Biology

Endocast

Biochemistry

Evolutionary biology

Paleontology

Skull

Anatomy

Geography

Cretaceous

Snout

Affinities

Zoology

Cenomanian

Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology

ABSTRACT New specimens of the unusual theropod Spinosaurus cf. S. aegyptiacus from the Late Cretaceous (early Cenomanian) of Morocco reveal new information about the structure of the snout and the very large adult body size attained by the species. The external naris is retracted farther caudally on the snout than in other spinosaurids and is bordered exclusively by the maxilla and nasal. The fused nasals preserve a longitudinal, fluted crest. The size of the snout suggests that Spinosaurus may well have exceeded the maximum adult body size of other large Cretaceous theropods such as Tyrannosaurus and Giganotosaurus. The new material also supports the monophyly of the Spinosaurinae and the separation of Spinosaurus and Irritator.

New information on the skull of the enigmatic theropod<i>Spinosaurus</i>, with remarks on its size and affinities

New information on the skull of the enigmatic theropodSpinosaurus, with remarks on its size and affinities