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Name: Protoceratops
Pronunciation: pro-toe-Sair-o-tops Translation: First Horned Face Diet: Herbivore Height: 3 feet (1 meter) Length: 6 feet (1.5 meters) Weight: 500 Lbs. (225 kg.) Location: Asia Time: Late Cretaceous Period (82MYA) |
Protoceratops was an early member of the ceratopsian family; the same group that later included dinosaurs like Styracosaurus, Pachyrhinosaurus, and the famous Triceratops. Despite its much smaller stature, Protoceratops was a very successful dinosaur that was able to thrive for many millions of years.
Many fossils of Protoceratops have been discovered, so many in fact that paleontologists have a detailed understanding of what the dinosaur looked like as it matured from a hatchling to an adult. Fossils of their frills suggest that they were too weak to be used as armor, unlike the frills of later ceratopsians, and were likely used for display or intimidation.
Despite lacking the armor of its descendants, Protoceratops could still fend off attackers with its powerful beak. One of the most famous fossils ever discovered showcases a Protoceratops locked in battle with a Velociraptor. Despite being stabbed by sharp talons, the Protoceratops bit down on the wrist of the carnivore and broke it. However there was no winner, as both dinosaurs were buried in the middle of their fight, likely by a sandstorm or mudslide, preserving them together, the raptor's talon still embedded in the Protoceratops, which also still had the raptor's broken hand in its mouth.
Many fossils of Protoceratops have been discovered, so many in fact that paleontologists have a detailed understanding of what the dinosaur looked like as it matured from a hatchling to an adult. Fossils of their frills suggest that they were too weak to be used as armor, unlike the frills of later ceratopsians, and were likely used for display or intimidation.
Despite lacking the armor of its descendants, Protoceratops could still fend off attackers with its powerful beak. One of the most famous fossils ever discovered showcases a Protoceratops locked in battle with a Velociraptor. Despite being stabbed by sharp talons, the Protoceratops bit down on the wrist of the carnivore and broke it. However there was no winner, as both dinosaurs were buried in the middle of their fight, likely by a sandstorm or mudslide, preserving them together, the raptor's talon still embedded in the Protoceratops, which also still had the raptor's broken hand in its mouth.