6 meters long and a killer tail: paleontologists discover a new species of giant armored dinosaurs
Paleontologists have identified a new species of giant armored dinosaurs weighing more than 3 tons. These giants with a body length of 6 meters had a dangerous tail that was their deadly weapon.
The fossils were found in sediments dated to about 84-72 million years ago. According to the researchers, it may be "the largest member of the genus Ankylosaurus ever found in China," TheSun writes.
The found dinosaurs had a body length of 6 meters.
Source: Alamy
The new dinosaur was named Huaxiazhoulong shouwen. According to paleontologists, the fossil was found in good condition, with vertebrae, ribs, limb bones, and tail bones preserved. The dinosaur's powerful shoulder blades indicate well-developed shoulder muscles.
In addition, Huaxiazhoulong has its own unique ischium, which forms the lower part of the thigh. This indicates powerful legs that could run fast, the researchers say.
However, the scientists were most impressed by the super-powerful tail of the found dinosaur. Given the asymmetrical mace of the tail limb, this animal could have had an excellent swing direction – hitting left and right.
Thanks to its tail, Huaxiazhoulong could repel the attack of a large predator.
Source: Alamy
Despite the fact that Huaxiazhoulong could knock down large predators with its powerful tail, it was a herbivore. It belonged to the ankylosaur family, known for its strong shells and mace-like tail.
According to paleontologists, ankylosaurs lived about 165-66 million years ago. They were four-legged dinosaurs that had bone plates embedded in their skin and incredibly strong limbs to support their weight.
Ankylosaurs lived in North America, Asia, and Europe during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.
Source: Alamy
According to the researchers, the discovery of the new Huaxiazhoulong species allows for a new understanding of the diversity of dinosaurs of the late Cretaceous period.
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