Hedgehog Dinosaur

Published: 29th Oct 2014

An Ankylosaur dinosaur has been given a new name – Zaraapelta nomadis. The dinosaur was first discovered in Mongolia in 2000 and was described as an ankylosaur. Now 14 years later scientists have recognised that it has enough distinctive features to be a species in its own right. Hence the name Zaraapelta which is a combination of the Mongolian and Greek meaning “hedgehog” and “shield”.

Zaraapelta had very distinctive horns and an elaborate pattern of bumps and grooves behind the eyes to set it apart from other ankylosaurs. As with other ankylosaurs Zaraapelta had a huge club on the end of its tail and was an herbivore.

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