddle-swimming like early whales
A Spinosaurus skeletal formation posed in a swimming motion to mimic its movement in life.
The species was first discovered by explorer and fossil collector Richard Markgraf in 1912 near the Bahariya Oasis in Western Egypt. At the time, Markgraf was working for German paleontologist Ernst Stromer. He sent the partial remains to Stromer in Munich who announced the discovery in 1915 and named the species Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. But in 1944, the allied bombing of Munich destroyed Erich Stromer's entire dinosaur collection including the holotype, or original, specimen of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus.
Recently, a brand new paper has turned the Spinosaurus' lifestyle on its head once more. A study of the animal's bone density shows Spinosaurus would have been quite heavy, which may have helped it submerge and hunt below the water as well. Without flippers, compacted bones may have been a solution for the species to move underwater. Not only would this be a new way of looking at Spinosaurus, but it would change our understanding of all dinosaurs, as previously underwater hunting was only within the realm of marine reptiles outside the dinosaur group, such as Mosasaurs and Plesiosaurs.
This is how the new Spinosaurus may have looking while hunting. (Illustration from Davide Bonadonna)
This new Spinosaurus would have been much rounder as well, helping it make swifter diving and swimming movements. A thick, paddle-like tail could give it powerful propulsion capabilities to catch up with prey. It's easy to see the connection between a creature like this and the hunting styles of modern water birds that dive after fish.
Perhaps soon another, more complete Spinosaurus fossil will be discovered that will again upend everything we know about this creature, or else further cement our current theories.
The Spinosaurus is a reminder that the work of paleontology is never quite complete, that our understanding of any fossil must always be open to evolve as we discover more.
Read More!
Brusatte, Stephen L. “Spinosaurus.” Current Biology 31.20 (2021): R1369–R1371. Web.
Ibrahim, Nizar, et al. "Semiaquatic Adaptations in a Giant Predatory Dinosaur." Science 345.6204 (2014): 1613-1616.
Smith, Joshua B., et al. "New Information Regarding the Holotype of Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus Stromer, 1915." Journal of Paleontology 80.02 (2006): 400-406.
Stromer, Ernst. "Wirbeltier− Reste der Baharije− Stufe (unterstes Cenoman). 3. Das Original des Theropoden Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus nov. gen. nov. spec." Abhandlungen der Königlichen Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch− Physikalische Klasse 28 (1915): 1-32.
Fabbri, Matteo, Guillermo Navalón, Roger BJ Benson, Diego Pol, Jingmai O’Connor, Bhart-Anjan S. Bhullar, Gregory M. Erickson et al. "Subaqueous foraging among carnivorous dinosaurs." Nature (2022): 1-6.
Featured Product
Roman Arrowhead - Pocket Specimen
Latest News
-
Apr 18, 2025 Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh! Read More -
Apr 09, 2025 Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype? Read More -
Apr 07, 2025 What was dinosaur armor used for? New fossils help scientists find out! Read More
Cool Things!
Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.
Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!
Did Scientists Resurrect a Dire Wolf or Just Create Colossal Hype?
Specimen Deep Dives
Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission
The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!
Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!
Top 10 Most Incredible Dinosaur Fossils Ever Discovered!
Dinosaur fossils have captured the popular imagination for decades. The giant, bizarre creatures that traversed the Earth far before the dawn of human civilization are the subject of countless exhibits, movies, books and television shows. Here is a countdown of 10 of the most significant and incredible fossils ever discovered!