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Dinosaurs: Ankylosaurus (Fused Lizard)
Last updated: 15th Feb 2025 Ankylosaurus was a large, heavily armoured, plant-eating dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 70 to 66 million years ago. It was one of the last and largest members of the Ankylosaurid family, known for their distinctive armor and tail clubs. Length: Ankylosaurus could grow up to 7.5 to 10.7 meters (25 to 35 feet) long. Weight: They weighed around 3 to 4 tons, similar to a medium-sized truck. Ankylosaurus had a heavily armoured body with thick bony plates fused into its leathery skin. It had two rows of spikes along its body and large horns projecting from the back of its head. Even its eyelids were protected by bony plates! The tail ended in a heavy, club-like structure made of seven fused bones, used for defense - probably to
defend itself against some of the ferocious predators that lived at the same
time (These predators included Tarbosaurus, Deinonychus and the infamous Tyrannosaurus). Ankylosaurus walked on four short legs, with the front legs being shorter than the rear ones. Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here. Ankylosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it only ate plants. It had a broad, toothless beak for snipping leaves, and its jaws contained rows of teeth suitable for chewing plant material. Fossils of Ankylosaurus have been found on every continent except Africa, particularly in North America. They lived in areas with dense vegetation that provided plenty of food. • Ankylosaurus means "fused lizard" because of the bony plates fused together in its skin. • It belonged to a group of armoured dinosaurs called Ankylosaurids, known for their heavily armoured bodies and club-like tails. • Ankylosaurus was nearly as hard to attack as a military tank, despite being slow. • Their tail club was so powerful it could break the bones of predators like ancient crocodile relatives. • Scientists believe Ankylosaurus couldn't move any faster than a human walking speed, about three miles an hour. What is Ankylosaurus?
How big was Ankylosaurus?
Appearance
AnkylosaurusWhat did Ankylosaurus eat?
Where did Ankylosaurus live?
Interesting facts
Pronounced: an-KY-low-SAW-rus
Ankylosaurus Facts
Name Means: "Fused Lizard"
Length: 7.5 to 10.7 meters (25 to 35 feet)
Height: 5 feet (1.8 m)
Weight: 4 tons (3,500 kg)
Diet: Herbivore (Plants)
Time: Late Cretaceous - 70 million years ago
Habitat: Forests
Fossils Found: Western North America, South America
Ankylosaurus belonged to a family of dinosaurs called Ankylosaurids. This group is known for their heavy armour and tail clubs. They are part of the order Ornithischia, which includes bird-hipped dinosaurs.
Ankylosaurus was a quadruped, meaning it walked on four legs. Its strong legs and armoured body made it well-suited for moving through dense vegetation.
Ankylosaurus had several unique features:
• Armoured body: Thick bony plates fused into its skin, with spikes and large horns.
• Tail club: The tail ended in a heavy, club-like structure used for defense.
• Bony eyelids: Even its eyes were protected by bony plates.
Q1: What is an Ankylosaurus?
A1: Ankylosaurus was a large, armored dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 68 to 66 million years ago. It is known for its heavy armor and club-like tail.
Q2: How big was the Ankylosaurus?
A2: Ankylosaurus could grow up to 6-8 meters (20-26 feet) long and weigh around 4-6 tons, making it one of the largest armored dinosaurs.
Q3: What did Ankylosaurus eat?
A3: Ankylosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants. It likely fed on low-lying vegetation such as ferns and shrubs.
Q4: How did Ankylosaurus protect itself from predators?
A4: Ankylosaurus had thick, bony plates covering its body and a large, bony club at the end of its tail. It used these features to defend itself against predators like the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Q5: Where have Ankylosaurus fossils been found?
A5: Fossils of Ankylosaurus have been discovered in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.
Q6: What makes Ankylosaurus unique among dinosaurs?
A6: Ankylosaurus is unique because of its extensive armor and its tail club, which it could swing to deliver powerful blows to predators.
Q7: How do scientists learn about Ankylosaurus?
A7: Scientists study fossils, including bones and sometimes skin impressions, to learn about Ankylosaurus. They also compare these fossils to those of other dinosaurs to understand its place in the dinosaur family tree.
Q8: Did Ankylosaurus live alone or in groups?
A8: It's not entirely clear, but some scientists believe Ankylosaurus may have lived in small groups or alone, based on the fossil evidence.
Q9: What new discoveries have been made about Ankylosaurus?
A9: Recent discoveries have shown that ankylosaurs, including Ankylosaurus, were more diverse than previously thought, with new species being found in places like China and the Isle of Wight.
Q10: Why is Ankylosaurus important to study?
A10: Studying Ankylosaurus helps scientists understand more about the diversity of life during the Late Cretaceous period and how these amazing creatures adapted to their environments.
Which family of Dinosaurs did Ankylosaurus belong to?
How did Ankylosaurus move?
What were the unique features of Ankylosaurus?
Ankylosaurus FAQ
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