Prehistoric stars of Jurassic Park originated from Europe, University of Leeds study finds

New research from the University of Leeds has discovered that the iconic Spinosaurus may have originated in Europe.

Its geographical origin was previously a mystery, however the research suggests that they first set foot on the European continent before diversifying in Southern England, Portugal and Spain.

The Cretaceous colossus is instantly recognisable from the sharp sail that adorns its back, and famously squared-up with the Tyrannosaurus rex in the box-office hit from 2001.

The Spinosaurus, from the Spinosaurid family of dinosaurs, do not appear in North America, Australia, or Antarctica, despite migration from other large predators to these regions.

The study reveals that they may have migrated from Europe into Asia either around 120 or 140 million years ago when a drop in sea-levels allowed the titans to cross a land bridge that had previously submerged most of Eastern Europe.

“The study emphasises that these specialised dinosaurs were sensitive to their environment and habitat, and it might offer a clue as to how they eventually went extinct,” said Dr Cassius Morrison, Royal Society Career Development Fellow from the University of Leeds.

Cassius added: “This finding has timely implications for modern specialist animals in the face of the current climate crisis.”