New dinosaur species is the punk rock version of an ankylosaur

Ankylosaurs, known for their stout, armored physiques and unique weaponized tails, have long captivated paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. While this group thrived during the Cretaceous period, their evolutionary roots are believed to stretch back to the Jurassic era. However, the limited fossil record has made it challenging to piece together their origins. Recent discoveries in Morocco have drastically improved our understanding of one of the earliest potential ankylosaurs, Spicomellus afer. Previously known only from a fragmentary rib, a wealth of new bones has emerged, painting a vivid picture of this extraordinary creature. Unlike its later relatives, which boasted heavy armor and modest spikes, Spicomellus was adorned with dramatic, meter-long spikes and bony collars, evoking a striking fusion of punk rock flair and glam extravagance. Cretaceous ankylosaurs generally exhibited particular traits, such as a short, robust body that facilitated ground-level grazing. Additionally, their bodies were protected by bony plates—akin to natural armor—some of which evolved into stout spikes along their ribs for extra defense. Many species also featured tails that concluded in club-like formations, connected to the vertebrae by unique structures known as ‘handles.’ Debate has surrounded the purpose of these distinctive features. Some researchers propose that they served as a defense mechanism against the growing threats posed by large carnivores during the Cretaceous. Others contend that these adaptations played a crucial role in combat or mating displays. Regardless of their exact function, there is a consensus that these traits likely evolved from simpler protective forms found in earlier Jurassic specimens.