Spinosaurus fossil tail suggests dinosaurs were swimmers after all

The predator’s tail was paddlelike, with a range of motion that allowed swinging side to side

illustration of Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus, whose tail is shown here in an artist’s illustration, was well-adapted for an aquatic life, a new study suggests. Along with its long, narrow jaws and conical teeth, the dinosaur had a unique, paddlelike tail.

Davide Bonadonna

Sharp-toothed Spinosaurus didn’t just stand in the shallows to snag fish for dinner; this dinosaur may have been an excellent swimmer.