**Spinostropheus: A Small Carnivorous Dinosaur**
Spinostropheus is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, about 167 to 164 million years ago. It is known from fossils found in Niger, in an area called the Tiouraren Formation. The only type of Spinostropheus is called S. gautieri.
**Discovery History**
In 1959, a paleontologist named Albert-Félix de Lapparent discovered fossils in the Agadez desert. He found some remains that belonged to a theropod dinosaur, which led to the naming of a new species, Elaphrosaurus gautieri, in 1960. This name was given to honor François Gautier, who found the site.
Later, in 2004, paleontologists Paul Sereno, John Wilson, and John Conrad created a new genus and named it Spinostropheus. The name comes from the Latin word “spina,” meaning spine, and a Greek word meaning vertebra. This reflects the dinosaur’s unique spinal features.
**What We Found**
The main fossils of Spinostropheus (called the holotype) include parts of its spine, limbs, and some tail vertebrae. These fossils help scientists learn about how it lived and looked.
Initially, there was some confusion about how old the rocks were where the fossils were found. De Lapparent thought they were from the Early Cretaceous period, but later research confirmed they were actually from the Middle Jurassic.
**Size and Appearance**
Spinostropheus was considered relatively small compared to other dinosaurs. Estimates of its length vary, but it was about 4 to 6.2 meters long, which is roughly 13 to 20 feet. Its weight is estimated at about 200 kilograms, or around 441 pounds.
**Classification**
Spinostropheus belongs to a group of dinosaurs known as theropods, which are characterized by being bipedal meat-eaters. Within theropods, it is part of a branch called Neotheropoda.
Over the years, various studies have placed Spinostropheus in different parts of the dinosaur family tree. Some studies suggest it is closely related to the Abelisauria group, while others classify it as a basal tetanuran, which is a more primitive type of theropod.
**Conclusion**
Spinostropheus is a fascinating dinosaur that lived millions of years ago. Its discovery has helped scientists understand more about the diversity and evolution of theropods during the Jurassic period. The unique features of its spine and limbs provide clues to how it might have moved and hunted in its environment.