Unearthed 'strange fossils' revise the evolution history of armored dinosaurs

In the world of palaeontology, a groundbreaking discovery was made around 2020 that has captured the imagination of people around the globe. The dinosaur, named Spicomellus afer, is an extraordinary find that challenges our understanding of early ankylosaurs.

The fossil of Spicomellus afer was discovered near the town of Boulemane, Morocco, with its first bone - a rib - acquired by Professor Susannah Maidment in 2019. The subsequent study, co-led by Professor Richard Butler from The University of Birmingham, revealed that this dinosaur is one of the strangest ever discovered, with its entire body covered in bone spikes.

These extraordinary bone spikes measure up to a metre long, making Spicomellus afer stand out among its contemporaries. The longest bone spikes were found projecting from either side of its neck, according to the Natural History Museum.

The armour on Spicomellus afer's body is also a feature never seen before with any species. The rib bone of this dinosaur had protective spines fused to its surface, a unique trait that sets it apart from other known dinosaurs.

A team of British, American, and Moroccan palaeontologists further studied Spicomellus afer's remains, and their findings suggest that the dinosaur is Africa's only known ankylosaur. At 165 million years old, Spicomellus afer is also the oldest known ankylosaur.

The study of Spicomellus afer's fossil is expected to tell us a lot about the early evolution of tank-like ankylosaurs. The armour on this dinosaur changes our understanding of how ankylosaurs evolved, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric world.

The recent fossil discoveries of Spicomellus afer are an incredibly significant discovery. Not only does it shed light on the early evolution of ankylosaurs, but it also showcases the richness of Morocco's fossil record. As Susannah C. R. Maidment and her team named the dinosaur, they undoubtedly made a name for themselves in the field of palaeontology.

In conclusion, the discovery and study of Spicomellus afer have provided us with a unique glimpse into the past, challenging our understanding of ankylosaurs and offering a fascinating look at one of the strangest dinosaurs ever discovered. The fossil discoveries of Spicomellus afer are expected to captivate the minds of people worldwide for years to come.