The oldest known ankylosaur fossil has been unearthed in Morocco, exciting paleontologists around the world. This remarkable find, identified as Spicomellus afer, features extravagant armor and a tail bristling with spikes. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about how these heavily armored dinosaurs evolved.
Researchers describe the fossil as “bristling with spikes”, making it one of the most extravagantly armored dinosaurs ever found. The fossil’s unique features, particularly its unusual tail weaponry, set it apart from other ankylosaurs discovered to date. Scientists believe the find could reshape our understanding of dinosaur evolution, especially regarding the development of body armor and defense mechanisms.
Discovery Changes Dinosaur Evolution Timelines
The presence of such advanced armor in a fossil this old suggests that ankylosaurs developed defensive adaptations much earlier than previously thought. This could mean that these herbivorous dinosaurs faced significant predators earlier in their evolutionary history. With each new discovery like Spicomellus afer, paleontologists continue piecing together the fascinating puzzle of the dinosaur era.
