T-Rex vs. Spinosaurus (the truth)

Jurassic Park 3: The film that pretty much divided up the fanbase of both the film and people who love Dinosaurs (including myself) when it had a T-Rex and Spinosaurus fight, and the Spinosaurus defeated and killed the T-Rex. While it was nice to see a new large predatory dinosaur for a change, this film really gave people the wrong impression of Spinosaurus and urged them to think of it as something that it in actuality was not. It ultimately ignited a flame war that would go on for years, debating over who was better: T-Rex or Spinosaurus. So now, I'm gonna step in and set some people straight. 

The truth (the REALISTIC TRUTH): Tyrannosaurus Rex would be able to defeat Spinosaurus. 

Be advised, before I start this debate I just want people to be aware of a couple things: 
1) I am more than just some dinosaur fanboy who's watched tons of movies and dinosaur documentaries. I've done it and taken away information from it all. On top of that, I've read a myriad of different Dinosaur books and website articles. And I've been doing ALL of this since I was 2 years old, so I'm very confident when I say I have a very expansive knowledge of dinosaurs (that keeps on growing with every new Dino-discovery that's made). 
2) I decided to make this after a long time of debating on sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and even here on DA. So, I just wanted to make this so I can stop arguing with people who frankly offer little to no scientific evidence with their claims. 
3) This is strictly to set Spino fanboys straight. Particularly the ones who are both too stubborn and stupid to see the truth that their precious Dinosaur is not what they think it is. But hey, we're all entitled to our own opinions (I fully realize). You can still like Spinosaurus more than T-Rex, just don't go around saying its the best when honestly it isn't!

Lastly, and most importantly, please don't comment on how it would be impossible for T-Rex and Spinosaurus to meet since they lived on different continents and during different periods of time. I'm fully aware of that it's impossible for these 2 animals to have ever met, but that's not what we're arguing about. When I said that this was going to be a more realistic and scientifically accurate scenario than that of what Jurassic Park 3 gave us, that didn't include time periods. So please, stop commenting about it! 

Now to start this debate… 

Spinosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex were both therapod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period. Though they lived on different continents at different periods of time. Everyone's always wondered which one of these dinosaurs could win in a fight. Well, they started thinking about it once they saw Jurassic Park 3 and saw how Spinosaurus beat and killed a T-Rex. Now, let's get out of the world of Hollywood and Jurassic Park (the franchise that can barely get its dinosaurs SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE!) and start thinking realistically. Would a Spinosaurus ever actually be able to defeat a Tyrannosaurus in a fight? 

The answer, as I said before, is NO. Realistically, T-Rex would own Spinosaurus. It would never be a 50/50 kind of battle; it would ultimately and always be one-sided. And Tyrannosaurus would ALWAYS be the side that wins. 

Now unlike a lot of Dinosaur fans out there (which actually surprises me), I have the information and evidence to back up my claim. 

Let's start by factoring in the qualities of each Dinosaur: 

Tyrannosaurus Rex

T-Rex had many deadly weapons. It had a bite force of around 6.5 tons and had over 6.08 in. teeth lining its 4 ft. jaw. Using its bite force and teeth, Tyrannosaurus could easily tear off over 150 lbs. of flesh. Its eyes were also set forward on its head, giving it excellent 3-D vision (and to those of who weren't already aware, T-Rex's sight was NOT based on movement). Its sense of smell was even greater than its sight (as its olfactory bulbs were huge) enabling a T-Rex to be able to smell over great distances. Despite having all its senses and killing devices all placed into its skull, a T-Rex could have used its massive head to headbutt and ram into its opponents. Measuring between 40-43 feet long, Tyrannosaurus was the largest predator of Late Cretaceous North America. Since no other large therapod was big enough to rival it, T-Rex faced no competition and thus was the dominant predator. Because of its arsenal of deadly weapons and top predator status, T-Rex was never afraid to take on large and dangerous prey. T-Rex preyed upon a variety of Dinosaurs from the horned Triceratops, to the armored Ankylosaurus, to the duck-billed Edmontosaurus (which was nearly the same size as T-Rex). There's even a chance that Tyrannosaurus may have even taken on the 60-foot Sauropod Alamosaurus (Note: there's still no scientific evidence that proves this, but both animals did exist at the same time and have been found to live in very close regions, so there is a very high chance they might've encountered one another). Because of the kind of prey it fed upon, T-Rex was undoubtedly very strong and powerful in order for it to be able to take down these prey items (hell, Paleontologists have found that T-Rex even had strength in its tiny arms! XD). What’s more is that by looking at these types of dinosaurs that T-Rex fed on also prove the fact that this was a predator that was never afraid to attack any animal. Whether it be armed, heavily armored, or was something as big as itself, there was never a dinosaur that T-Rex was scared to take on. In fact, the only thing that a Tyrannosaurus ever feared was another Tyrannosaurus. With its killing arsenal, apex predator status, and list of large dangerous animals that were on this dinosaur's menu, it's little wonder why T-Rex's name means "TYRANT LIZARD KING!"

