Dinosaur-World. Spinosaurus

The most notable features of Spinosaurus

The most notable features of Spinosaurus.. for which it is named... are the long spines on its back.. which probably supported a fin somewhat like that of Dimetrodon.

It is interesting that two animals otherwise so different (Dimetrodon was not even a dinosaur) would share such a distinctive feature.. one for which we do not know the purpose.

The fin might have regulated its body temperature or have been used in courtship displays.

Spinosaurus was a large carnosaur which... typical of the group... walked on its hind legs.

Its front legs were larger and probably more useful than those of some of the other members of the group... and its head is particularly large.

Notice that the Spinosaurus at Dinosaur World.. is colored for camouflage... which would be helpful for a dinosaur that hunted its food.

Modern human beings wear camouflage when they hunt.

But, notice that Stegosaurus, a plant-eater and prey animal.. is also colored for camouflage.. as are modern prey animals.

..Of course, any colors for the dinosaurs are guesses!

Stygimoloch...Dinosaur-World

Most dinosaur names come from Greek and Latin.. as does the beginning of Stygimoloch's name.. but the ending..moloch is from Hebrew.

Some people (including those who named it) think that Stygimoloch is demonic-looking.. although the name actually refers to the Hell Creek formations.. where its fossils have been found.

As it is represented at Dinosaur World.... however.. it seems rather dapper.. almost as if it is waiting for someone to use it as the inspiration for a new hairstyle.

This little pachycephalosaur is known only from part of the back of its skull.. found in Montana.

Paleontologists often have to be creative artists to determine the appearance of a dinosaur from such sketchy evidence.

Triceratops

It may sound strange to say a dinosaur is loveable.. but there is something about Triceratops that especially appeals to children.

Maybe it is the charming personality of Cera in Land Before Time (1988)..... or maybe it is the large but not threatening... somewhat appealing look of the dinosaur itself.. but for many kids... the highlight of their visit to Dinosaur World ..is meeting the Three-horn family.

A huge animal.. with several ways of protecting itself.. including a tough... leathery skin..that scientists have found fossilized impressions of..

It had no real enemies.!....

Some scientists speculate that it might have been particularly aggressive.

It is believed to be one of the last of the dinosaurs to go extinct.

Be a paleontologist

A highlight of the park is the Fossil Dig.

Here.. children age 3-12 can sift through sand in a paleontological setting in search of authentic fossils and may keep 3 fossils.. as a memento of their trip.

Fossil Dig tickets are included in the child admission price for ages 3-12. Anyone over 12 or under 3 who wants to dig.. the price is $2 extra

Find everything from Shark teeth to Sea urchins... dinosaur bone fragments and more.

Dinosaur-World....a great educational attraction!

They have over 10 types of authentic fossils in their Fossil Dig... here are some examples of what is hidden in the Fossil Dig.

Amonite

Dinosaur-World & Orlando-Attractions

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