A recent discovery in the Sahara Desert has unveiled a remarkable new species of dinosaur, named Spinosaurus mirabilis. This fish-eating predator, measuring as long as a bus, offers significant insights into the evolutionary history of its genus. The breakthrough was announced by a team of scientists led by Paul Sereno, a professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Spinosaurus-Paul-Sereno-University-Chicago-032026-95fe3a03d2fa4e589475e664b6af7cc1.jpg)
The journey to this momentous find began in 2019 when Sereno and a group of 20 researchers ventured into the Sahara. During their expedition, they unearthed a massive crest, presumed to have topped the dinosaur’s head, alongside several jaw bones. This initial discovery paved the way for further research, which took place in 2022 with a larger research team returning to the region to unearth additional, similar crests.
Sereno described the moment of discovery as both sudden and emotional for the team. The unique curved shape and impressive size of the crest were not the only striking features; the dinosaur’s teeth, specifically adapted for catching fish, underscored the species’ predatory lifestyle. These, combined with the fossils found in locations far from ancient shorelines, confirmed the existence of a previously unknown species within the Spinosaurus genus.
The Spinosaurus, known for being a robust predator that fed predominantly on fish, first appeared on Earth approximately 140 million years ago. The newly classified Spinosaurus mirabilis thrived around 95 million years ago and stands out as the first new spinosaurid species identified in over a century. Earlier fossil discoveries had primarily been located in coastal regions, leading scientists to presume that these dinosaurs hunted underwater.
The research team’s findings, published in the journal Science last month, are poised to reshape how scientists view the evolution of the Spinosaurus over millions of years. Sereno envisions the Spinosaurus mirabilis akin to a modern heron but with some distinct differences. He likened it to a “hell heron” capable of wading into two metres of water, while also suggesting that it likely stalked shallower waters filled with various fish species.
During the mid-Cretaceous period, the habitat of Spinosaurus mirabilis would have included rivers flowing through the Sahara region. Sereno speculated that the dinosaur primarily fished in waters around three feet deep while being tall enough to remain upright in depths of six feet. With its hunting prowess, it could have preyed on fish that reached lengths of nearly three metres.
Paul Sereno has been exploring the Sahara Desert for over three decades, drawn by its unique beauty and challenges. “There’s nowhere else like it,” he remarked, reflecting on his fascination with the region. Throughout his extensive career, he has uncovered more than 100 tonnes of fossils there, emphasising the potential for significant discoveries in areas yet to be explored.
The unearthing of Spinosaurus mirabilis not only adds to the classification of dinosaurs but also highlights the ongoing opportunities to learn about ancient life on Earth. With continued exploration and research, scientists hope to unlock further mysteries of the prehistoric past, illuminating the evolutionary trajectories of these magnificent creatures.