Triceratops were the most common kind in western North America and Canada. These dinosaurs were one of the last dinosaurs to roam the Western Interior. They lived in the late Cretaceous period, around 145.5 - 65.5 million years ago. Fossils of this species are most commonly recovered in the uppermost Cretaceous deposits of western North America. The first specimen, found in 1887, was mistaken for an extinct species of bison. On further inspection, they realized it was a dinosaur. It was officially named “triceratops” by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1889.
On average, adult triceratops could grow up to 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, and could weigh up to 6 tons. Its pubis bone pointed backward to support the large stomachs for vegetation. Triceratops walked with their four legs positioned under them, rather than the sides. The beak and closely packed grinding teeth on this herbivorous dinosaur helped it to chew the vegetation, like shrubs, trees, and cycads. The beak crunched on tough parts of vegetation, while the teeth grinded up the pieces. …show more content…
The nose horn is short and thick, and the 2 long brow horns are curved and can grow more than 3 feet in length. In juvenile triceratops, all three horns were stubby, and they didn’t point forward until they fully matured. The triceratops’ large frill is made of solid bone, and are 3 feet wide. The frill regulates body temperature, attracts mates, and sometimes protects its neck from