Spinosaur Tales

The Biology and Ecology of the Spinosaurs

Spinosaur Tales cover

Description

The spinosaurs – the controversial group that includes the largest land predator of all time, the awe-inspiring Spinosaurus – are brought to life in this cutting-edge review.

The giant sail-backed carnivorous dinosaur Spinosaurus is one of the most famous of all dinosaurs; a staple of documentaries, books and video games, and the species that bested the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex in Jurassic Park III. But what do we actually know about this crocodile-headed monster and its relatives, the spinosaurs?
The spinosaurs were some of the strangest predatory dinosaurs, combining a long low skull with powerfully clawed hands. Some species had huge sails over their backs, as well as fin-like tails. A great deal of scientific mystery surrounds them. Their fossil remains are highly fragmentary, many aspects of their appearance uncertain, their evolutionary relationships elusive, and interpretations of their ecology and behaviour are hotly contested.
Spinosaur Tales explores the exciting, sometimes controversial world of spinosaur science. Bringing these creatures back to life with stunning illustrations, world-renowned palaeontologists David Hone and Mark P. Witton present the latest views on the evolution, anatomy and lifestyles of these enigmatic reptiles.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. History
3. Origins and background
4. Species and relationships
5. The Spinosaur fossil record
6. Spinosaur anatomy: the head
7. Spinosaur anatomy: the body, limbs and tail
8. Spinosaur anatomy: life appearance
9. Standing tall, getting around: posture and locomotion
10. Feeding the mouth, fueling the body
11. Spinosaur ecology
12. Life of a Spinosaur
The fascination and frustrations of Spinosaurs

Product details

Published 06 Nov 2025
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 320
ISBN 9781399412445
Imprint Bloomsbury Sigma
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

David Hone

David Hone is rapidly becoming the ‘face’ of dinos…

Author

Mark Witton

Mark P. Witton is a palaeontologist based at the U…

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