Thrilling fossil finds from Dinosaur Island have revealed one of the most imposing creatures you can imagine. The largest meat-eating dinosaur ever found in Europe goes by the name of White Rock Spinosaurid and probably reigned almighty during its time – which was 125 million years ago.
Discovery of the Largest Predator in Europe
Scientists have recently uncovered the largest land-based predator ever found in Europe on the Isle of Wight. The remains of this dinosaur, identified by a team at the University of Southampton, measure over 32 feet in length, making it a significant find in the world of paleontology.
What Was Actually Found
The fossils uncovered include partial remains such as vertebrae from the tail (caudal vertebrae) and parts of the pelvis.
Although fragmentary, these bones are significant in determining the dinosaur’s size and characteristics, pointing to possibly being the largest of its kind ever found in Europe.
Unearthing the “White Rock Spinosaurid”
The dinosaur, which has been nicknamed the “White Rock Spinosaurid,” was discovered in a geological layer known as the Vectis Formation – a formation that was created roughly 125 million years ago. At this time, the cold English coast as we know it today was a sub-tropical lagoon.
Ruling the World with Its Massive Size
The dinosaur is believed to have been one of the largest predatory dinosaurs ever discovered in Europe. Measuring over 32 feet long and weighing several tons, this creature likely ruled its coastal environment 125 million years ago, making it a top predator of its time.
With the Face of a Crocodile
The “White Rock Spinosaurid” belongs to the spinosaurid family, known for their distinctive crocodile-like jaws. These bipedal dinosaurs are thought to have hunted in rivers and coastal areas, preying on fish and other small animals they could catch with their powerful jaws.
With a Face Like That, We Can Only Imagine What Its Biteforce Was
Although the exact bite force hasn’t been calculated yet, we do know that the Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, a close relative, is estimated to have had a bite force ranging between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds per square inch (psi). So, it seems fair to assume that this specimen had a similar bite force, and maybe even stronger considering its humongous size.
Fragmentary Fossils with Big Implications
Although the fossils are fragmentary, they have provided valuable insights into the size and nature of the dinosaur. The remains include a massive caudal vertebra from the tail, which, when compared to other spinosaur bones, suggests that this dinosaur was over 32 feet long.
The Role of a Dedicated Fossil Hunter
Many of the fossils were discovered by Nick Chase, a renowned dinosaur hunter from the Isle of Wight. Sadly, Nick passed away just before the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions have been instrumental in piecing together the size and significance of this dinosaur.
The Puzzling Origins of Spinosaurs
Spinosaurs are divided into two groups: baryonchines and spinosaurines. This new find could help solve the mystery of where these giant predators originated. Some researchers believe spinosaurs may have evolved in Europe before spreading to other parts of the world.
The Evolutionary Significance of the Find
This discovery adds to the evidence that spinosaurs might have originated in Europe.
The dinosaur is older than the well-known Spinosaurus aegyptiacus from North Africa, suggesting a possible European origin for this group before they migrated to other continents.
From Predator to Prey
Interestingly, some of the discovered fossils show signs of scavenging. Tunnels bored into the bones suggest that the remains of this giant predator may have been consumed by scavenging beetle larvae, a humbling end for such a formidable creature.
Dinosaur Island and Its Treasures
The Isle of Wight is known for its rich deposits of dinosaur fossils, earning it the nickname “Dinosaur Island.” This latest find further cements the island’s reputation as one of the most important sites for paleontological discoveries in Europe, with new species being unearthed regularly.
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