Ankylosaurus was an armored dinosaur that lived at the very end of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 68-66 million years ago, in western North America. It's estimated to have measured between 20 to 26 feet in length and weighed between 8,800 to 15,000 pounds (4.4 - 7.5 tons).
The armor of the Ankylosaurus was both lightweight and durable, providing resistance against the claws and teeth of predators. Even without its armor, this dinosaur would have been challenging to kill due to its very rotund body, which was wider than it was deep, making it challenging to flip over and attack its softer belly.
Its primary weapon was the tail club, capable of being swung laterally at 100 degrees, with the ability to break the bones of any assailant. In terms of diet, Ankylosaurus would have consumed around 130 pounds (60 kg) of ferns daily, similar to the amount of dry vegetation eaten by a large elephant.
Below is paleontologist Andrew A. Farke posing with a cast of an Ankylosaurus tail club at the Alf Museum in Claremont, California. Holding the real one would be impossible due to its significant weight.
The name "Ankylosaurus" means "fused lizard" in Greek, referencing the fusion of its bones, which provided added strength and protection.
Despite its popularity, only a few partial skeletons of Ankylosaurus have been discovered, which means there's still a lot to learn about this species.
Given its heavy armor and stout legs, Ankylosaurus probably wasn't a fast runner. Instead, it relied on its armor for protection.
While Ankylosaurus is the most famous, there are many species of armored dinosaurs (ankylosaurids) with varying sizes and armor patterns.
Ankylosaurus's tail club, which could be flung at a 100-degree angle, was an effective defensive tool, which is a fascinating detail about the dinosaur. With its tail club, Ankylosaurus could easily shatter the bones of any would-be attacker, giving it formidable armour.
Comments from online users;
1stEmilyParker
“The photo of paleontologist Andrew A. Farke with a cast of the Ankylosaurus tail club is a captivating glimpse into the world of paleontology and the incredible creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago”.
@Greenzy15 •
“Wow, Ankylosaurus was like a tank with a tail club!
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