Spicamelus acurnfer: Morocco’s Middle Jurassic Ankylosaur That Redefined Dino Armor

Join us as we explore Spicamelus acurnfer, the world's oldest ankylosaur confirmed from Africa, whose armor is described as shockingly elaborate and who bears evidence of a tail club from the middle Jurassic. We unpack anatomical clues—handle vertebrae that stiffen the tail for swinging a heavy club—showing a weapon evolved well before previous timelines. The episode dives into armor microstructure, suggesting multiple roles beyond defense, including display and possible thermoregulation, and compares these traits with later ankylosaurs that show simpler armor. We also examine Morocco's rich trackway record that reveals a diverse Middle Jurassic ecosystem despite sparse body fossils, reshaping our understanding of African dinosaur evolution and the pace of ankylosaur innovation.

Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes. Please double-check any critical information.

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