[New Paleontology Theory] Prehistoric Armored Dinosaurs, Ankylosaurids, May Have Dug for Self-Defense

Spiky armor covering their backs and giant tail clubs that could smash rocks.
The dinosaurs of the “Ankylosauridae” family, representative herbivorous dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous period (about 84 to 72 million years ago), truly possessed an appearance fitting the name “walking fortresses.”

However, even these seemingly invincible creatures actually had a fatal weakness.
In this article, we will explain in detail the surprising latest research (a “digging” survival strategy that overturns established theories) that reveals how ankylosaurid dinosaurs protected their weakness and survived the harsh Cretaceous period.

The Fatal Weakness of the Walking Fortresses: A Soft “Underbelly”

Despite being clad in heavy armor, ankylosaurid dinosaurs had a weakness: a “soft underbelly” that was not covered by armor.
To protect themselves from ferocious, large carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, “how to avoid being flipped over and protect their bellies” was the crucial key that meant the difference between life and death.

For a long time, the established theory in paleontology was that when an enemy approached, they “simply lay flat on the ground and waited it out.”

Established Theory Overturned! “Digging” Skills Revealed by the Latest Research

However, unique research results that cast new doubt on that established theory have been published in the scientific journal “Scientific Reports.”
According to a research team led by Professor Yuong-Nam Lee of Seoul National University in South Korea, it is highly likely that ankylosaurid dinosaurs did not simply lie flat, but protected themselves by “digging into the ground themselves.”

Evidence of “Master Diggers” Told by Fossil Specimens

The research team conducted a detailed investigation of an ankylosaurid skeletal specimen (MPC-D 100/1359) discovered in the 1970s in the southern Gobi Desert of Mongolia (Barun Goyot Formation).
As a result, it was revealed that their anatomical features had a magnificent structure specialized for “digging.”

Shovel-like Forelimbs

The bones of their forelimbs were arranged in a shallow arch, forming a structure like an excavator that could efficiently scoop out soft dirt.

Powerful Anchors

It was a structure where several backbones (vertebrae) were fused, and the number of bones in the hind limbs was also small.
This played the role of an anchor, allowing them to brace and secure their bodies when digging into the ground or swinging their tails.

A Stable Core

Their stocky body shape, which was wide in the middle and narrowed at the front and back, provided the stability to keep their body balance straight even during vigorous excavation work.

Why Did They Dig Holes? An “Impregnable Fortress” and Survival Skills

So, what exactly were they digging the ground for?

“Absolute Defense” to Protect the Vulnerable Underbelly

The biggest reason was to lay out an “absolute defense formation.”
By crouching and sinking completely into a shallow hole they dug themselves, their sides and feet would be guarded by the earth.
In this trench-like state, it would be almost impossible for even the mightiest carnivorous dinosaurs to roll these heavily armed creatures over and target their vulnerable underbellies.
By digging their own holes, they were completing an “impregnable fortress.”

Survival Skills to Survive a Harsh Environment

Furthermore, it is speculated that this digging skill was highly useful not only for defense but also as a survival skill to make it through harsh natural conditions.

Securing Food

Digging up and eating highly nutritious “plant roots” located deep underground.

Securing Water

Locating hidden “water veins” beneath the surface in dry environments.

Nutritional Supplementation

Digging deep into sediments to supplement “minerals,” much like modern African elephants lick rock salt.

A Tough and Clever Survival Strategy

Because similar skeletal features are seen in other ankylosaurid dinosaurs, the research team concludes that it is highly likely this “digging ability” was a basic skill common to the entire group.

These armored dinosaurs survived the harsh Cretaceous period not just by relying on heavy armor and tail clubs, but by digging the earth with shovel-like feet to build their own fortresses.
We can only be amazed by their tough and clever survival strategy from tens of millions of years ago.