Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurus was like a living tank. Its body was covered in thick, bony armor. It also had a huge club at the end of its tail. This dinosaur lived about 68 million years ago alongside T. Rex.

Built-In Armor

Ankylosaurus was about 25 feet long and weighed about 6 tons. Thick bony plates called osteoderms covered its back, head, and sides. Even its eyelids had armor! The only soft spot was its belly. To attack it, a predator would have to flip it over.

The Club Tail

The tail club of Ankylosaurus was made of solid bone. It could be over 2 feet wide. Ankylosaurus could swing this club with great force. Scientists think one hit could break a T. Rex's leg bone. Despite its weapons, Ankylosaurus only ate plants.

Fun Facts

• Ankylosaurus's tail club could swing with enough force to shatter bone.
• Its armor was so tough that even T. Rex teeth could not easily bite through it.
• Ankylosaurus had a special nose with winding airways that may have warmed the air it breathed.

Did You Know?

Ankylosaurus means "fused lizard" because many of its bones were fused together to make its armor extra strong. It was one of the last armored dinosaurs before the great extinction!