Spinosaurus, a dinosaur who “half-crocodile half-duck … – Maxisciences

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A study of the remains of a Spinosaurus aegyptiacus suggests that the specimen was an excellent swimmer. This is the first dinosaur unearthed previously showing signs of adaptation to the semi-aquatic.

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There is within the huge clade of dinosaurs some 150 genera each bringing numerous highly diverse species. Surprisingly, none of these specimens demonstrated to date, has hitherto shown any signs of adaptation to the aquatic environment. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus is the first to show such anatomical traits.

The first fossils of S. aegyptiacus were discovered in 1912 in the Egyptian Sahara. At that time, the creature had been identified as a “reptile of the spine.” The remains have been preserved in the Bavarian State Collection. Unfortunately, World War II and the bombing was fatal for them.

The predator hunting prehistoric shark

Years later, a new skeleton S. aegyptiacus was eventually identified in Morocco, in the rocky plateau Kem Kem. Recently excavated the remains of dinosaurs have allowed paleontologists to conclude that the specimen was during his time a great swimmer.

The creature Cretaceous, having lived there about 95 million years ago, was already known to be a fearsome predator. The researchers’ findings, published in the journal Science , says more about the habits of the dinosaur. According to the study, it was feeding on fish and specifically prehistoric shark with its long narrow snout features sharp teeth.

Signs that do not lie

With 15 meters long, three meters above the T.Rex, S. aegyptiacus was a true juggernaut. But paleontologists have found these bones on the presence of nostrils located on top of the head to allow the creature, like modern crocodiles, breathing with the head partially submerged.

The predator was also equipped with flat feet and webbed allowing it to leapfrog into the water. Other features of aquatic adaptation were also highlighted as bone density to control buoyancy or the center of gravity moved back to optimize swimming.

According to researchers, these adaptations are quite similar to those observed in the first modern whales and hippos. Endemic to North Africa, S. aegyptiacus developed in an area devoid of large terrestrial herbivores. Also, to be able to support herself, the predator would hunt its prey directly into the rivers of the area.

“As an alien”

Experts believe that the dinosaur could totally walk on land, but he was less than nimbly move in water. “ He walked heavily on its two hind because its powerful front legs with sharp claws were doing more to kill than to walk ,” said Paul Sereno, co-author of the study and scientific at the University of Chicago was quoted by the AP.

With these characteristics, no wonder the semi-aquatic specimen makes an exception. “ It’s like working on an alien or an alien ,” said lead author Nizar Ibrahim, who is passionate about dinosaurs since childhood. “ This creature is so strange that it will force the dinosaur experts to rethink many things they thought they knew about dinosaurs “.

fans Jurassic Park will recognize the spinosaurus, dinosaur appearing in the third installment of the saga. He faces a T rex but it was a duel land and based on an old design of the dinosaur. In reality, the two were not living on the same continent or to the same period, noted Sereno.

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