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Spinosaurus

Dinosaur profile

Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus

CarnivoreLate CretaceousLarge Theropod

Pronunciation

SPINE-oh-SORE-us

Meaning

thorn lizard

Type

Large Theropod

Length

18m

Period

Late Cretaceous

Years

95 - 70 million years ago

Location

Egypt, Morocco

Diet

Carnivore

About Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in Africa during the Cretaceous period, around 112 to 97 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive sail-like structure on its back, which was made up of long, thin spines that supported a fleshy membrane. Spinosaurus was a large dinosaur, with some estimates suggesting that it could reach lengths of up to 50 feet and weigh up to 20 tons. It had a long, narrow skull with conical teeth, which it likely used to hunt fish and other aquatic prey. Spinosaurus was an unusual dinosaur in that it was adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, and may have spent much of its time in or near water. In addition to its distinctive sail, Spinosaurus also had long, powerful hind legs and a relatively short tail, which may have helped it move quickly through the water.

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