Until a few years ago scientists believed that the T-Rex was the biggest and baddest carnivore of all time… but they were wrong. We now know of an even bigger and scarier dinosaur – the Spinosaurus! Read on for some terrifying facts about this spectacular dinosaur.
Do you love dinosaurs? We do too. Here at Paultons Park we love them so much that we’ve got a dedicated dino themed area of our theme park. Visit the Lost Kingdom at Paultons Park to explore a Jurassic themed world full of rides and attractions. Who knows, you might even turn a corner and come face to face with one of our “living” animatronic dinosaurs!
Before you join us for a day of family friendly fun and adventure, take some time to learn about your favourite dinosaurs here on our website or test your knowledge in our dinosaur quiz: What kind of dinosaur are you?
In this article, we’ve collected some of our favourite facts about the biggest meat eating dinosaur of all time; the Spinosaurus. This awesome dinosaur rose in popularity when it was featured in Jurassic Park III. We think it’s absolutely fantastic!
If you’d like to find out more about the incredible Spinosaurus, you’ve come to the right place.
The biggest carnivorous dinosaur of them all!
Did we mention that Spinosaurus was the biggest carnivorous dinosaur of all time? Yes? Well, it’s worth repeating.
Spinosaurus is the biggest predator to ever walk the earth. It was a gigantic 60 foot in length and weighed a humongous 9.9 tons. This is the same as about 3 large elephants. Some scientists say that it may have been even bigger than this and weighed as much as 20 tons!
Spinosaurus had straight teeth
Most carnivorous dinosaurs had sharp curved teeth but Spinosaurus had powerful jaws containing straight knife-like teeth, which were perfect for spearing their prey. Spinosaurus’ mouth was actually very similar to the mouth of a crocodile.
Spinosaurus could swim!
Spinosaurus remains have been found in areas of what is today known as Egypt that scientists believe used to be mangrove swamps. Evidence suggests that Spinosaurus could swim, which makes it the only true swimming dinosaur.
Aquatic reptiles did exist alongside the dinosaurs, such as plesiosaurs and mosasaurs, but these animals were not actually dinosaurs at all.
The Spinosaurus diet consisted mainly of fish
Spinosaurus’ large mouth and razor sharp teeth were perfect for grabbing hold of slippery prey like fish as they swam. Scientists have found many partially digested fish remains alongside the fossilised remains of spinosaurus.
They also ate smaller dinosaurs
Despite their mainly fishy diet, Spinosaurus also ate smaller land animals such as dinosaurs. There is evidence to suggest that they would also have occasionally scavenged for food just like the T-Rex and other large predators.
Spinosaurus had a massive sail on its back
Perhaps the most unusual feature of a Spinosaurus was the huge sail on its back. This sail stood an average of seven foot high and would rise up as Spinosaurus arched its back.
It’s generally believed that the sail was used in mating displays and to frighten rival predators. It was also useful in helping the Spinosaurus regulate its body temperature.
Spinosaurus was discovered in Africa
German palaeontologist, Ernst Stromer, first discovered the Spinosaurus in 1915 while digging in Africa. The bones discovered by Stromer were destroyed in 1944 during World War II.
Fossilised remains of the Spinosaurus have been found in Egypt and Morocco. There is speculation that the Sahara Desert could be full of Spinosaurus fossils, but the harsh environment there makes it difficult to find them and dig them up!
Spinosaurus was a theropod dinosaur
Theropod is a classification of biped dinosaurs that includes all of the flesh-eating dinosaurs. It’s a very diverse group of dinosaurs ranging from small carnivores like the crow-sized Micro-raptor to the bigger predators like T-Rex, Allosaurus and Spinosaurus.
Did you know that modern day birds are all actually descended from a line of small theropod dinosaurs?
Spinosaurus was alive during the Cretaceous period
Spinosaurus roamed around the swamps of North Africa during the Cretaceous period between 112 million and 97 million years ago.
Spinosaurus were very intelligent
Spinosaurus had a relatively large brain size, which means that we know they were intelligent predators. Combine this superior intelligence with their vast size and the fact they would have moved swiftly on two legs and this makes the Spinosaurus a formidable (and terrifying) hunter!
Visit the dinosaurs at Paultons Park!
If you’ve enjoyed learning about the Spinosaurus, we know that you’ll love meeting the dinosaurs here at the Lost Kingdom in Paultons Park.
Hop aboard the Dinosaur Tour Co for a 4×4 adventure around the park and come face to face with some of the most fearsome dinosaurs to have ever existed. We bet you’ll have a fantastic time!
Or soar high up into the skies on the mighty Pterosaur Roller Coaster as it lifts you high above the park and swoops you down towards the ground at speeds of 30mph. We’re getting giddy just thinking about it!
Book your tickets to Lost Kingdom today to make unforgettable memories with your family.
