Judging by the fragments found by paleontologists, the spinosaurid was over 10 meters long and was probably the largest of the predatory dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period.

An important finding

Local enthusiast Nick Chase, searching for dinosaurs on the Cretaceous cliffs of the Isle of Wight, found fossils. Only a few individual bones and fragments were identified, but scientists were able to date them by age. about 125 million years and estimate the size of an ancient dinosaur.

It was a huge animal, over 10 meters long. Probably the largest predatory dinosaur ever found in Europe,
said Chris Barker.

Judging by the specimens found, the dinosaur belonged to spinosaurids, bipedal predators characterized by a long “crocodile” jaw with conical teeth, suitable for hunting aquatic animals. Some had ridge ridges that apparently acted as thermostats.

Fragments of Spinosaurus bones / Photo: Chris Barker

Spinosaurids belonged to the group of theropods that included such famous as tyrannosaurs, although the first did not gain similar size.

One of the Spinosaurus species / Paleo-artist’s drawing

And despite the impressive length of the new representative, it was unlikely to have a mass close to tyrannosaurs. Whether it has a coat of arms, it is impossible to tell so far from existing specimens to make a complete description of the new species. Until now, it has been called the “White Rock Spinosaurid”.

According to the scientists, the finding may be further evidence in favor of the fact that spinosaurids originated in what is now Western Europe and then spread over large areas.