nodosauridae

Nodosauridae is an extinct family of ankylosaurian dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period. These herbivores were characterized by their extensive armor plating, which covered their bodies in the form of bony scutes and spikes, providing protection against predators. Nodosaurids were quadrupedal, with stocky bodies and short, stout legs. Unlike their close relatives, the nodosaurids generally lacked tail clubs. Instead, their tails were more flexible and often adorned with spikes.

The family Nodosauridae is diverse, with many genera and species described from fossils found across the globe, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Antarctica. Notable members include Nodosaurus, Ankylosaurus (though sometimes classified outside Nodosauridae), Edmontonia, and Panoplosaurus. Their diet consisted of low-lying vegetation, which they likely processed with their relatively simple teeth. The exact function of their varied armor, from broad plates to conical spikes, is believed to have been primarily defensive, possibly also playing a role in species recognition or thermoregulation. The study of nodosaurids provides valuable insights into the evolution of dinosaurian armor and defensive strategies during the Mesozoic Era.