Organism · Dinosaurs
Baryonyx walkeri
Source time context (not species duration) · ≈ 143–66 Ma
Inferred life reconstruction
Baryonyx walkeri
Overview
Baryonyx walkeri is a dinosaur distinguished by a long snout and a large hand claw. The snout broadens at its front tip, and the nostrils sit farther back. Head and hand each reveal different features.[1]
Loading illustration…
Key facts
The large hand claw presented by the museum measures 31 cm along its outer curve. Understanding how a curved claw is measured makes the meaning of the number clearer.[1]
Time and place
The fossil-bearing rock is described as approximately 125 million years old and part of the Wealden Group. This places it in an Early Cretaceous stratigraphic context. The long snout and large hand claw are introduced as identifying features.[1][2]
The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.
Size, form and skeleton
The long snout broadens at its front tip, with the nostrils positioned farther back. Teeth are described as circular in cross section. Alongside the large hand claw, they reveal different structures of the head and hand.[1]
Loading illustration…
Habitat and reproduction
Which parts can be compared among spinosaurid relatives? The snout and claws of Baryonyx offer clues to the forms of related dinosaurs. Similarities and differences can be explored within the same family.[1][3]
Fossil discovery
The Natural History Museum in London has discussed how Baryonyx changed understanding of spinosaurids. A skull and substantial postcranial material allowed its long snout, teeth, and large hand claw to be examined together. Several body regions can transform the impression of one animal.[1]
References
Research questions
What comparisons begin with a long snout and teeth of circular cross section? Examining the large hand claw alongside head form brings together features from different regions. Understanding close relatives involves considering several body parts together.[1]
Observation
Move your gaze from the broadened snout tip to the nostrils farther back. Then examine the teeth with circular cross sections and the large hand claw to see head and hand features side by side.[1]
Related organisms
Spinosaurus aegyptiacusDinosaursSource time context (not species duration) · ≈ 143–66 MaComparing spinosaurid relatives
Baryonyx and Spinosaurus belong to the same family, Spinosauridae. Compare the features of related dinosaurs through fossils known from different regions and times.