(al-tuh-SPY-nax)

This unusual dinosaur lived over 120 million years ago. Fossil bones have been found in England, and it is likely that the animal roamed throughout Europe. Altispinax means "high thorn." Its name comes from the large spines on its back. Each spine was four times longer than the individual backbones it was attached to. A skin probably covered the spines, giving the dinosaur a sail-like fan across its back.

Altispinax was not as big as others in its family. With a length of about 25 feet it was not as big as Spinosaurus, which was 40 feet long. All members of this family were flesh eaters. They had sets of small, very sharp teeth. Like other flesh eaters, Altispinax had strong back legs and small, short arms. The sail, or back fin, probably helped the animal cool down in hot climates. Some scientists believe it may have been used to frighten other animals.

Location: Northwest Europe

Diet: Meat

Size: Length-26 feet

      Weight-3 tons

Time: Early Cretaceous