A team of researchers has uncovered extensive fossilized remains of a Jurassic Period dinosaur named Spicomellus, discovered in the Atlas Mountains near Morocco. The creature is estimated to be around 13 feet long and weigh one to two tons. What sets Spicomellus apart from other known dinosaurs is its unique armor, featuring sharp spikes on each rib and spines as long as golf clubs sticking out in a collar around its neck.
Vertebrate paleontologist Richard Butler of the University of Birmingham described the armor as “jaw-droppingly weird,” suggesting it may have served dual roles – defense against large meat-eating dinosaurs and display to attract mates. The team believes the elaborate armor was likely used for display purposes, such as courtship or territorial displays.
The discovery provides new insights into the group of tank-like armored dinosaurs called ankylosaurs, which are closely related to another group of plant-eaters called stegosaurs. Ankylosaurs were among the most successful herbivorous dinosaurs and outlasted stegosaurs until an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago.
The findings suggest that Spicomellus’ armor is more elaborate than later ankylosaurs, with no spiky ribs in any of its known counterparts. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of ankylosaur armor and may indicate a shift towards primarily defensive functions due to increased predation pressure during the Cretaceous Period.
Source: https://english.aawsat.com/varieties/5179592-moon-conjunction-mars-observed-sky-over-saudi-arabia%E2%80%99s-northern-borders%C2%A0