Ankylosauria were a remarkable group of armored dinosaurs that thrived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Their most distinctive features were the extensive osteoderms—bony plates embedded in their skin—that formed a nearly impenetrable shield. These ankylosaurs were exclusively herbivorous, using their specialized teeth to process tough, fibrous plants. Some members of the group sported a massive tail club, a unique adaptation for active defense against predators.
- Ankylosauria means "fused lizards," referring to their rigid, armored bodies.
- They lived roughly between 160 and 66 million years ago.
- Their armor included plates, spikes, and sometimes a tail club for defense.
- They were slow-moving, quadrupedal herbivores.
Ankylosaurs lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
'Ankylosauria' means 'fused lizards,' referencing their armored bodies.
What is an Ankylosaur?
Ankylosaurs (Ankylosauria) were heavily armored, plant-eating dinosaurs characterized by their bony plates (osteoderms) and, in some species, a formidable tail club. This armor served as a defensive mechanism, protecting them from predators. They were slow, sturdy, quadrupedal herbivores, using their specialized teeth to graze on low-lying vegetation.
- Ankylosaurs are sometimes called "living tanks" due to their armor.
- Their fossil record shows adaptations for both defense and foraging.
- Tail clubs could deliver powerful blows to deter attackers.
The primary function of ankylosaur armor was protection from predators.
Ankylosaurs were herbivores.
Examples of Ankylosaurs: Ankylosauria
The Ankylosauria group includes some of the most iconic armored dinosaurs, such as Ankylosaurus, Nodosaurus, and Euoplocephalus. Ankylosaurus is famous for its massive tail club, while Nodosaurus lacked this feature but had large spikes along its sides for protection. Euoplocephalus combined heavy armor with a tail club, representing a well-armored and highly defensive design.
| Genus | Distinctive Features | Tail Club | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankylosaurus | Massive tail club, fused armor plates | Yes | Late Cretaceous |
| Nodosaurus | Prominent lateral spikes, no tail club | No | Early-Late Cretaceous |
| Euoplocephalus | Extensive armor, tail club, robust skull | Yes | Late Cretaceous |
- Ankylosaurus is considered one of the most heavily armored and last surviving ankylosaurs.
- Nodosaurus relied on spikes rather than a tail club for defense.
- Euoplocephalus fossils show one of the most complete ankylosaur assemblies.
Ankylosaurus had a famous tail club.
Not all ankylosaurs had tail clubs; some, like Nodosaurus, had spikes instead.
Ankylosaurs were armored "living tanks" that thrived from the Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous, using their unique defenses to survive in an era of fierce predators.
- Ankylosauria means "fused lizards," referring to their armored bodies.
- Their fossils span 160–66 million years ago, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Iconic genera like Ankylosaurus combined heavy armor with tail clubs for defense.
The main purpose of ankylosaur armor was defense against predators.
Ankylosaurs were heavily armored, herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Ankylosaurus is a well-known ankylosaur.