"Punk Rocker" Dinosaur Unearthed: New Fossil Reveals Spiked Armor
A newly discovered dinosaur fossil in Morocco is rewriting what we know about armored dinosaurs. Scientists have unearthed a remarkable specimen of Spicomellus, an ankylosaur bristling with three-foot-long spikes protruding from its neck—earning it a "punk rocker" nickname.
This find builds upon previous discoveries in Morocco, including a "jaw-droppingly weird" dinosaur and other ankylosaur fossils, highlighting the region's rich paleontological history. The Spicomellus fossil is the oldest known ankylosaur, dating back roughly 100 million years.
Researchers believe the spikes likely served a defensive purpose, protecting the dinosaur from predators. The discovery, detailed in CBS News, provides crucial insights into the evolution of these heavily armored herbivores and their survival strategies. Further analysis will focus on understanding the spike arrangement and potential display functions.
