Kentrosaurus (Kentrosaurus aethiopicus) means spiky lizard. It lived 161 to 145 million years ago in the Upper Jurassic Period and was probably an herbivore. Its bones were found at Tendaguru. The purpose and function of the conspicuous spikes on its back has remained a matter of speculation. Researchers cannot agree whether they were they deterred enemies, regulated body temperature or served communication with other dinosaurs.