An ankylosaur is a type of herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 66 to 68 million years ago. It belonged to a group of armored dinosaurs characterized by their heavily armored bodies and unique anatomical features. The name "ankylosaur" derives from the Greek words "ankylos," meaning fused or stiffened, and "saurus," meaning lizard, which accurately describes their rigid and shield-like exoskeleton.
Ankylosaurs were quadrupedal creatures with a low-slung body and a bulky appearance. They were equipped with a dense layer of bony plates, known as osteoderms, covering their backs, sides, and even parts of their undersides, providing them significant protection against predators. Additionally, these armored dinosaurs had a highly specialized tail, often referred to as a "tail club." The tail club consisted of several fused vertebrae and was used as a defensive weapon to fend off attackers.
Furthermore, ankylosaurs possessed a unique dentition, featuring a combination of beak-like jaws at the front and cheek teeth at the back. This dental arrangement suggests that they had a varied diet, incorporating tough plant material such as leaves and possibly even fruits or seeds.
Ankylosaurs were widespread throughout the continents that make up today's North America, Asia, and Europe. Their fossils have been discovered in various locations, offering valuable insights into the anatomy, behavior, and ecological role of these heavily armored dinosaurs.
