Stegosaurus is without doubt one of the most recognisable dinosaurs, for one most important purpose: the large, triangle-shaped plates lining its neck, again and tail. They're organized in two rows of alternating pairs, and on the tip of the tail, they transition right into a line of foreboding spikes, every greater than 30cm lengthy. The most important plates, positioned over the again and hips, are the dimensions of espresso tables.
Seen in aspect view, Stegosaurus cuts a singular profile. However it's hardly alone – such plates are a defining characteristic of a wider group referred to as the stegosaurs, comprised of Stegosaurus and its closest fossil family like Kentrosaurus and Huayangosaurus.
Ever for the reason that first Stegosaurus skeletons have been present in western North America in the course of the ‘Bone Wars’ of the 1870s, palaeontologists have debated the perform of the plates. One thought was that they have been defensive constructions – armour to fend off the bites of the hatchet-skulled apex predator Allosaurus. Nonetheless, some questioned whether or not protecting plating sticking up from the again, slightly than guarding the flanks, would truly be efficient.
Extra just lately, researchers have posited different explanations. Stegosaurs fluctuate extensively within the measurement, form and distribution of their plates, which hints that they might have been used as show constructions, to suggest species membership, entice mates, or intimidate rivals. Histological skinny sections of the plates present their outer layer is engulfed with channels for blood vessels and nerves, which can have enabled them to behave as photo voltaic panels and warmth dumps, to assist management metabolism.
Nonetheless, the dense vascularisation might have merely been used to assist the sheath that when coated the bony plate – fabricated from keratin, the identical stuff as our fingernails – develop quickly and even change color, which might be helpful for show.
Though there isn't any agency reply, it appears show and maybe thermoregulation are extra possible capabilities than defence.
Learn extra:
- What was the primary dinosaur?
- Did all dinosaurs have feathers?
- At their peak, what number of dinosaurs roamed Earth?
- How did dinosaurs mate?
Requested by: Anna Patton, Derby
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