What's Happening?
Recent research has unveiled new details about Spicomellus afer, the oldest known ankylosaur, which lived over 165 million years ago in what is now Morocco. This dinosaur possessed a tail weapon and a unique
bony collar lined with meter-long spikes, features that evolved much earlier than previously thought. The study, published in Nature, expands on the initial 2021 description of the species, revealing that its ribs were fused with bony spikes, forming a protective collar around its neck. These findings challenge existing theories about ankylosaur evolution and highlight the significance of African dinosaurs in understanding prehistoric life.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of Spicomellus afer provides crucial insights into the evolutionary history of ankylosaurs, particularly regarding the development of their iconic armor. This research not only enhances our understanding of dinosaur evolution but also underscores the importance of Africa in paleontological studies. The unique features of Spicomellus suggest that early ankylosaurs had complex adaptations for protection and display, which may have influenced the evolution of later species. This study contributes to the broader scientific narrative of how dinosaurs adapted to their environments and the role of geographic diversity in evolutionary processes.
