Scientists have discovered a bizarre armoured dinosaur known as Spicomellus afer, which lived 165 million years ago and is notable for its metre-long spikes protruding from its neck. This species is the oldest known example of a group of armoured dinosaurs called ankylosaurs, found in Morocco, and its elaborate spikiness has surprised experts, prompting them to reconsider traditional theories on the evolution of these dinosaurs.
According to Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham, who co-led the research, the discovery suggests that this species could be characterized as 'the punk rocker of its time,' due to its unusual and flamboyant features.
The spikes of Spicomellus afer are fused directly to the bone, a unique characteristic not observed in other known animals, prompting researchers to question the functions these structures served.
Prof Butler highlighted that if asked about the expected look of the oldest ankylosaur, most would imagine a creature with simpler armouring, rather than one bristling with spikes resembling a hedgehog. This unexpected appearance could mean that ankylosaurs began with elaborate armour early in the Jurassic, and then evolved to possess simpler, more functional structures over millions of years.
The discovery occurred thanks to a local farmer in Boulemane, Morocco, marking it as the first ankylosaur to be identified on the African continent. Prof Driss Ouarhache, leading the Moroccan team on this research, expressed excitement about this contribution to Moroccan science, citing the unfathomable potential that this region might still hold for future palaeontological discoveries.
According to Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham, who co-led the research, the discovery suggests that this species could be characterized as 'the punk rocker of its time,' due to its unusual and flamboyant features.
The spikes of Spicomellus afer are fused directly to the bone, a unique characteristic not observed in other known animals, prompting researchers to question the functions these structures served.
Prof Butler highlighted that if asked about the expected look of the oldest ankylosaur, most would imagine a creature with simpler armouring, rather than one bristling with spikes resembling a hedgehog. This unexpected appearance could mean that ankylosaurs began with elaborate armour early in the Jurassic, and then evolved to possess simpler, more functional structures over millions of years.
The discovery occurred thanks to a local farmer in Boulemane, Morocco, marking it as the first ankylosaur to be identified on the African continent. Prof Driss Ouarhache, leading the Moroccan team on this research, expressed excitement about this contribution to Moroccan science, citing the unfathomable potential that this region might still hold for future palaeontological discoveries.
