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

，目前为止， 剑龙科动物容易辨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， 翼龙身上发的盾片可能已经融合成一个坚固的保护层，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，盾片下面的肋骨结合之前融合一起。