About this episode

This episode explores the controversy surrounding the taxonomy of Suchomimus and its potential synonymy with Cristatusaurus, alongside new CT scan findings.

The Suchomimus Taxonomy Scandal + Mind-Blowing New Spinosaur CT Scans!Is one of the world’s most famous spinosaurs actually a lie? 🦖In today’s episode of the Prehistoric Life Podcast, we are diving straight into the massive paleontology scandal taking the internet by storm! A groundbreaking 2026 paper published in Geodiversitas by Frédéric Pittet has proposed that Suchomimus tenerensis might actually be a junior synonym of Cristatusaurus lapparenti—potentially sinking the beloved giant from Niger forever.But is the case actually closed? We break down the taxonomic drama, explore Dr. Brian Curtice’s (Fossil Crates) fascinating breakdown of the major scaling anomalies in the Suchomimus holotype models, and reveal why this "scandal" might be incredibly premature.Plus, we look at what the paper is actually about: spectacular new CT scans revealing the hyper-sensitive, crocodile-like neurovascular canals inside spinosaur snouts and their rapid, self-sustaining tooth-replacement conveyor belts! Let me know in the comments: Are you Team Suchomimus or Team Cristatusaurus?🔗 Links & Resources:Check out Dr. Brian Curtice’s excellent scaling breakdown on the Fossil Crates…

People in this episode

Host: Erik Crawford

Topics covered

• paleontology
• taxonomy
• spinosaur
• CT scans
• fossil science
• neurovascular canals

Keywords

• Suchomimus
• Cristatusaurus
• taxonomy scandal
• CT scans
• paleontology
• neurovascular canals
• fossil science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Geodiversitas, Fossil Crates

Books & works: Suchomimus tenerensis, Cristatusaurus lapparenti

Places: Niger

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