Spinosaurus aegypticus, a Dinosaur flung into the public spotlight due to it's appearance in JP3. In which it is portrayed as a relentless predator intent on devouring any how get in it's way. But was Spinosaurus really a T-Rex pwning, tourist chasing super predator or a Piscivore.
So how can we ascertain whether Spinosaurus ate Fish or meat? Well, as usual the answer lies in the bones. Firstly the teeth of Spinosaurs in general are very conical, an affinity they share with Crocodilians who although are Piscivorous but are not strangers to a bit of meat. Spinosaurs have often been compared with Crocodiles due to their elongated snouts and teeth. Additionally the nostrils of Spinosaurus are situated atop the head in much the same way as a Crocodile!
Further clues may lie in other Spinosaurs most notably Baryonyx. Baryonyx is a Spinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Europe 130 million years ago. The majority of it's remains have been found in the UK. The first skeleton was discovered by amateur fossil hunter Bill Walker in the 80's. Initially only the huge claw of Baryonyx was found. But Palaeontologists from the NHM later discovered the majority of the skeleton. Typically it had a long snout, high nostrils, and conical teeth. But it was what was found in the stomach location that shocked the Palaeontologists. The scales and bones of the 1m fish Lepitodes. Thus indicating a diet of fish. Baryonyx was evidently a fish eater it's teeth had no serrations were purely conical. But the teeth of Spinosaurs did however have serrations. This suggests Spinosaurus had a generalized diet compromising of both fish and meat (There is evidence of a Spinosaur eating a Pterosaur!).
So for Spinosaurs, It will be a steak with fish fingers on the side!( and a bit of Pterosaur)
Spinosaurus aegypticus, a Dinosaur flung into the public spotlight due to it's appearance in JP3. In which it is portrayed as a relentless predator intent on devouring any how get in it's way. But was Spinosaurus really a T-Rex pwning, tourist chasing super predator or a Piscivore.
So how can we ascertain whether Spinosaurus ate Fish or meat? Well, as usual the answer lies in the bones. Firstly the teeth of Spinosaurs in general are very conical, an affinity they share with Crocodilians who although are Piscivorous but are not strangers to a bit of meat. Spinosaurs have often been compared with Crocodiles due to their elongated snouts and teeth. Additionally the nostrils of Spinosaurus are situated atop the head in much the same way as a Crocodile!
Further clues may lie in other Spinosaurs most notably Baryonyx. Baryonyx is a Spinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Europe 130 million years ago. The majority of it's remains have been found in the UK. The first skeleton was discovered by amateur fossil hunter Bill Walker in the 80's. Initially only the huge claw of Baryonyx was found. But Palaeontologists from the NHM later discovered the majority of the skeleton. Typically it had a long snout, high nostrils, and conical teeth. But it was what was found in the stomach location that shocked the Palaeontologists. The scales and bones of the 1m fish Lepitodes. Thus indicating a diet of fish. Baryonyx was evidently a fish eater it's teeth had no serrations were purely conical. But the teeth of Spinosaurs did however have serrations. This suggests Spinosaurus had a generalized diet compromising of both fish and meat (There is evidence of a Spinosaur eating a Pterosaur!).
So for Spinosaurs, It will be a steak with fish fingers on the side!( and a bit of Pterosaur)
No comments:
Post a Comment