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Scientists unearthed the fossilized remains of *Spicomellus*, a 13-foot-long Jurassic dinosaur from Morocco. This ancient ankylosaur, dating back 165 million years, boasts incredibly unique armor—three-foot-long spikes and a neck collar of spines. Unlike later ankylosaurs, its extravagant armor likely served as both defense and a mating display. The discovery pushes back the timeline for ankylosaur tail weapons by 30 million years, challenging previous assumptions about their evolution. *Spicomellus* represents the oldest known ankylosaur, showcasing unexpectedly elaborate armor compared to its later relatives.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.