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Spinosaurus (Spine lizard) is a large carnivorous dinosaur from Africa. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon.
Description
Discovered in 1912 and described three years later by German palaeontologist Ernst Stromer, Spinosaurus represents one of the largest members of the theropods, a group of largely carnivorous dinosaurs. Spinosaurus is estimated to have grown up to 15m, 49ft) long from snout to tail. Its most distinguishing feature were its tall neural spines, which could grow up to 1.65m (5.4ft) tall and likely formed a large sail above the dinosaur's back. It is unclear what Spinosaurus used its sail for, although display and thermoregulation are common proposals.
Spinosaurus lived during the Early Cretaceous Period in what is now Northern Africa, with its first fossils being found in Egypt. In contrast to the deserts found today, this region would have been covered in mangrove forests during the Cretaceous. Spinosaurus and closely related species were adapted for a more aquatic lifestyle than other theropods and may have primarily hunted fish, although they would also have eaten other animals, including smaller dinosaurs.
Zoo Tycoon
Spinosaurus is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Dinosaur Digs expansion pack. It must be researched in order to be adopted.
Spinosaurus is a Coniferous Forest animal, also requiring grass and some dirt and fresh water. Its favorite foliage is the Norfolk Island Tree, and it requires a Dinosaur Cave shelter. Unlike other large theropods like Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex, Spinosaurus is happiest in pairs and does not like living alone. It will break out of most fences and requires either an electrified fence or a sunken exhibit in order to be contained.
In-game, Spinosaurus takes fifteen days to hatch from its eggs, three months to grow to adulthood and has a lifespan of around 2 years. A Spinosaurus may occasionally display, with its sail flushing a deep red. If stressed, Spinosaurus will trample foliage in its exhibit.
 Animal Facts
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The longest meat-eating predator at 50 feet, Spinosaurus, or "thorn lizard," is not considered the "biggest" only due to being more lightly built than T. rex. Spinosaurus originated in what is now Egypt and is instantly recognizable by the huge sail across its back. Jutting upward from Spinosaurus' backbone, this sail reaches six feet high in places and is composed of bony vertebral spines with tough skin between spines. Spinosaurus' large sail is still something of a mystery to scientists. It might serve to help them cool off in their hot climate, or it might help them catch sun to warm up faster on cool mornings. Some believe it gives the Spinosaurus a larger, more menacing appearance to intimidate other big carnivores. Another theory is that it might be used to impress and attract potential mates, like a middle-aged man with a flashy car. Spinosaurus spends most of its time along shorelines or wading in shallow ponds and lagoons to catch its preferred meal--large fish. A nine-foot-long Coelacanth fish has no chance to escape Spinosaurus' crocodile-shaped jaws, which are filled with sharp conical teeth. Like T. rex, Spinosaurus walks on powerful hind legs, but, unlike T. rex, has longer and more substantial front limbs. The ends of Spinosaurus' forelimbs are equipped with long curved claws, perfect for raking a passing giant garfish from the water. |
Gallery
Trivia
- In-game, Spinosaurus is depicted with a short skull and a body structure similar to that of Allosaurus, based on evidence known at the time. It is now known that Spinosaurus had a longer, crocodile-like skull with a crest on top, large forelimbs, shorter hindlimbs, a more M-shaped sail and a long, paddle-like tail.
- The shape of Spinosaurus' sail is still debated to this day and is not yet known for certain.
- Spinosaurus' coding lists Allosaurus as a prey, however, the reverse is also true. The result is that the two species will end up roaring and chasing each other around, but are unable to kill each other.
- The Spinosaurus roar uses a similar stock sound effect as Kraid from the Nintendo video game Super Smash Bros. Melee.