The Spiky Dinosaur That Rocked the Jurassic

Dinosaurs with armor and spikes are not new. But a recent discovery in Morocco has revealed a new species that makes its relatives look tame. This dinosaur, Spicomellus afer, is the punk rock star of its family. It had huge spikes and bony collars that would make any other dinosaur envious.

A Big Discovery

The discovery of Spicomellus afer is a big deal. Before this, scientists had very little to go on. They had a few bones and teeth, but nothing that gave a clear picture of what these early dinosaurs looked like. Now, with a larger collection of bones, they have a much better idea.

Living in the Jurassic

Spicomellus afer lived in the Jurassic period, long before its more famous relatives like Ankylosaurus. It was a herbivore, meaning it only ate plants. It had a short, broad body and was covered in bony plates. But what really stands out are its massive spikes. These spikes were much larger than those found on later species. They were over a meter long and covered the dinosaur's body in rows.

Why the Spikes?

So why did Spicomellus afer have such impressive spikes? Scientists have a few ideas. Some think they were for protection. Others believe they were used in combat or to attract mates. Whatever the reason, it's clear that Spicomellus afer was a unique and fascinating dinosaur.

Evolution of Armor

The discovery of Spicomellus afer has given scientists a better understanding of the evolution of ankylosaurs. It shows that these dinosaurs were not always the way we see them in the Cretaceous period. They started out with simpler forms of protection and evolved into the heavily armored dinosaurs we know today.