A long-standing puzzle involving dozens of unusually small dinosaur fossils has finally been resolved. Specimens once believed to represent a miniature species of armored dinosaur have now been identified as young ankylosaurs. This discovery is giving researchers a clearer picture of how these heavily armored dinosaurs grew and developed. Liaoningosaurus Fossils Confused Scientists for Decades The fossils belong to a species called Liaoningosaurus paradoxus , a name that reflects the confusion it has caused. Since its initial description in 2001, it has been classified as an ankylosaur, a group known for their tough, armored bodies. However, every known fossil of this species has been surprisingly small, measuring no more than 40 centimeters in length. That size is far below what scientists expect for adult ankylosaurs, which often grow to three meters or longer. Because no larger specimens have ever been found, some researchers proposed that this might represent a rare case of a miniature ankylosaur.…