In 2014 and 2019, it was discovered by paleontologists Nizar Ibrahim and Paul Sereno that Spinosaurus possessed short hind legs, webbed feet, and a long, paddle-like tail similar to a newt or crocodile's and that the sail was probably more rectangular. These new discoveries suggested that Spinosaurus was better adapted to life in water than previously assumed, rendering its physical appearance in the Jurassic Park franchise outdated. Studies of the sub-adult specimen Sereno and Ibrahim recovered from their 2014 and 2019 expeditions to Morocco further suggested Spinosaurus preferred to hunt in shallow water. There is also some evidence that Oxalaia, a spinosaur from Brazil, is the same animal as Spinosaurus. If true, this suggests Spinosaurus was present in Africa and South America during the Cretaceous period.
In addition, according to the study of Spinosaurus, the way of walking may often be carried out with four limbs. At the same time, due to the structure of the upper and lower jaws and the shape of the teeth of Spinosaurus, the bite force of Spinosaurus is relatively small among carnivorous dinosaurs.
In 2021, the research concluded by Dr. David Hone and Dr. Thomas Holtz, Jr. suggested that the degree of aquatic attributions suggested earlier are not consistent; although Spinosaurus presumably had more terrestrial generalist, wading lifestyle similar to modern avians such as herons, skuas, petrels, and storks.
However, this theory by Hone and Holtz was later outdated by a more recent research. In 2022 when analysis of the bone densities of Spinosaurus, Baryonyx, and Suchomimus showed that both Spinosaurus and Baryonyx were shown to have dense bones and would have been able to dive deep underwater, while Suchomimus would have been more suited to wading in shallow water. This same diving ability is showcased by the Spinosaurus in the Jurassic Park franchise (specifically Jurassic Park III), and therefore can be considered accurate to the real animal's behavior. Spinosaurus has always been depicted with overly large, muscular forelimbs, even for the time, ending in paw-like hands.
Although there is a more recent paleontology research and publication; once again; cast doubt in the overall swimming and diving abilities of Spinosaurus. This research; in agreement with Henderson's, Hone and Holtz's earlier researches conclusions, arguing that it was far too buoyant to dive, extremely ineffective as a swimmer and generally far too unsuitable for aquatic life; also adding the fact that there are several instances of recorded Spinosaurus fossils that have been extracted from inland Africa, far away from any known delta, sea or ocean in the Late Cretaceous.
We make no representations as to the accuracy of the figures attached to the Geocache. Obviously dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years and the descriptions included are based upon research of paleontologists and other scientists much more learned than El Fartero & La Vaca Verde.
"Walking with Dinosaurs" is a Reptilia-themed power trail consisting of 25 traditonal microcaches hosting their featured dinosaur, and 2 large, well-stocked ammocans you'll have to answer some questions to find. It extends for a total of 4 miles north from Hubbel Corners toward Grand Gorge on the lovely, but lesser known Southern portion of the Stamford Rail Trail. The trail is mostly flat, wide and level, and other than a few sections that can get watery, it is dog, stroller and bike friendly. Most of the caches are winter-friendly, but a few are not, so check the attributes if there's deep snow. We recommend doing it over two days for a more enjoyable, leisurly experience, but more ambitious cachers (or First-to-Find maniacs!) can start early and do it in one. We have tried to provide good coordinates and helpful hints to give you a rewarding caching experience.
Parking is available at the South end of the trail at N42 18.165 W74 33.256, or at the North end at N42 21.238 W74 31.250