Spinosaurs

Spinosaurs are a family of large theropod dinosaurs in the group Spinosauridae. They are best known for elongated skulls, conical teeth, and often a sail-like set of neural spines. They lived during the Early to Late Cretaceous, roughly 130 to 93 million years ago, in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The best-known member is Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, famous for its sail and distinctive skull. Other well-known spinosaurs include Baryonyx and Suchomimus, which share long jaws and fish-eating adaptations. Size varies, with some species reaching around 10 to 12 meters in length.

Anatomy and behavior show aquatic adaptations. The snout is long with conical teeth suited to gripping fish. In Spinosaurs, tall neural spines and evidence of tail modification have led to interpretations of a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with limbs adapted for swimming and wading, though details vary by genus.

Paleobiology indicates piscivory as a primary feeding mode, supplemented by small vertebrates and occasional terrestrial prey. Isotopic data, tooth wear, and gut contents support fish consumption, with some individuals inferred to have lived near river systems.

Discovery and classification: Spinosaurs were first described in the early 20th century from fossils in North Africa. They are typically divided into two clades: Baryonychinae (Baryonyx and Suchomimus) and Spinosaurinae (Spinosaurus and related taxa).