In the desert, researchers have stumbled upon a previously unknown species of Spinosaurus. Its skull was adorned with a distinctive crest never before seen in dinosaurs of this kind.
The official name of the new species is Spinosaurus mirabilis, which translates to “wonderful spiny lizard.” Among themselves, the expedition members referred to this bizarre extinct creature as the “hellish heron.”
“I envision this dinosaur as a sort of ‘hellish heron’ that could easily wade through waters up to two meters deep on its sturdy legs,” said expedition leader Paul Sereno. However, the scientist believes that this Spinosaurus likely spent more time hunting large fish in shallower waters.
Spinosaurus (Spinosaurus) is one of the largest and among the largest terrestrial predators to have ever roamed the Earth. These creatures averaged 14 meters in length and weighed around 7.4 tons, living in Africa approximately 100 to 94 million years ago. They had a large “sail” on their backs, which, according to the prevailing theory among scientists, served for thermoregulation and attracting mates. The first Spinosaurus remains were discovered in Egypt in 1912.
What Else Did the Scientists Report?
This discovery not only showcased the extravagant beauty of the Spinosaurus but also left researchers puzzled. Previously, bones of this genus had mostly been found in coastal areas, but this specimen was discovered deep inland—in Niger, hundreds of kilometers away from any ocean.
As a result, Sereno’s team was taken by surprise, as reported by Science Alert. “This unexpected and astonishing find stirred strong emotions within us,” noted the expedition leader.
Sereno recalled how he and his colleagues gathered around a laptop in their camp to examine the new species for the first time. One of the researchers created 3D models of the discovered bones using solar energy in the middle of the Sahara. It was at that moment that the paleontologists truly grasped the significance of their discovery.
The previously unknown Spinosaurus had deadly teeth similar to those of modern and resembled long-necked dinosaurs found in nearby river deposits. Sereno’s team believes this fearsome predator may have led a semi-aquatic lifestyle in wooded areas.
Researchers suggested that the Spinosaurus’s impressive saber-shaped crest was once covered in keratin and possibly had bright coloring, similar to a toucan’s beak.
The findings were published in the journal Science.
