Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurid dinosaur genus from the Late Cretaceous Period

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Not to be confused with Ankylosuchus

Ankylosaurus is a renowned genus of armored dinosaur, with fossils unearthed from geological formations that pertain to the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago, in the western regions of North America. This makes Ankylosaurus one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist. The genus was initiated by Barnum Brown and is monotypic, containing merely A. magniventris. The term 'Ankylosaurus' translates to "fused" or "bent lizard," while 'magniventris' breaks down to "great belly." While several specimens have been uncovered, a complete skeleton of Ankylosaurus remains elusive. Despite other ankylosaurs showcasing more extensive fossil records, Ankylosaurus stands out as the quintessential representative of its group, albeit with some distinctive anatomical features.

Regarded as potentially the largest ankylosaurid, the size of Ankylosaurus is estimated to reach lengths between 6 and 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) and a weight range of 4.8 to 8 tons. Its body was quadrupedal and notably robust, characterized by a broad build. The skull of Ankylosaurus was wide and low, adorned with two backward-facing horns at the rear, with another set of two horns beneath them pointing back and downwards. Unlike its kin, the nostrils of Ankylosaurus diverged from traditional placements, facing sideways rather than forward. The front of the jaw sported a beak, with rows of small, leaf-shaped teeth positioned behind it. Its body was enveloped in armor plates, known as osteoderms, with bony half-rings encasing the neck and a substantial tail club at the end. The fusing of bones in the skull and various body parts lent enhanced strength, a trait reflected in its genus nomenclature.

As a member of the family Ankylosauridae, Ankylosaurus' closest relatives include Anodontosaurus and Euoplocephalus. It is generally perceived as a slow-moving creature, though it could make swift movements when necessary. The broad muzzle indicates a diet involving non-selective browsing. The sinuses and nasal chambers present in its snout may have contributed to temperature regulation, hydration, or even played a role in vocal communications. Additionally, the club-like tail was presumably used as a means of defense against predators or during combat with others of its species. Fossils of Ankylosaurus have been located in various formations, including Hell Creek, Lance, Scollard, Frenchman, and Ferris, indicating it was likely rare in its ecosystem, seemingly occupying upland habitats exclusive of overlapping ranges with other ankylosaurs, such as nodosaurids. During its existence, Ankylosaurus cohabited with formidable dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, and Edmontosaurus.

History of Discovery

In , an expedition from the American Museum of Natural History, headed by paleontologist Barnum Brown, successfully identified the type specimen of Ankylosaurus magniventris (AMNH ) within the Hell Creek Formation, located near Gilbert Creek, Montana. This specific specimen, unearthed by collector Peter Kaisen, consisted of parts of the upper skull, two teeth, portions of the shoulder girdle, as well as cervical, dorsal, and caudal vertebrae, ribs, and over thirty armor plates known as osteoderms. Brown formally described the species in , deriving the generic name from Greek origins, referring to 'bent' or 'crooked' and 'lizard.' Thus, the name holds translation meanings such as "fused lizard" or "curved lizard." Furthermore, the specific name, magniventris, is derived from the Latin terms indicating its impressive body width.

During the reconstruction depicted alongside Brown’s description of Ankylosaurus, several missing components were restored based on hypotheses akin to Stegosaurus, likening it visually to the extinct armored mammal species Glyptodon. However, in contrast to the modern interpretations showcasing Ankylosaurus with a more natural posture, Brown's skeletal adaptations illustrated a more stooped form. Critiques arose from experts like Samuel Wendell Williston, arguing that the reconstruction hinged on an incomplete specimen base and that Ankylosaurus should merely be regarded as synonymous with the genus Stegopelta. Such claims regarding synonymy did not find traction among other researchers, and it was ultimately established that both genera remained separate entities.

Years later, in , another expedition led by Brown discovered further Ankylosaurus remains (AMNH ) within the Scollard Formation by the Red Deer River in Alberta, Canada. This prized specimen encompassed a complete skull, jaws, the first tail club associated with this genus, and various limb and vertebral bones. Additional significant skull and dental finds were interred further within the area, marking the largest acknowledged Ankylosaurus skull, albeit somewhat damaged. Fewer specimens exist compared to the well-recorded remnants of its relatives, challenging scientists in the consistent standing of knowledge regarding Ankylosaurus amidst its kin.

Description

The Ankylosaurus ranks as the largest identified ankylosaurine dinosaur, potentially the largest member of Ankylosauridae. In recent assessments, an identified skull measuring around 64.5 cm long corresponds to an approximate length of 6.25 m and a height of nearly 1.7 m at the hips. Contrastingly, smaller specimens totaled around 5.4 m in length and attached skull lengths vastly exceeded those of other known ankylosaurins. While estimates pointed towards Ankylosaurus ranging from 7.56 to 9.99 m in some larger instances, critical revisions prudently suggested a revised length of 8 m, which may represent a lower mass overall.

Skull Characteristics

The cranial structure of Ankylosaurus distinguishes itself from others, with the existing specimens showcasing notable variance likely attributable to fossilization and natural biological variations. The skull structure remained notably triangular, being considerably broad at its rear. The nasal architecture differed from relatives, identifying elliptical nostrils directed downward - a unique evolutionary deviation. The entire skull ornamentation further manifested through the presence of 'caputegulae,' or cranial elements that ornate the head and lend significant insight into its morphology.

Paleobiology

Dietary Habits

As an herbivorous dinosaur, Ankylosaurus fed upon low-growing vegetation and may have thrived on ferns and shrubs prevalent during its reign. The theory surrounding its diet posits a capability to consume nutritious fruits due to its adaptation of low-browse mechanisms. Although lacking the argumentative rigor suggested towards the chewing behavior, evidence indicates the animals might have thrived on a mixed vegetarian diet, potentially supplemented by small invertebrates.

Defense Mechanisms

The pronounced armor covering Ankylosaurus serves as an indicator of significant evolutionary defensive adaptations. The prominent tail club functioned as both a weapon and deterrent among predators, allowing formidable defense mechanisms against potential threats.

Cultural Impact

Within contemporary culture, Ankylosaurus represents a staple dinosaur recognized for its distinctive physical traits and strong defense mechanisms, commonly illustrated in many media formats. Its appearance in popular culture and modern cinema has positioned it as an iconic dinosaur, benefiting from the extensive fossil findings and rich history surrounding its existence.

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