The article discusses the discovery of Spico Melas Affer, a unique dinosaur resembling a Pokemon character, found in North Africa and dating back 165 million years. This fossil, excavated near Bruman, is the oldest known Ankylosaurus specimen and features an elaborate armor that challenges existing theories on the evolution of this group of plant-eating dinosaurs.
Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham highlights the dinosaur’s distinctive neck spikes and tail weapon adaptations, noting that such traits might have evolved earlier than previously believed. The Spico Melas Affer measured about 4 meters long and weighed around 2 tons, with fused vertebrae indicating a club-like tail structure used for defense and possibly display.
While Ankylosaurus are typically characterized by their heavy armor and slow movement, their small brains suggest they were not particularly intelligent but were successful over millions of years. The article also addresses the issue of fossil poaching in Morocco, where fragments of this specimen are sold online for hefty prices, complicating further study of these remarkable dinosaurs.
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