Dino LessonZuul is an ankylosaurine dinosaur, estimated to have reached about 6 m in length. The generic name is after the monster dog from the 1984 film Ghostbusters. The species name, crurivastator, translates as "destroyer of shins." This naming refers to a presumed defensive tactic of ankylosaurids, smashing the lower legs of attacking predatory theropods with their tail clubs. However, recent research found damage to osteoderms on Zuul's flank consistent with injuries that would be sustained from a blow from a fellow ankylosaur. This observation promotes the hypothosis that the tail clubs could have been used for intraspecies combat, likely while fighting for a mate.
2024-02-18 17:09:56 +0000