Meet the Spicomellus, a fascinating dinosaur from over 165 million years ago, discovered in Morocco. This creature was about the size of a small car and had some unique features. Its neck boasted impressive three-foot-long spikes, and it had bony armor all over its body, indicating a blend of beauty and function.
Originally identified from a single rib bone in 2021, further excavations revealed much more. Scientists found that Spicomellus not only had ribs lined with strange, outward-facing spikes, but it also had a club-like weapon at the end of its tail. This discovery is noteworthy because paleontologists believed such features didn’t appear until the Cretaceous period, millions of years later.
Susannah Maidment, a research co-lead from London’s Natural History Museum, shared her enthusiasm: “We’ve never seen anything like this in any animal before.” Researchers believe the complex bone structure served dual purposes — attracting mates while warding off rivals.
Professor Richard Butler, another key researcher, described the moment he first saw the fossil as “spine-tingling.” He emphasized how unusual and groundbreaking this find is, saying, “It turns everything we knew about ankylosaurs on its head.” In terms of evolution, finding such advanced armor in an early ankylosaur shifts our understanding significantly. It suggests that these dinosaurs were more diverse than previously thought.
Recent research highlights the significance of Africa in the dinosaur narrative. As interest in African fossils grows, experts are uncovering a wealth of previously unknown species that challenge established ideas of dinosaur evolution. This dinosaur’s incredible adaptation showcases how much we still have to learn about these ancient creatures. For a deeper dive, you can read the full study in Nature.
The Spicomellus stands as a reminder that the past holds many secrets, and every new discovery helps shape our understanding of life on Earth.
