Ankylosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Thyreophora · Infraorder: Ankylosauria · Family: Ankylosauridae
The best known of the armored dinosaurs, Ankylosaurus was the last and largest of the ankylosaurids. Its tough skin was covered with bonyplates, and it could swing its formidably clubbed tail to render a predator lame. This dinosaur is known from fossils found in Montana and Alberta.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ankylosaurus mean?
The name Ankylosaurus means “Fused Lizard”. It is pronounced ang-KILE-uh-SAWR-us.
When did Ankylosaurus live?
Ankylosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Ankylosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Ankylosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Ankylosaurus?
Ankylosaurus was about 35 feet (10.6 meters) long, around 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall, weighing up to 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Ankylosauridae family.
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