The meaning of the name in Greek of this dinosaur is an indication of what it looks like. 'Tri' means three and 'ceratops' means horned face.
The Triceratops lived about 65 million years ago.
Besides from the T-Rex, this is the dinosaur that most people will recognize, because of the horned head. These two dinosaurs, according to some scientists. were enemies and the Triceratops had to use its horns to protect itself from the T-Rex who hunted it. Other scientists believe that it never happened.
These were very bid dinosaurs. They could reach a length of 8 meters and a height of about 3 meters and weighed 6 to 12 tonnes. The skull alone could grow over 2 meters.
Triceratops were herbivores, so even though they looked very scary, they ate plants and were most probably prey to other big dinosaurs.
They had a lot of teeth, anywhere between 400-800, but they were not all used. Only a few were used and constantly fell out and were replaced by new ones.
- How far did Andy travel back in time?
- Why do you think plant eaters stay in groups or herds?
- Describe in your own words what the Triceratops look like.
- Why do males fight with one another?
- What is the function of the bright colours on the blade of the Triceratop?
