A examine has proven that the well-preserved fossil of a nodosaur, a plant-eating dinosaur, may face up to the power of a high-speed automotive crash. The fossil, found in Alberta, Canada, belongs to Borealopelta markmitchelli , a species that lived round 110 million years in the past through the Early Cretaceous interval. This fossil is likely one of the best-preserved dinosaur specimens ever discovered, providing unprecedented insights into the defensive capabilities of the nodosaur’s armour.
Examine Insights from Knowledgeable Researchers
The analysis, led by biomechanical paleontologist Dr. Michael Habib from UCLA, revealed that the keratin sheaths protecting the nodosaur’s bony spikes have been considerably thicker than initially thought. The thickness of the keratin layer on the fossil was measured at almost 16 centimetres in some areas, a lot thicker than the keratin present in modern-day animals like cattle horns. This keratin, mixed with bony spikes, supplied an exceptionally robust defence.
In accordance to Dr. Habib, the power of the nodosaur’s armour was such that it may face up to over 125,000 joules of power per sq. metre—equal to the power from a high-speed automotive collision. The analysis highlighted that this armour was a defence in opposition to predators however it additionally seemingly performed a job in fight between males of the identical species.
Diversifications for Flexibility and Safety
The examine additional advised that the nodosaur’s armour, consisting of a versatile keratin layer, allowed for larger mobility and safety. If the keratin was broken, it could possibly be shed, providing a fast restoration mechanism in comparison with brittle bone armour that would crack below influence. The presence of keratin would even have allowed the dinosaur to struggle successfully with its rivals, which may have been essential in mating battles.
The fossil’s outstanding preservation has led to additional insights into the armour of different dinosaur species, with researchers suggesting that comparable diversifications may need been widespread amongst armoured dinosaurs.
