A new species of dinosaur, Spinosaurus mirabilis, has been discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger, boasting unique features that distinguish it from its closest relative.
Scientists have recently identified a new species of Spinosaurus, named Spinosaurus mirabilis, in the Sahara Desert region of Niger. This remarkable dinosaur was a fish-eating predator that roamed the Earth approximately 95 million years ago. Notably, it is characterized by a distinctive scimitar-shaped crest on its skull, which significantly differentiates it from its closest relative, Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. The research detailing this discovery was published in the journal Science, underscoring the importance of the find within the realm of paleontology.
The discovery was led by a team of 20 researchers, headed by Paul Sereno, a professor of organismal biology and anatomy at the University of Chicago. Sereno expressed the emotional impact of this discovery, stating how the unprecedented find invigorated their research efforts. His previous expeditions to Niger in 2019 and 2022 culminated in the collection of vital material that supported this groundbreaking study.
The identification of Spinosaurus mirabilis not only enriches the understanding of the diversity of dinosaur life in the Cretaceous period but also sheds light on the evolutionary journey of this fascinating species. The unique features observed in the fossils collected may provide more insights into the hunting strategies and habitat preferences of these giant carnivores, thus paving the way for future research in this field.
