There are currently no Carcharodontosaurs at the Park. However, Spencer AKA Spike the Spinosaurus joined the Park 2 years ago this month. Carcharodontosaurus & Spinosaurus terrorized the deltas and floodplains of Northern Africa during the Early Cretaceous Period. Carcharodontosaurus (meaning shark toothed lizard) was smaller and more slender than Spinosaurus, but just as fierce (40 – 46 feet in length 7 – 9 feet high at the hip). Four times the size of Allosaurus and most likely larger than T-Rex. Both were described by German Paleontologist Ernest Stromer based on fragmentary fossils, which were destroyed during World War II. Expeditions led by Paul Sereno in 1995 at the Kem Kem Formation of Morocco unearthed several Carcharodontosaurus fossils. A study completed by Donald Henderson of the Royal Tyrell Museum determined Carcharodontosaurus could lift 935 lbs. based on its jaw & neck strength and center of mass.
Spinosaurus with its long narrow skull was great for catching fish. While Carcharodontosaurus head was deep and robust for taking down large prey. Carcharodontosaurus teeth which provided its name – like sharks – are unique to theropods. Its teeth are found all across Northern Africa indicating Carcharodontosaurus was a dominate predator for much of the Early-Middle Cretaceous. A second species from fossils discovered in Egypt & Morocco may represent a unique form that evolved in isolation when shallow seas divided much of Northern Africa in the Middle Cretaceous.
Spinosaurus (30 – 60 feet long standing 8 – 10 feet high at the hip) fossils made an intriguing display in Munich before their destruction during WWII. Fortunately, Ernest Stromer documented his work with illustrations. Spinosaurus could have been the largest carnivore to walk the Earth. The Jurassic Park Movies presented a showdown with Spinosaurus & Tyrannosaurus Rex. Based on fossil records it’s unlikely they would have ever met. Spinosaurus lived during the Early – Middle Cretaceous and T-Rex Late Cretaceous.
Spinosaurus long narrow jaw would be no match for T-Rex’s bone crushing teeth & jaw strength that could exert 3,000 lbs. per square inch more than a car crushing machine. In addition, the weight of Spinosaurus may have been over estimated. Therefore, while Spinosaurus was longer than T-Rex it could have weighed in much lighter. So, if time allowed the two an encounter it would most likely have been very different than the JP movie result.
For more information on Carcharodontosaurus & Spinosaurus check out your Library, the Natural History Museums and Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcharodontosaurus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinosaurus
Consider Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” with host Emily Graslie and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Many Libraries are offering “Curbside Pick-up. If you prefer the hardcopy, “Curbside Pick-up may be the option for you.
I just finished reading “The Dinosaur Artist” by Paige Williams. An Exciting True Crime Story about Stolen Fossils that covers Commercial Fossil Hunters and their impact on Science & Discovery, as well. She covers early discoveries across the globe and Mongolia. Mentors, Apprentices & Contacts that led to the Fossil Thief and his capture. Movie Stars collections, Laws regarding removal of fossils from various countries and attention this event prompted for changes and enforcement.
My First Book “Is a Metal Dinosaur the Right Pet for You?” is Available as an eBook on Kindle through Amazon.com
Only $3.99!
Included are two photos of Prehistoric Pals converted to black & white line drawings for You to express Your Color Imagination! Search online for print options on Your device. Print Screen, Cropping & Printing are available on many smart phones. Your smart phone may even allow You to email Your Print Screen to Yourself allowing even more options before printing. Kindle has an app for smart phones!
I would love to see Your Color Visions for Dominic & Raphael! Use crayons, pencils, pens, or watercolors! Attach feathers, glitter whatever brings them to life for You. Send a picture of Your Colorized Imaginations to: paul@paulsprehistoricpark.com It could be in a future post!
I will keep You posted with information on my Next eBook “The Shy Triceratops”. I hope to have Paperback versions available later in 2021.
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Please Remember to Wear Masks and Social Distance. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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