honey bee

The discovery and description of Borealopelta markmitchelli was a significant moment in the study of dinosaurs. Several other dinosaur species have been preserved with such detail that their coloration can be determined, (mostly by comparing the pigment structure of fossilized dinosaur feathers with those of modern birds) yet at about the size of a modern rhinoceros, Borealopelta is by far the largest. At first glance, one might think that a heavily-armored, multi-ton animal would rely on its size, spikes, and plates to deter predators. Borealopelta was a reddish-brown on top, fading into a lighter shade on its belly. This form of countershading is a common pattern seen in many modern animals that rely on camouflage as their primary means of defense. It seems that Borealopelta was just as reliant on coloration as it was on size and armor in protection from predators. Perhaps it was being preyed upon enough that it needed the extra protection of this coloration in its forested habitat. Although Borealopelta may have weighed as much as three tons, the top predators of their time were carcharodontosaurids like Acrocanthosaurus, which could weigh twice as much and had muscular arms each ending in three meat-hook claws. To deter such a monstrous predator, Borealopelta may have needed a combination of spikes, armor, and camouflage to keep safe. Then again, maybe they just wanted to be left alone. To munch their long lives away in the shadowy forests of Early Cretaceous Canada. Sounds pretty good if you ask me.

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