Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Morocco, uncovering fossils of a 165-million-year-old dinosaur that showcases its incredible armour. The Spicomellus, an early member of the ankylosaur family, is found to be covered in spikes and shields, with some fused to its skeleton.
According to Professor Susannah Maidment, who led the research, the dinosaur’s unique features include spikes around its head, plates protecting its throat, and foot-long spikes on every rib. These protective features are not seen in any other vertebrate, living or extinct, raising questions about how the dinosaur’s muscles were formed along its ribcage.
The discovery is significant not only because of the Spicomellus’ unique armour but also because it appears to be an early member of the ankylosaur family. The research suggests that these creatures may have had tail weapons earlier than previously thought, with one discovered in the Moroccan Atlas mountain town of Boulemane dating back around 35 million years.
The excavation was a collaborative effort between the Natural History Museum and the University of Fez in Morocco. The team worked with local farmers to locate the fossils, which were initially found during flash flooding. The farmer had spotted the fossils and saved them, realizing their importance, and later helped the researchers excavate the site.
This discovery highlights the ongoing need for conservation efforts to protect dinosaur fossils from black market smugglers. To combat this issue, the Natural History Museum is working with local communities to build protections for the areas and put an end to illegal fossil smuggling.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/crazy-spikes-a-tail-weapon-and-bone-shields-new-fossils-reveal-dinosaurs-amazing-armour-13419283