Spicomellus afer fossils reveal sophisticated armor in early ankylosaurs

New research published in the journal Nature provides significant insights into the evolution of early ankylosaurs. Analysis of fossils from the Middle Jurassic period in Morocco, dating back approximately 165 million years, has revealed that the earliest known members of this group possessed highly sophisticated and elaborate body armor.

A new partial skeleton of Spicomellus afer, discovered in the Atlas Mountains, confirms these findings. The specimen features unique dermal armor, including six spiked ribs, a bony collar with plates, and two pairs of spikes, one of which measures nearly 87 cm in length. The skeleton also contains distinct bone structures in the tail, indicating the presence of a tail weapon.

Researchers suggest that these extreme physical characteristics may have served both defensive and display purposes. This differs from later ankylosaurs, which evolved simpler, less extravagant armor that likely focused primarily on defense.