But even this Tyrant was not perfect. Its puny arms were completely ineffective in battle (at the very least, they either functioned as either something used during mating or a means to help it get itself back on its feet). But given how it made up for it by having a large head and powerful jaws, T-Rex never really needed to use its arms. This dinosaur also appeared to have a relatively short lifespan, as many Tyrannosaurus fossils have been found where the specimens were barely over 30 years old when they died. That's not necessarily saying that they all died naturally, as many of these T-Rex specimens were discovered to have died due to either disease or from injury. After all, preying on dinosaurs like Triceratops and Ankylosaurus did come with risks and T-Rex can just as easily be wounded or killed when attacking them. Which brings us to T-Rex's primary danger. You see, the main danger T-Rex had to face... was itself. T-Rex fossils have been found with bite marks that could only have been inflicted by another T-Rex. But T-Rex was more than just its own rival; it was at times its own worst enemy. There is fossil evidence that proves that T-Rex was most certainly cannibalistic, going as far as killing and even eating its own kind. But hey, cannibalism serves a function and is surprisingly common in many modern-day species such as Lions, Chimpanzees, and Komodo Dragons. 

Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus was a rather unusual dinosaur, but also one still shrouded in so much mystery. The first Spinosaurus fossils were discovered in Egypt back in 1915 and were taken to Germany, but they were later destroyed in 1944 during World War II. For nearly half a century, there was little to nothing known about Spinosaurus. Because the only fossilized remains of it were lost and the little time there was to examine them, Paleontologists could barely think of what the creature might have even looked like. Based on what little information that was gathered at the time, many early designs of Spinosaurus depicted it as a large, quadruped, sailed-back dinosaur (almost like a larger version of the synapsid Dimetrodon). It wasn't until 1996 and then later on in the 2000's where Paleontologists would finally uncover more Spinosaurus remains and a clearer view of this once unknown dinosaur. The information we've gathered since uncovering more Spinosaurus remains have given us much insight as to what this dinosaur was truly like.

Spinosaurus was the largest of its family and is estimated to be up to 50 feet long, it is currently the largest species of predatory dinosaur (even bigger than T-Rex). Spinosaurus also had larger and stronger arms than T-Rex, this would've enabled it to be able to grab and slash prey with its huge claws. But that is where the qualities as well as any possible advantages it has against T-Rex end.  

Now despite its greater size and long powerful arms, Spinosaurus was not the killing machine that it was depicted as in Jurassic Park 3. Its teeth were conical and made for gripping slippery fish rather than tearing into flesh, which is why Spinosaurus primarily fed on fish and smaller dinosaurs. On top of that its jaws were much weaker than T-Rex, meaning it could not tear flesh or break bones with just its jaws. Spinosaurus was also believed to have an entirely different kind of lifestyle than its depiction in JP3. Spinosaurus (in truth) spent most of its time by the water. It fed on fish, which would’ve been common and quite easy to catch and kill, as they could not fight back. There is much fossil evidence that tells us Spinosaurus was indeed a fish eater. Its jaws were long and narrow and its nostrils were set high on its head, meaning Spinosaurus just had to dip its jaws into the water and wait for prey to swim by. Not only that but when a Spinosaurus skull was placed through a CT scanner in 2008 it was found to have a large pattern of holes near the tip of its snout. Crocodiles have this exact same feature in their skulls; these "holes" are actually pressure sensors that enable them to detect movement in the water such as potential prey swimming nearby. So Spinosaurus would definitely have had this sort of feature given its aquatic lifestyle and ichthyophagous diet. All of these features were indeed effective at catching fish, but utterly useless if a Spinosaurus went up against a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Now despite its aquatic lifestyle, Spinosaurus did not entirely feed on fish. Fossil evidence found in several other species of Spinosaur (specifically Baryonyx and Irritator) reveals that they preyed upon other animals such as pterosaurs and small dinosaurs. So in times of drought or whenever it would be deprived of its primary food source, Spinosaurus would venture onto land and search for other animals to prey upon. That being said it still wasn't exactly equipped to take on and kill large prey such as Ouranosaurus or the giant Sauropod Paralititan, which were also living at the time. So Spinosaurus would've likely acted as a scavenger on land, feeding mostly on carcasses and any small animals it could catch. But whenever Spinosaurus did have to venture onto land, it would put itself directly into competition with Africa's top land predator at the time, Carcharodontosaurus. This dinosaur was also bigger than T-Rex but not as big as Spinosaurus, and while its bite may have not been as strong as T-Rex's it was certainly stronger than the bite of Spinosaurus. Carcharodontosaurus (whose name literally means "Shark-toothed lizard") had teeth that were serrated and designed to tear and rip into flesh, so this was a dinosaur that was the dominant land predator in Africa at the time and was capable of killing large prey. So this meant Spinosaurus did have to compete with another large predator whenever it had to hunt on land, whereas T-Rex faced no such challenge. There's also fossil evidence that tells us that Spinosaurus didn't win all the fights it had whenever it went up against a Carcharodontosaurus. In 2008, a Spinosaurus vertebra was found where part of the neural spine of a Spinosaurus appeared to have been bitten off. Which suggests that none other than a Carcharodontosaurus could’ve inflicted this kind injury. Which leads us to one of the biggest flaws of Spinosaurus: its sail. The sail of Spinosaurus is actually a set of neural spines that are fused with its own vertebra (backbone) and how it got its name. This serves as a severe handicap for Spinosaurus, as it prevents it from being able to roll over if it ever falls down. In fact, if its sail ever gets bent or if one of its neural spines is broken off, the Spinosaurus will immediately be paralyzed or even killed since the neural spines that make up its sail are fused with its own backbone. 

