Spinosaurus fossil: 'Giant swimming dinosaur' unearthed

BBC ^ | September 11, 2014 | Rebecca Morelle

[C19fan]

The 95-million-year-old remains confirm a long-held theory: that this is the first-known swimming dinosaur.

Scientists say the beast had flat, paddle-like feet and nostrils on top of its crocodilian head that would allow it to submerge with ease.

The research is published in the journal Science.

Lead author Nizar Ibrahim, a palaeontologist from the University of Chicago, said: "It is a really bizarre dinosaur - there's no real blueprint for it.

[C19fan]

Spinosaurus was featured in Jurassaic Park III I believe. Just to clarify animals that lived in water during the Mesozoic like Plesiosauru were marine reptiles not dinosaurs.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I expect at least ten postings of Ted Kennedy in a thong photo postings to follow...

[Red Badger]

[Opinionated Blowhard]

And when we look at the body proportions, the animal was clearly not as agile on land as other dinosaurs were, so I think it spent a substantial amount of time in the water.

The poor thing probably had self-esteem issues. It spent so much time in the water because the other dinosaurs laughed at it.

[SMARTY]

And in Kenya... scientists have unearthed the remains of the WIMPOSAURUS, a species THOUGHT to be totally extinct.

But, a single example of this species does exist. It has been sited in Washington D.C.

There is little empirical or documented, historic data on this creature. It is known to have the smallest brain and largest oral cavity of all known species.

Many hypotheses exist as to its origin, but nothing has been scientifically verified.

[ThomasMore]

You asked for it!

Here it is!!!!

Tedosaurus!!!

[Phillyred]

Please tell me that is not real!

[ThomasMore]

That’s as real as it gets.

[Resolute Conservative]

That is wrong at a molecular level.

[GeronL]

How did the first swimming dino “evolve” paddle like feet?

[Brother Cracker]

[miliantnutcase]

Just wondering why we call marine animals like mosasaur a “marine reptile” when there is evidence they may be homeothermic and endothermic like birds and mammals?

[jonno]

Thank you, but no...

[Red Badger]

Millions drowned before the natural evolution took over...............

[Red Badger]

Oh, okay, you prefer #6 then?...................

[GeronL]

lolz

[onedoug]

At a Senate session, no doubt.

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

Thank you so much for sharing that thought! I’ve stopped reading the thread right there. The mental image is disgusting enough, let alone the photo!

[houeto]

Ping!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks houeto.