Herbivorous sauropods occupy the top spots on the list of the largest dinosaurs, but large carnivorous dinosaurs lived alongside them during the Mesozoic Era.
Illustration comparing the size of Spinosaurus to that of a human.
Reconstruction of Spinosaurus based on research suggesting that this dinosaur was likely a semi-aquatic animal, spending time hunting in and around the water.
Weight: 7.4 tons
Length: 14 meters
Spinosaurus was a giant theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 95 to 70 million years ago. It is the longest known carnivorous dinosaur, about three times the length of an African elephant and more than 20% heavier.
Spinosaurus is known for its large hump or sail-like structure on its back. There are several theories about why this was used, including for mating displays, thermoregulation, or even to intimidate other animals.
Spinosaurus may be an anomaly among dinosaurs, possibly living a semi-aquatic life, fishing while completely submerged in water, although this idea has been questioned by some scientists.
