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What is Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus?

Comprehensive study about Spinosaurus with its historical background, classification, species, size, habitat, diet, and semiaquatic adapted characteristics.

Nature is full of wonders, and millions of creatures with distinctive features and habitats are an integral part of it. Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus are the extinct dinosaur species-genus of the Spinosaurid Theropod dinosaur. These dinosaurs are part of the cretaceous era during which plenty of species evolved into marine life. These were the large creatures belonging to the dinosaur family, found around 112 to 97 years ago. According to several fossils and dinosaur studies, these were the first species among dinosaurs who were able to swim and survive in marine life. The average life of these species is mentioned as around 80 million years. 

Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus: An Overview

Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus is one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, approximately larger than the Giganotosaurus and Tyrannosaurus. The referral meaning of Spinosaurus is a spine with the lizard, and Aegyptiacus confirms its emergence from the Egypt region. Hence in studies, it has been referred to as the lizard’s spine from Egypt. 

It is a reptile found roaming around the swamps of North Africa with the prediction about how big was a Spinosaurus aegyptiacus? Some of the associated species of Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus are found around Morocco and Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The first found species was found in Egypt in 1915, which was destroyed during World War II in 1944 by a bombing raid. Later, their fossils and body parts were found, defining their species and habitat. 

Scientific Classification:

The specific scientific classification of Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus mentions defines the scientific naming and habitat of the species. Below is the tabular representation:

Domain 

Eukaryota

Kingdom 

Animalia 

Phylum 

Chordata 

Class

Sauropsida

Clade 

Dinosauria 

Order 

Saurischia 

Suborder 

Theropoda

Family 

Spinisauridae

Subfamily 

Spinosaurinae

Tribe 

Spinisaurini 

Genus 

Spinosaurus 

Below are some of the basic details and facts about Spinosaurus mentioned. These details represent the general information found from their fossils and ancient theories. Let us have a look:

Name 

Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus

(Spine reptile with lizard)

Length

15.2 meters (50 feet)

Age 

95 years old (Approx.)

Weight 

7.5 tons 

Habitat 

Banks and rivers 

Diet 

Aquatic animals (mainly fish)

Location 

North Africa 

Description:

The description of Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus relates to its size, habitat, and classification. The fossils found included their jaws, bones, and other material, presently under the private collections. According to the studies and the facts about Spinosaurus relates to their history and evolved habitat. According to the theories, they were prominently discovered by paleontologist Ernst Stromer on April 24th, 1994, in Egypt. It is the reason they are referred to as Egyptian spiny lizards (aegyptiacus). Below are some descriptions mentioned:

Size: 

Do different theories have different predictions about how big was a Spinosaurus aegyptiacus? The current estimate about the size of the Spinosaurus is around 15 to 17 meters long. The height estimation of the species is around 6 to 7 meters tall. The weight of the Spinosaurus is nearly 9-12.5 tons (an average ratio), with the lowest estimate ranging from 6.5-7.5 tons. The size pattern of Spinosaurus varies in different theories and studies. 

Semiaquatic Adapting Characteristics:

There are certain semiaquatic adaptations of Spinosaurus, which make them distinct and unique from other known species of dinosaurs. Below are some of the characteristics that mention their semiaquatic adaptations. Let us discuss:

  • Small Nostrils In The Middle Of The Skull: The nostrils of the Spinosaurus were present at the back of the skull. They are small and allow comfortable breathing when they are inside the water. 
  • Slanted Gigantic Teeth Interlocking The Snout Front: The teeth located in the front end of the snout are of conical shape, which helps them catch the fish with interlocking features. 
  • Neurovascular Opening And Snout End: Like alligators and crocodiles, these neurovascular openings help them see in the water and sense the movements in the water. 
  • Long, strong-boned feet with long flat claws: Spinosaurus have webbed feet to walk in the soft, slimy mud and strong feet like shorebirds. It helps to stand and move on the paddling and soft surfaces. 
  • Strong muscular thighs, tiny pelvis, small hind legs: Many predators Spinosaurus had two strong muscular legs to move comfortably on land and water. 
  • Long trunk and neck, which shifted the center of mass: This aquatic adaptation facilitated the movement of Spinosaurus in water. However, it made their movement on land quite impossible. 

Conclusion:

These are the description of Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus with their evolution and physical description. The history of these species mentions the massive evolution and huge clan of the dinosaurs. The Spinosaurus was a unique and noticeable species that presented the scientist with a massive research topic about the extinct species. The habitat of these species was around rivers and banks, where they swamp with the dietary search for fish and other aquatic animals. As per the studies, they were primarily found in North Africa and were destroyed in World War II through a bombing raid. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Mention the era to which the Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus belong?

Answer: The Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus belongs to the cretaceous era. During this era, many species ...Read full

Mention the size of the Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus?

Answer: In many theories and studies, there are different men...Read full

Who discovered the Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus and when?

Answer: In Egypt, the Spinosaurus...Read full

Define some semiaquatic adaptability of the Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus?

Answer: There are plenty of semiaquatic adaptations like gian...Read full