Ankylosaurus defends against T-Rex

Ankylosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 66 million years ago, making it a fascinating subject of study for paleontologists. This armoured dinosaur, famous for its unique defensive adaptations, had bony plates covering its body that acted as natural armor against predators and a heavy club at the end of its tail, which it could use effectively in defense.

Although it’s the most well-known ankylosaur, it is notably one of the least understood because no complete skeleton has ever been found.

Nevertheless, paleontologists have uncovered enough fossil remains to suggest that Ankylosaurus might have been one of the largest ankylosaurs to roam the earth, potentially weighing over 6 tons and reaching lengths of up to 30 feet.

The first Ankylosaurus bones were discovered in 1906 in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, led by the renowned paleontologist Barnum Brown, the same scientist who discovered the formidable Tyrannosaurus Rex.

These fossils were incomplete, and the distinctive tail club was discovered later, adding to the intrigue surrounding this dinosaur.

Barnum and his team found several pieces of armor that were not originally attached to the main skeleton, which complicates our understanding of the overall structure and appearance of Ankylosaurus.

Even now, how Ankylosaurus’ back armor was arranged and how these formidable plates functioned remains a topic of ongoing research, with scientists exploring whether the armour provided flexibility or rigidity, and what implications this had for the dinosaur’s behavior and ecological niche within its ancient environment.

Standing at over eight feet tall and up to thirty feet long this was no small dinosaur. Although the model is from a bargain sale store and not from one of the “to scale” (pun intended) it is about the right size.

Our bewildered big game hunter is shown for size approximation.

One of the biggies tomorrow!