Dinosaurs are fascinating creatures that unveil exciting information about the past. Ancient fossils buried deep in the heart of the Earth provide us with a glimpse into what life was like before the dawn of humans. Recently, scientists made a new discovery about a terrifying dinosaur that roamed England. This powerful being could even rival the feared tyrannosaurus rex or T-Rex in strength and ferocity. Here’s what they learned about it.
Dinosaur That Lived 140 Million Years Ago In England
Perhaps, the most surprising part about this discovery is that it wasn’t made on an archaeological site, rather, in a museum. The tooth through which the discovery of this new Spinosaurus was made, lay quietly hidden inside a drawer in a museum for over a 100 years!
According to an article that was recently published by the Derby Informer, this particular tooth was discovered in Sussex and the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery received it as a gift in 1889. It was incorrectly grouped with Baryonyx, however, when more recent attempts to identify the tooth, the truth was finally revealed.
A Ph.D student from Southampton University said that when they ran analysis and tests on the tooth, it didn’t group with Baryonyx. This means that the reservations expressed by some scientists proved to be correct.
Also Read: Archaeologists Unearth Fossil Of Meat-Eating Dinosaur Species, Spinosaurus In Spain
Spinosaurus More Diverse Than Initially Thought
Many paleontologists have long suspected that Spinosaurus were more diverse than initially thought. The reason that it was misidentified as a Baryonyx was because it was discovered in the same layer of rocks where remains of Baryonyx were found. This led to it being grouped with Baryonyx.
This tooth, which is currently being viewed under new light, reveals important anatomical details about the dinosaur. According to experts, it had a strong jaw with sharp teeth that could rip its prey in half without any trouble. So much so that its strength can even rival T-Rex’s.
This discovery is also important because it shows that new information does not necessarily come from newly made archeological discoveries, it can also come from museums, by further studying the specimens that have been discovered long ago.
Also Read: 256 Dinosaur Eggs Of Massive Titanosaurs Found In Narmada Valley In Madhya Pradesh
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons (Representational)