A newly discovered dinosaur species, Spinosaurus mirabilis, has caught the attention of paleontologists around the world. This exciting find marks the first new species of Spinosaurus in over a hundred years. It was unearthed in Niger by a team led by researchers from the University of Chicago. The details of this discovery were published in the journal Science.
Spinosaurus mirabilis lived about 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. It was roughly the length of a school bus and roamed through marshy areas, hunting for fish. This creature had a unique foot-long curved horn protruding from its skull, a feature that its cousins did not have. Researchers think this horn might have been brightly colored and used for attracting mates or communicating with others.
Dr. Paul Sereno, the lead author of the study, described the dinosaur’s habits in an email to NPR. He compared it to modern-day herons that fish in shallow water, suggesting that Spinosaurus mirabilis likely thrived in about three feet of water while being able to stand in deeper areas. The rivers it frequented were abundant with large fish, some growing to over nine feet long.
The essential difference between this new species and its cousins lies in its distinctive horn and adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The fossils were initially discovered in 2019, with further specimens found in 2022 during an expedition in a remote desert in the Sahara.
The environment where Spinosaurus lived was different from what we see today. Instead of a dry desert, the area featured rivers, indicating that this dinosaur was well-suited for a watery habitat. Experts are still investigating how aquatic Spinosaurus truly was. Some suggested that it was a powerful swimmer, while new studies imply that it may have preferred shallow waters for hunting.
This discovery sheds light on understanding how ancient ecosystems functioned and how different species adapted to their environments. Social media has also buzzed with reactions, as dinosaur enthusiasts and experts engage in discussions about the implications of this find.
Learning about Spinosaurus mirabilis provides not just a glimpse into the past but also ongoing research that may change our understanding of dinosaur habits. For further insights into paleontological studies, you can explore the journal Science here.
