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Plated and Armoured Dinosaurs
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The plated dinosaurs developed in the Jurassic period. These dinosaurs had a double row of plates and spines along their backs. They may have been used for armour, or they may have regulated the body's temperature. The dinosaur could have warmed its blood by turning the plates to the sun or cooled it by holding up the plates in the wind.
The true armoured dinosaurs evolved in the late Cretaceous period. These had barrel-shaped bodies and their backs were covered with armour.
(A) LOW PLATES
Wuherosaurus, from China, had plates that were long and low. But it did have some fierce spines along its tail.
(B) THE SPINIEST
Kentrosaurus had long spines and very narrow plates. It had a pair of spines that stuck out over its hips.
(C) THE BIGGEST
Stegosauru was 7.3 metres long and was the biggest of the plated dinosaurs. This dinosaur is also one of the best known.
(D) SMALL PLATES
Another Chinese form, Tuojiangosaurus, had small conical plates all along its back.
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Book:
Prehistoric Life
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Section:
Prehistoric
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Chapter:
Plated and Armoured Dinosaurs
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