US Scientists discover new species of armored dinosaur

The skeleton of the dinosaur, found in Utah, United States , dates from 76 million years ago (Cretaceous Period).

The discoveries of the Mesozoic Era do not stop surprising humanity. A new species of armored dinosaur has been discovered in the United States, according to a study published by the scientific journal 'PeerJ'.

The remains of the new species, called 'Akainacephalus johnson', were found in 2008 in Utah, but researchers at the Utah Museum of Natural History have spent several years unearthing, observing and investigating the specimen.

The skeleton of the dinosaur dates from 76 million years ago (Cretaceous Period). The species, about 5 meters long, belonged to the ankylosaurid family (Ankylosauridae).

According to the inquiries about the 'Akainacephalus johnson', this quadruped herbivore had its body covered by an armor of bone plates. However, unlike the ankylosaurids that inhabited North America, this dinosaur had more similarities with the Asian species of the Ankylosauridae. 

"Most of the ankylosaurid armor in North America is relatively flat, but ('Akainacephalus johnson) has a very pointed and bulbous armor all over its head, which makes it unique," said Jelle Wiersma, lead author of the study, and Ph.D. student at James Cook University in Australia, quoted by ABC.