A spectacular fossil find in the rugged foothills of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains is sending shockwaves through the world of palaeontology. Scientists have unearthed the remains of the oldest ankylosaur ever discovered, a formidable creature nicknamed a 'spiky tank' that roamed the Earth millions of years earlier than previously thought.
The remarkable specimen, named Spicomellus afer, is rewriting the history books. Dating back a staggering 168 million years to the Middle Jurassic period, this discovery pushes back the confirmed origins of the ankylosaur family by a massive 20 million years.
A Fortress on Legs
This ancient beast was a sight to behold. Unlike any dinosaur found before, its most distinctive feature was a series of fearsome, fused spikes that protruded directly from its ribs—a unique and formidable built-in armour. This suggests it was one of the very earliest experiments in evolution that would eventually lead to the heavily-armoured tanks of the later Cretaceous period.
Why This Discovery is a Game-Changer
The implications of this find are profound for several reasons:
- Resets the Evolutionary Timeline: It proves ankylosaurs were evolving and diversifying much earlier than the fossil record had previously shown.
- Challenges Old Assumptions: The unique anatomy suggests a previously unknown evolutionary path for body armour in dinosaurs.
- Highlights Morocco's Palaeontological Significance: The find positions North Africa as a crucial region for understanding dinosaur evolution in the Jurassic period.
Dr Susannah Maidment, the palaeontologist from the Natural History Museum who led the research, described the moment of discovery as "heart-in-mouth stuff." She stated, "Finding something this completely unexpected shifts our entire understanding of how these iconic dinosaurs evolved. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime discovery."
The fossil itself was found by a dedicated local fossil hunter, highlighting the invaluable collaboration between local experts and international scientists. After its discovery, it was carefully analysed at the Natural History Museum in London using cutting-edge technology to confirm its identity and age without damaging the precious specimen.
This 'spiky tank' from Morocco forces scientists to reconsider the ancient world of the Middle Jurassic, a time when dinosaur ecosystems were flourishing in new and complex ways. It’s a powerful reminder that the history of life on Earth still holds incredible secrets waiting to be uncovered.
