Facts About TRICERATOPS

Triceratops was a large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. It was one of the last dinosaurs to exist before the mass extinction event.

The name Triceratops means "three-horned face," referring to the three distinctive horns on its head—two large horns above the eyes and one smaller horn on the snout. These horns could reach lengths of up to 3 feet and were likely used for defense and display.

Triceratops had a large bony frill extending from the back of its skull, which may have been used for protection, temperature regulation, or species recognition. Adult Triceratops could weigh up to 12 tons and measure around 30 feet in length.

Despite its impressive size and horns, Triceratops was a plant-eater that fed on low-growing vegetation. Fossil evidence suggests Triceratops lived in herds, which would have provided protection for younger members of the group.