In the territory of Niger, in the very heart of the Sahara Desert, scientists have discovered a new species of Spinosaurus, one of the greatest carnivorous dinosaurs. This dinosaur is famous for its distinctive crest on its head and teeth that are perfectly suited for catching fish, as reported by RIA Novosti, citing the journal Science.
Previously, only one species of Spinosaurus, known as Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, was known to science. Its remains were found in Egypt back in 1915.
Researchers discovered a new area in the central Sahara where fossils are located and described a new species named Spinosaurus mirabilis. It is similar to Spinosaurus aegyptiacus in skeleton shape but has a significantly taller, saber-shaped crest on its skull, as stated in the published report.
The name mirabilis translates to "wonderful," which is related to the unique crest of the new species.
Both species of Spinosaurus, which existed simultaneously, have similar anatomy, including long spines on their backs and skulls adapted for fishing.
Researchers suggest that the crest may have served for display purposes, as it appears quite fragile for use as a weapon. This keratin-covered crest could have been brightly colored and likely played a role in sexual or territorial competition.
Spinosauruses are considered some of the largest predatory dinosaurs that inhabited what is now Africa and Europe approximately 112-93 million years ago, during the mid-Cretaceous period.
