Kentrosaurus aethiopicus

Kentrosaurus aethiopicus was a compact, heavily armored stegosaur that browsed low-growing ferns and cycads across the coastal plains of Late Jurassic East Africa. Small triangular plates along its neck and upper back transitioned into paired rows of formidable spikes running down its lower spine and tail. Biomechanical studies indicate its mobile tail could whip sideways in wide defensive arcs, wielding sharp spikes capable of repelling large theropods.