Written by: Samyam Shrestha - 2022012, Grade XI
Posted on: 10 December, 2020
Spinosaurus (meaning- “spine lizard”) is a huge lizard that fossils have been found in North America. Spinosaurus falls under the species spinosaurid theropod. They inhabited in the early to mid-Cretaceous period. As they fall under species theropod, they are one of the biggest carnivores in the land at the period.
Spinosaurus was similar to carnivores like Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus. Most of the largest carnivores were land-based. But spinosaurus also had a nostril at the back of its head, which made it possible for spinosaurus to breathe when it's part of the head was above. As they also had a long neck and powerful back legs which helped them in swimming. Spinosaurus has a special feature on its back. Those fin-like structures were also called a sail. The sail on the back of the dinosaurs is still under research. What was the use of it, why was it present in spinosaurus, There are many hypotheses created by paleontologists, but it’s still not confirmed what was the main purpose of it. Some hypothesized that it is used to regulate it body temperature by absorbing heat. Others hypothesized that it may be a reproductive organ of its body. And some hypothesized that it was used for navigation under the water. The research is still ongoing about what is the main purpose of its sail in the back.
Spinosaurus have strong sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and clawed limbs that are used to attack and defend. It's almost 7 meters tall. It is a powerful creature back in time. Being even larger carnivores than tyrannosaurus and giganotosaurus. It hunts its prey both on land and underwater.
