Kentrosaurus aethiopicus
The dinosaur above sports something known as a Thagomizer! A distinctive arrangement of four to ten spikes found on the tails of stegosaurid dinosaurs. These spikes are believed to have been a defensive measure against predators.
Glad we don’t run into these today!
The name Thagomizer was coined by cartoonist and creator of The Far Side, Gary Larson in a 1982 comic strip. It has been used in research and education ever since.
The caption under this image is hard to read. The original caption that went with the cartoon was:
“Now this end is called the thagomizer … after the late Thag Simmons.”
Well done Mr. Larson!
Photo Credits
Kentrosaurus aethiopicus – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Thagomizer – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Farside By Gary Larson – Wikipedia Fair Use
Be sure to check out Gary Larson’s The Far Side site!
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Excellent photos and interesting articles…..thanks…..larry
Hey Larry!
Thanks for popping in. Glad you enjoyed the site
Have a great week!
Gileeeeeeeee