Dinosaurs come in many forms. Some were scaly, some had bony armor, and others had feathers. Now, scientists have unveiled a new addition to this lineup: a dinosaur with hollow spikes!
Found in northeastern China, this new species is named Haolong dongi, which means “spiny dragon.” Unlike its mostly scaly cousins, Haolong gives off a look reminiscent of a fur coat made from porcupine quills.
The spikes are located around its neck, back, and sides, all pointing toward its tail. Most spikes are small—about 2 to 3 millimeters—but some reach up to 44 millimeters in length.
So far, we only have one well-preserved skeleton measuring 2.45 meters (about 8 feet). Interestingly, this dinosaur appears to have been a juvenile. This raises questions: Did the spikes remain as it grew older, or were they a feature of its youth?
Researchers are also curious about why Haolong had these spikes. One theory suggests they might have helped keep the dinosaur warm in its cool environment. Other dinosaurs, like Yutyrannus, had thick feathers for insulation, but the spikes may not have been sufficient for that purpose.
Another idea is that the spikes served as a way to attract mates or create camouflage. However, the absence of pigment cells makes it hard to confirm this theory.
Then there’s the notion that these spikes could have acted as a deterrent against predators. In its habitat, there were smaller carnivorous dinosaurs. The spikes may have evolved to make Haolong less appealing. Although they likely weren’t strong enough to inflict serious harm, they could have made attacking a meal more challenging.
Researchers indicated that while the spikes wouldn’t protect Haolong outright, they would likely make it more time-consuming for attackers to kill it. This might persuade predators to seek easier prey.
Such discoveries reinforce the idea that our understanding of dinosaurs continues to evolve. Each finding uncovers new layers of history and adaptation, suggesting that the world of dinosaurs is far more complex than we once thought.
For more fascinating insights into paleontology, check out studies in reputable publications like Nature Ecology & Evolution.
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