Scientists in China have discovered a juvenile dinosaur species covered in hollow, porcupine-like spikes, believed to have been used for defense and possibly temperature regulation, according to a study reported by Newsweek.
The dinosaur, named Haolong dongi, lived around 125 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. The fossil, found near Xiawujiazi village in Liaoning Province, is exceptionally well-preserved, allowing researchers to study individual cells and the structure of the spikes using X-ray scans and high-resolution microscopy.
The spikes were part of the dinosaur’s skin rather than its bones, and may also have served sensory functions, helping it detect environmental changes. H. dongi belongs to the Iguanodontia group, herbivorous dinosaurs known for their beak-like teeth and strong hind limbs.
Researchers noted that while these spikes are present in the juvenile specimen, it remains unclear if they persisted into adulthood. Further discoveries could provide additional insights into this unique adaptation.
The species is named in honor of Dong Zhiming, a leading Chinese vertebrate paleontologist. During H. dongi’s era, small carnivorous dinosaurs coexisted in the region, suggesting the spikes may have been a key defensive trait.
With inputs from NDTV