Spinasouras

The Cretaceous period, estimated to be about 190 million years ago, was a time when many new plants and animals thrived, such as the first angiosperms, flowering organisms, which grew in damper climates, and also new, never seen before, insects. The Cretaceous period is marked as one of the last before the extinction of the dinosaurs, however, this does not mean that new insects, plants, and dinosaur species ceased to appear and evolve during that time. One species in particular has recently caught the attention of scientists because it has features unlike any other dinosaur from that period. The experts have named it Spinosaurus. Pieces of this very odd beast were first discovered in Morocco in the late 20th century, however only a few pieces were found and they were destroyed during World War ll. Just recently, a full skeleton of the spinosaurus has been recovered, and after examination, scientists have reached the conclusion that it was the first dinosaur to have adapted to living on land and water. The spinosaurus avoided competition with land animals as much as possible and preyed on water animals. With its alligator like features, such as powerful jaws and webbed feet, the spinosaurus was equipped to swim and hunt in the water.

A good nine or ten feet longer than tyrannosaurus rex, the spinosaurus is thought to have been fifty feet in length including a heavy muscular tail like those of modern day crocodiles. The spinosaurus had a seven foot sail on its back which was used not only to make itself look bigger and and more intimidating to other predators while on land, but also as a balancing aid when in the water. With its splayed toes, most likely webbed, and flat feet the spinosaurus could swim through the water quickly with ease and snatch large prey with its powerful crocodile like jaws. Also, unlike other land dinosaurs that had a similar skeletal build, the spinosaurus is thought to have walked on all fours. With its unique look and very effective hunting strategy scientists believe that this beast was one of a kind. The end of the Cretaceous period brought an end to thriving species, and the spinosaurus was no exception. The spinosaurus lived in the giant river systems in the area we now know as the Sahara. Unfortunately for the spinosaurus, these rivers dried up toward the end of the Cretaceous period. Without the rivers the spinosaurus could no longer hunt for food. This brought on its extinction.

References:

Vergano, D. (2014, September 11). Giant Spinosaurus Was Bigger Than T. Rex—And 
     First Dinosaur Known to Swim. Retrieved from National Geographic website: 
     http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/09/ 
     140911-spinosaurus-fossil-discovery-dinosaur-science/