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How This Weirdly Spiky Dinosaur Has Challenged Everything We Thought We Knew About Ankylosaurs
- A Moroccan fossil named Spicomellus afer is identified as the oldest ankylosaur, expanding Africa's role in dinosaur evolution.
- The fossil shows built-in armor with long spikes and plates, a feature not seen in other ankylosaurs.
- Researchers note the spikes could have served multiple purposes, from mating displays to intimidating rivals.
- The tail-skeleton later evolved into the club seen in other ankylosaurs, linking this species to later armor.
- The fossils are now held and preserved at Dhar El Mahraz Faculty of Sciences in Fez, Morocco.
- Nature published the study detailing the unusual anatomy of Spicomellus afer.
- Scientists describe how this discovery reshapes traditional views of ankylosaur evolution.
- Morocco’s paleontological data are highlighting a broader African dinosaur record.
- The discovery adds to the diversity of armor strategies among early dinosaurs.
- Researchers emphasize Moroccan fossils can reveal novel insights into dinosaur biology.
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