Scelidosaurus

armored dinosaur · Jurassic · herbivore · spiky

Plated protector. Scelidosaurus had rows of bony plates and spikes covering its body from head to tail, making it look like a walking fortress. These bumpy defenses protected it from predators that roamed the Jurassic landscape.

Plant eater. This dinosaur was a strict vegetarian that used its small teeth to nibble on ferns, cycads, and other prehistoric plants. It spent most of its day wandering around looking for its next meal.

Early armor design. Scelidosaurus is one of the oldest known armored dinosaurs, showing that nature invented this super protective body plan way back in the Jurassic period. It paved the way for even heavier armored dinosaurs that came later.

England fossil. Scientists found Scelidosaurus fossils in Dorset, England, telling us this dinosaur roamed that part of the world millions of years ago. Studying these ancient remains helps us understand how dinosaurs evolved.