Fossils recently found in the Moroccan desert further support previous theories that Spinosaurus led an aquatic life.
Paleontologists discovered a trove filled with teeth from Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, buried deep in the southern part of the Moroccan Sahara. More than 95 million years ago, a massive river system flowed through the Sahara, almost confirming that the Spinosaurus lived in an aquatic environment.
The research team, led by paleontologists from the University of Portsmouth, reported their findings in the journal, Cretaceous Research.
CHIBA, JAPAN - JULY 13: A Spinosaurus model is installed at Makuhari Messe on July 13, 2009 in Chiba, Japan. The model of the Spinosaurus, one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, was installed for the exhibition "Dinosaurs 2009"
A Massive Swimmer and a Ferocious Predator
According to previous studies, a Spinosaurus can grow up to lengths of 50 feet (15.24 meters) and can weigh close to seven tons. It also had an elongated snout, like those found in crocodiles, filled with rows of sharp and conical teeth.
While it was initially thought to be a terrestrial species, a recent study strongly suggests that it was an aquatic being based on the discovery of a large, described as having "an unexpected and unique shape that consists of extremely tall neural spines." That turned it to use its tail as a fin-like organ, flapping and aiding in its movement in the water.
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The first known fossils of the dinosaur, its holotype, were first discovered in 1915 in the Bahariya Formation in Egypt. This partial specimen was destroyed during World War II.
In one dig site, the sheer volume of Spinosaurus teeth outnumbers findings from other dinosaurs by 150 to one. From the volume of teeth found, researchers inferred that this giant predator species had more frequent teeth loss in the water more frequently than any others. This strongly suggests that the dinosaur was an aquatic hunter.
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Clued In by a Lot of Spinosaurus Teeth
Researchers uncovered several teeth, about 1,200 of them, and later analyzed them - finding that 45 percent of all samples recovered were from Spinosaurus. David Martill, a palaeobiology professor from the University of Portsmouth, said that they know of no other location containing such numbers of Spinosaurus fossils.
"With such an abundance of Spinosaurus teeth, it is highly likely that this animal was living mostly within the river rather than along its banks," said Thomas Beevor, lead study author and graduate study from the University of Portsmouth, in a press release from the University. Beevor added that the Kem Kem river beds, which ran through the Moroccan Sahara in the past, was "an amazing source" of Spinosaurus fossils.
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"The enhanced abundance of Spinosaurus teeth, relative to other dinosaurs, is a reflection of their aquatic lifestyle," Martill added. He added that animals living most of their life in the water contribute more teeth compared to terrestrial species that only went to bodies of water to hunt or to drink.
Among the collected samples, Spinosaurus teeth were the easiest to identify. According to Aaron Quigley, a co-author of the study, Spinosaurus teeth are distinct: "They have a smooth round cross-section which glints when held up to the light."
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