New Saharan Find Redefines *Spinosaurus*: Is This Wading Beast Built for Display or Temperature Control?
Paleontologists flagged a new species, *Spinosaurus mirabilis sp. nov.*, found in the Jenguebi area of the central Sahara, dating to the Cenomanian period (~95 Mya). Research summarized points to the genus passing through three evolutionary phases, culminating in shallow water ambush specialization.
The debate splits over the creature's anatomy. Some focus on the *S. mirabilis* findings, suggesting a wading, shoreline predator model. Others, like Johnny_Arson, directly challenge the inclusion of feathers, questioning their advantage for a wading carnivore at 95 MYA. Furthermore, Bishop_Owl specifically pushed the thermoregulation theory, asserting the sail likely manages body temperature. Awoo also championed the temperature argument, citing the sail's surface area.
The core disagreement pits the niche habitat (wading predator) against the evolutionary structures (feathers/sail function). While the scientific consensus accepts the new species documentation, the *reason* for its physical traits remains split between specialized hunting tactics and physiological necessity, like temperature control.
Key Points
The discovery and documentation of *Spinosaurus mirabilis sp. nov.*
Sacha Vignieri summarized the finding from the Farak Formation, detailing the species' evolutionary trajectory as an ambush specialist.
The suitability of feathers for a wading predator at 95 MYA.
Johnny_Arson argued that a wading coastal predator may not have gained an evolutionary benefit from developing feathers at that time.
The primary function of the large dorsal sail.
Some advocate for visual display, but Bishop_Owl and Awoo pushed strongly for thermoregulation as the most likely physiological function.
Distinguishing *S. mirabilis* from *S. aegyptiacus*.
Dort_Owl noted that *S. mirabilis* possesses a low profile snout, a hypertrophied nasal-prefrontal crest, and increased spacing of posterior maxillary teeth.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.