According to the best-preserved fossil specimens ever discovered, the armor of the Ankylosaur dinosaur could withstand the impact of a high-speed car accident.
The fossils of a armored dinosaur from the Nodosauridae family have revealed unprecedented details about their powerful armor, which could even withstand impacts from a high-speed car collision. This discovery is opening new perspectives on the protective and combat abilities of this dinosaur during the Cretaceous period.
Borealopelta markmitchelli is one of the most astonishing fossil discoveries of the 21st century. This dinosaur belongs to the Nodosauridae family, a group of armored dinosaurs known for their tough scales covering their bodies.
The fossil of the Nodosauridae named Borealopelta markmitchelli, a herbivore that lived about 110 to 112 million years ago, was discovered in Alberta, Canada, in 2017. It is considered one of the best-preserved fossils ever recorded. Scientists were able to analyze the keratin layer and bony spikes of the armor with remarkable detail. Typically, keratin – the material that makes up nails and hair – does not endure in fossils, making previous analyses rely solely on the underlying bone structure.
Thanks to this well-preserved fossil, researchers found that the keratin layer on the armor of Borealopelta markmitchelli is much thicker than previously thought. This keratin shell can reach a thickness of up to 16 cm, significantly thicker than the keratin found on the horns of modern animals, which is about 1.5 cm thick.
The remarkable aspect of Borealopelta is its nearly perfect preservation state. Skin, scales, and even some traces of soft tissue remain intact, providing scientists with an unprecedented detailed view of a dinosaur that lived millions of years ago.
Co-author of the study, paleontologist Michael Habib, stated that the armor of this Nodosauridae “could withstand an impact force equivalent to that of an F-150 truck accident“. It is calculated that the armor can handle up to 125,000 joules per square meter, demonstrating its superior protective capabilities against bites from gigantic predatory dinosaurs.
The thick armor, combined with the flexible keratin layer, helps prevent cracking under strong impacts. This not only aids in protecting the body from attacks by predators like Acrocanthosaurus but also serves as an advantage in conflicts between individuals of the same species. “They really do not just wear armor”, Habib noted, “but have an extra layer of bulletproof protection outside.”
Like other Nodosauridae species, Borealopelta possesses an extremely impressive armor. The tough scales cover its entire body, forming a solid shell that protects it from predators.
The habitat of Borealopelta was teeming with predatory dinosaurs capable of powerful bites, necessitating flexible armor to avoid easy damage. Additionally, the ability to regenerate the keratin layer also helps Nodosauridae maintain their armor without relying solely on the recovery of the underlying bones.
Habib believes that the strength of the armor could also be a sign of adaptation to cope with conflicts within the same species. “They might fight over territory or compete for mates,” he said. The question of whether this armor primarily served to fend off predators or was used in intraspecies disputes has long been a topic of debate. According to biologist Emma Schachner, this armor may have served the purpose of fighting with conspecifics, helping them protect themselves during conflicts.
Borealopelta is a large dinosaur species, estimated to be about 5.5 meters long and weighing around 1.3 tons. With its strong jaws and teeth adapted for grinding plant material, Borealopelta is a herbivore.
The results of this study also open new avenues of understanding regarding how other armored dinosaurs, such as Stegosaurus, might have utilized keratin. For horned dinosaurs, known for their armored faces and defensive features, it is likely that keratin played a more significant role in protection and offense than previously thought. As Habib remarked, “Horned dinosaurs very likely utilized more keratin in their protective models than we typically assume.”
The Borealopelta specimen provides us with deep insights into the lives of dinosaurs millions of years ago. Thanks to it, scientists can study in greater detail the bodily structure, diet, and behavior of this species.
This discovery is not only a step forward in understanding the armor of armored dinosaurs but also showcases the remarkable adaptive strength of prehistoric animals. Their armor was not merely a protective layer but also a tool that supported survival and success in a world rife with threats.
The special keratin armor of Borealopelta markmitchelli has created a shield not only against external threats but also symbolizes superior evolutionary capabilities, clearly demonstrating the wondrous power of nature and the ability to survive through the harsh challenges of history.
