Hell Heron Spinosaurus Emerges Sahara After 70 Years

Clear Facts

• New Spinosaurus mirabilis species discovered in Niger Sahara Desert
• Lived 95-100 million years ago as shallow-water fish predator
• Fossils include jaw fragments from 2019 and crests from 2022

Paleontologists unveiled Spinosaurus mirabilis, a massive meat-eater rivaling T. rex. Fossils surfaced in remote Jenguebi, Niger, detailed in journal Science.

The dinosaur inhabited waters 600 miles inland from ancient Tethys Sea. Its skull featured a large bony crest likely brightly colored with keratin.

University of Chicago professor Paul Sereno led the team. He described Spinosaurus mirabilis as a sort of “hell heron.”

“Had no problem wading on its sturdy legs into two meters of water, but probably spent most of its time stalking shallower traps for the many large fish of the day,” said Sereno.

Sereno followed a French geologist’s clue on a fossil tooth unseen for 70 years. The team uncovered teeth and jaw bones in an adventurous sand sea trek.

“It was really emotional for our team,” he said.

“No one had been back to that tooth site in over 70 years.”

Fossils head to Museum of the River in Niamey, Niger. A replica appears at Chicago Children’s Museum.

“Letting kids feel the excitement of new discoveries — that’s key to ensuring the next generation of scientists who will discover many more things about our precious planet worth preserving,” Sereno said.

This breakthrough underscores American-led exploration safeguarding Earth’s ancient heritage for traditional values of discovery and preservation.

Full story at source

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