Late Cretaceous, 76.4-75.6 million years ago
An armored dinosaur like Ankylosaurus, Euoplocephalus (“well-armed head”) lived up to its named. In fact, most of its body was well-armed! Hardened scales called osteoderms formed bands of flexible armor along its back, and its head and shoulders featured defensive spikes. Meanwhile, its low, wide stance kept its vulnerable belly close to the ground, and its heavy, clubbed tail warded off predators. It even had armored eyelids! Whereas many herbivores traveled in herds for safety, Euoplocephalus’s iron-clad defenses allowed it to safely push away its family and friends.