New Ankylosaur Species Unearthed in Chile with a Unique Tail
Discovery and Significance
In the arid Patagonia region of Chile, researchers have made an astonishing discovery: a nearly complete fossilized dinosaur skeleton with an unusual club-like tail. The tail, unlike anything seen before in any other dinosaur, features seven pairs of flat, blade-like bony scales fused together.
The skeleton belongs to a new kind of armored dinosaur named Stegouros elengassen. It lived on Earth approximately 72 to 75 million years ago and may reveal an early evolutionary split in the ankylosaur family tree.
Characteristics of Stegouros elengassen
Stegouros elengassen was a herbivore that walked on all fours and measured less than two feet tall and seven feet long. It had less body armor and more slender limbs than other ankylosaurs.
The dinosaur’s most distinctive feature is its tail, which has been compared to an Aztec war club called a macuahuitl. The fused, spiked tail may have been encased in razor-sharp sheets of keratin, giving it a formidable weapon.
Evolutionary Significance
The discovery of Stegouros elengassen sheds light on the early evolution of ankylosaurs. Early ankylosaurs found in the northern hemisphere did not have tail clubs, while later specimens developed tails made of stiffened vertebrae that formed a blunt hammer shape.
Stegouros elengassen’s unique tail suggests that it may represent an early evolutionary branch of armored dinosaurs that diverged from the main ankylosaur lineage when the supercontinent Pangea drifted apart. This split may have led to the development of distinct ankylosaur lineages in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Implications for Ongoing Research
The discovery of Stegouros elengassen highlights the importance of continued research on ankylosaurs, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. Researchers suggest that there may be an entire lineage of ankylosaurs yet to be discovered in what used to be Gondwana, the southern supercontinent that existed during the Jurassic era.
Further study of Stegouros elengassen and other ankylosaurs from the Southern Hemisphere will help paleontologists understand the evolutionary relationships between these armored dinosaurs and their adaptation to different environments.
Unveiling the World of Armored Dinosaurs
On December 1, the fossilized remains of Stegouros elengassen were presented to the world at the University of Chile. This discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of ankylosaurs, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of these ancient armored creatures.