Outcome

Now that the qualities, advantages, and disadvantages of both dinosaurs have been covered, let's render a verdict. 

Because of its keen senses, stronger bite, overall better physique, and dominant predator status, there is absolutely no question that T-Rex would win. Spinosaurus was just not as an adept predator as T-Rex. In fact, it hardly ever was a land predator. Spinosaurus would never be able to survive if placed in T-Rex's position. It was unequipped to be able to kill or even fight a Triceratops or Ankylosaurus, and its bite wasn't strong enough to take down large prey such as Edmontosaurus or even Alamosaurus. Tyrannosaurus, on the other hand, would be able to survive well if placed in Spinosaurus's world. Dinosaurs such as Ouranosaurus would be easier prey for T-Rex to kill than what it normally preys upon. Though it would face competition from Carcharodontosaurus, how a fight between the two would end is a debate for another time. Despite being smaller than Spinosaurus, Tyrannosaurus still has the superior senses and the more lethal bite. You'd have to drastically alter the circumstances for a Spinosaurus to ever come out on top. 

Epilogue

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't downright HATE Spinosaurus. In fact, I still love it very much (just not as much as I love T-Rex). It's got a very cool design for a dinosaur, a very interesting and unique lifestyle, the largest carnivorous dinosaur currently ever discovered, and yet there's still so much we don't know about it. I just find it ridiculous how uneducated people think it can win against a T-Rex just because it did in a movie (of a franchise that isn't exactly keen on making its dinosaurs scientifically accurate) when in reality it would never stand a chance. You argue that it beat T-Rex in a completely scientifically inaccurate movie and tell someone that's how it would win is complete and utter bullshit! I feel a majority of you Spino fanboys out there like it so much because you like there's another big predatory dinosaur out there other than Tyrannosaurus. You're sick of seeing T-Rex always being the star of the show and always being the best that you feel it’s just so overrated. WAKE THE FUCK UP PEOPLE!!!!

T-Rex is not overrated, there's a reason as to why it became so popular. That’s because it was such a successful animal in its time. All of its qualities, everything that made T-Rex such an effective predator, are what made it become the most well-known dinosaur in the world. Like I said, they don't call it the "Tyrant Lizard King" for nothing. 

Now again, this doesn't mean you're now forced to love T-Rex more than Spinosaurus. We're all entitled to our own opinions. If you still love Spinosaurus more than T-Rex, than that's totally fine (I got no problem with that). Just don't go around ranting like an angry fanboy over how much better it is when in reality it isn't. All you're gonna do when you do that is start unnecessary flame wars that you will NEVER win and frankly do nothing but waste time! In fact, the only way you Spino fanboys would ever be able to win that sort of debate is if the T-Rex fan you're arguing with was dumber than you were! XD

Thank you for listening and I hope this information has changed a lot of minds. 

Any of you Spino fanboys who feel offended by any of my information or want to call me out and say Spinosaurus is still superior, feel free to comment. But keep the comments intelligent and scientific. I'm just gonna block any of Spino fanboys who aren’t still too stubborn or too stupid to have learned anything from this. 

Hope you enjoy! 

*(Update)

People have been commenting on how Spinosaurus would have the upper hand if it were to fight a T-Rex in the water. And while the fight would most certainly be different, let me clarify on something. 

If Spinosaurus were to fight a T-Rex in the water it would very much act like a Crocodile. And Crocs kill their prey via ambush and drowning them underwater. Don't get me wrong; it is, by all means, a legitimate and effective means to kill. But this would ultimately fail to make Spinosaurus out to be stronger than T-Rex as so many deluded fans perceive it to be. 

Even in water, Spinosaurus is still the weaker Dino and has to rely on the environment it's in to help kill its prey. Whereas T-Rex needs no such help, as those jaws and teeth will still tear flesh and crush bone on land or in the water.

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