A spiky armoured dinosaur from Africa causes a rethink of ankylosaur evolution

The body of Spicomellus, an armoured dinosaur (ankylosaur) from Morocco, was covered in extravagant spines, including spikes measuring nearly one metre in length that extended from a bony collar around the dinosaur’s neck. This elaborate armour might have been used for display, challenging the current theory of why ankylosaurs evolved their extensive body armour. The unusual, elaborate armour might have evolved under sexual selection for display or fighting rivals.