New research reveals that the largest known predatory dinosaur had a bone density so thick that it could easily sink into the water.
Simulate a Spinosaurid hunting fish in an ancient river. Photo: Davide Bonadonna
A team of paleontologists analyzed the bone density of Spinosaurids, also known as spinyropods, and compared them to animals such as modern penguins, hippos, crocodiles and alligators. Found that both the Spinosaurid and its close relative Baryonyx were able to swim and dive and actively pursue prey underwater, according to an article published in the journal Nature. Natural on March 24.
Scientists previously knew these Cretaceous dinosaurs were capable of hunting underwater, based on evidence such as long jaws and conical teeth similar to those of other fish-eaters in Sponosaurids and pepperfish scales. Poor chemistry was found in Baryonyx’s ribs, but some believe it wasn’t a swimming swimmer. well, instead wading through the water to catch prey.
“We have fought sandstorms, floods, snakes, scorpions and others to find the fossils of the most mysterious dinosaurs in the world, and now there is a lot of evidence that points to the same hypothesis (Spinosaurids were good diving dinosaurs)”, said Nizar Ibrahim. , National Geographic explorer.
A nearly complete Spinosaurid fossil. Photo: Mic Bowler
The team found that Spinosaurid bones were almost completely solid, to the point that they could sink into water easily, whereas the bones of land-dwelling species were hollow at their core.
“Bones don’t lie and we now know that even the internal architecture of bones fits perfectly into our understanding of this animal as a giant fish-eating predator. In open rivers, using its oar-like tail for locomotion would be interesting to simulate in detail how this river monster moved. , which we are studying.” plus.
With an estimated length of up to 15 m, the Spinosaurid is the longest known terrestrial carnivore in the fossil record. In comparison, the largest T-rex specimen is only 12.4 meters long.
Doan Duong (Based on UPI)
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