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Revolutionary Dinosaur Discovery in North Africa
Paleontologists have made an extraordinary discovery in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, unearthing the remains of a previously unknown armored dinosaur species that roamed the Earth 165 million years ago. The Spicomellus afer, measuring four meters long and weighing approximately two tons, represents the oldest known ankylosaur species ever discovered.
Unique Defensive Armor
The most striking feature of this Jurassic-era creature is its elaborate defensive system. The dinosaur possessed spikes measuring nearly one meter in length, particularly around its neck region. Researchers from the University of Birmingham and London's Natural History Museum describe the creature as "heavily armed with spines" featuring an "incredibly striking array of spikes around its neck."
Scientific Breakthrough
The discovery, made by a local farmer in 2022 and subsequently studied by an international team, provides crucial insights into early ankylosaur evolution. Unlike later ankylosaurs where osteoderms were embedded in muscle tissue, Spicomellus afer had spikes fused directly to its bones—a unique characteristic not seen in any other vertebrate species.
Anatomical Marvel
The dinosaur's cervical half-ring, a bony collar around its neck, featured two fused plates and five radiating spikes. The largest complete spike measures 87 centimeters, creating a defensive structure that was "totally out of proportion to the rest of its body," according to researcher Richard Butler.
Tail Weapon Evidence
While tail bones are missing from the current findings, researchers discovered fused "handle vertebrae" with ossified tendons, strongly suggesting the presence of a tail weapon. This represents the oldest known occurrence of such defensive anatomy within the Ankylosauria group.
Evolutionary Significance
Spicomellus afer lived during the Middle Jurassic period and survived for approximately 100 million years before the catastrophic meteorite impact that wiped out dinosaurs. Despite having relatively small brains, these creatures demonstrated remarkable evolutionary success through their sophisticated defensive adaptations.
