Now, by far the most recognizable parts of a stegosaurid are the bony plates along its back, often called scutes.

现在，到目前为止， 剑龙科动物最认的部分是其背部的骨板，通常称为盾片。

The idea was that over time, the scutes found in pareiasaurs could have fused into a solid protective layer, eventually combining with the ribs to form a shell.

个想法是， 随着时间的推移， 在翼龙身上发现的盾片可能合成一个坚固的保护层，最终与肋骨结合形成一个外壳。

Keep in mind, this was basically the opposite of what the paleontologists were proposing — that the shell on top evolved from scutes that fused together before combining with the ribs below.

请记住，基本上与古生物学家的提议相反——顶部的壳是从盾片进化而来的，盾片在与下面的肋骨结合之前合在一起。