Scientists Uncover Unique Spiked Dinosaur from 165 Million Years Ago

A remarkable discovery has emerged from the study of fossils of the Spicomellus, a dinosaur believed to have roamed the Earth approximately 165 million years ago. Researchers revealed that this ancient creature sported metre-long spikes protruding from its neck, a unique adaptation likely designed to protect it from predators.

The Spicomellus, classified as the world’s oldest ankylosaur, is characterized by its striking appearance and elaborate defensive features. Palaeontologists conducted an extensive analysis of newly discovered fossils, which provided crucial insights into the dinosaur’s anatomy. The initial identification of the species was based on a single rib bone found near Boulemane, Morocco, which was sold to a researcher in 2019.

Unique Features and Evolutionary Significance

The recent findings indicate that the Spicomellus possessed bony spikes measuring approximately 87 centimetres extending from a bony collar around its neck. These spikes could have been even longer during the dinosaur’s life, as highlighted in research published in the journal Nature. The presence of such extraordinary features has never been documented in any other vertebrate species, living or extinct.

Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham, who co-led the research team, described the fossils as an “incredibly significant discovery.” He emphasized the uniqueness of the Spicomellus, stating, “It’s utterly unlike any other found anywhere else in the world.” He believes this discovery will capture public imagination and enhance understanding of the early evolution of ankylosaurs.

Co-researcher Professor Susannah Maidment of the Natural History Museum in London also expressed enthusiasm over the find, describing the fossils as “absolutely bizarre.” She noted that the discovery modifies existing perceptions about the evolution of armoured dinosaurs. Previously, there were doubts regarding the classification of Spicomellus as an ankylosaur, but the new evidence confirms its place within this group.

Defensive and Social Functions of Armour

The diverse array of defensive features present on the Spicomellus included not only neck spikes but also large upward-projecting spikes over its hips and blade-like spikes throughout its body. Professor Maidment elaborated that while these armoured features likely evolved primarily for defence against predators, they may have also served to attract mates and display dominance to rivals.

The journey to uncover the Spicomellus began when Professor Maidment acquired a rib bone from a fossil dealer in Cambridge in 2019. The subsequent research has illuminated how this species stands out among dinosaurs and reshaped scientific understanding of their evolutionary development.

This discovery adds another layer to the ongoing exploration of dinosaur diversity and adaptation, offering tantalizing clues about how these creatures survived in their ecosystems millions of years ago. The Spicomellus emerges not only as a symbol of evolutionary innovation but also as a testament to the ever-evolving narrative of life on Earth.