Scientists Uncover Unique Spiked Dinosaur from 165 Million Years Ago

A team of palaeontologists has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the dinosaur known as Spicomellus, which roamed the Earth approximately 165 million years ago. This unique species, part of the ankylosaur group, features metre-long spikes extending from its neck, a characteristic believed to have evolved for protection against predators.

Recent analysis of fossils uncovered in Boulemane, Morocco, has revealed the elaborate armoured features of Spicomellus, marking it as the oldest known ankylosaur. The initial identification of this dinosaur was based on a single rib bone purchased in 2019. However, the newly discovered fossils provide a much clearer picture of its remarkable anatomy. The spikes, measuring up to 87 centimetres, protrude from a bony collar surrounding its neck, suggesting they may have been even longer during the dinosaur’s life.

Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham and co-lead of the research project described the find as “an incredibly significant discovery.” He highlighted the dinosaur’s distinct features, stating, “Spicomellus is one of the strangest dinosaurs that we’ve ever discovered. It’s utterly unlike any other found anywhere else in the world.” This uniqueness is expected to capture the public’s imagination and further our understanding of the evolution of ankylosaurs.

The research, published in the journal Nature, also features insights from Professor Susannah Maidment of the Natural History Museum in London. She emphasized that the fossils are changing perceptions about the evolution of armoured dinosaurs. “When we originally named Spicomellus, there were doubts that it was an ankylosaur at all,” Professor Maidment noted. “Now, not only can we confirm that this interpretation was correct, but Africa’s only known ankylosaur is far weirder than anyone imagined.”

The intricate array of spikes and plates found on Spicomellus includes not only the metre-long neck spikes but also large upward-projecting spikes over the hips, and various blade-like spikes across its body. This diversity of features has never been documented in any vertebrate, living or extinct.

While the primary function of such extensive armour is likely defensive, it may also have served additional purposes, such as attracting mates or displaying dominance to rivals. The evolutionary significance of these traits is a subject of ongoing research, shedding light on how these dinosaurs adapted to their environments.

This discovery highlights the importance of fossil analysis in understanding the diversity of prehistoric life. As palaeontologists continue to explore the past, new findings like Spicomellus challenge existing notions about dinosaur evolution and ecology. The remarkable features of Spicomellus not only enhance our knowledge but also spark curiosity about life during the Jurassic period.

In other recent news regarding prehistoric discoveries, researchers identified a new species of small carnivorous dinosaur named Maleriraptor kuttyi, believed to have lived around 220 million years ago. This finding illustrates that the study of dinosaurs remains a vibrant field, continually reshaping our understanding of the ancient world.