Becklespinax is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 201 to 174 million years ago. It was discovered in 1984 by amateur fossil hunter Simon Beckles in England, and was named after him.
The fossils of Becklespinax were found in the Lower Lias Formation in the cliffs of the coast of Lyme Regis, Dorset. The fossils consist of a partial skeleton, including:
- Vertebrae
- Ribs
- Limb bones
- Teeth.
Based on the size of the bones, it is estimated that Becklespinax was about 6 to 7 meters long and weighed around 500 to 600 kilograms.
Despite being known from only a few bones, Becklespinax has been the subject of much speculation and debate among paleontologists. Some researchers have suggested that it may be a species of the better-known dinosaur genus Megalosaurus, while others have proposed that it may be a member of the genus Dilophosaurus.
However, recent studies have suggested that Becklespinax may be a distinct genus of theropod dinosaur. It is classified as a megalosaurid, a group of large carnivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period. Megalosaurids were among the first theropod dinosaurs to evolve, and are considered to be the ancestors of later theropods, such as Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor.
One of the most distinctive features of Becklespinax is its teeth. They are long and slender, with serrations along the edges. This suggests that Becklespinax may have been a specialized predator, feeding on small and agile prey, such as lizards and small mammals.
Other features of Becklespinax include its long and slender neck, which may have allowed it to reach up to grab prey, and its powerful hind legs, which would have enabled it to run at high speeds. It is also possible that Becklespinax had a crest or sail on its back, similar to other megalosaurids. This looks to me like it wouldn’t have been as pronounced as the Spinosaurus, but more prominent than Baryonyx.
Despite its mysterious nature, Becklespinax provides important insights into the early evolution of theropod dinosaurs. It is a reminder that there is still much to learn about the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
