The Small but Mighty Dinosaur
Meet Protoceratops, a fascinating dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, around 75 to 70 million years ago!
| Meaning | First horned face [Proto-cera-t-ops] |
| Pronunciation | pro-toe-SER-uh-tops |
| When: | Late Cretaceous (about 75–71 million years ago) |
| Where: | Asia (notably in Mongolia) |
| What: | Ceratopsian (small quadrupedal herbivorous dinosaur) |
| Weight: | Approximately 120–180 kg (265–400 pounds) |
| Length: | About 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) |
| Diet: | Herbivorous (ate cycads and other low-lying plants) |
| Discovered: | First described by Walter Granger and William King Gregory in 1923 |
Protoceratops was a small herbivore, about the size of a sheep, known for its distinct frill at the back of its head and strong, beak-like mouth.
Although it lacked the large horns of its famous relatives like Triceratops, Protoceratops had a bony frill that protected its neck and possibly helped attract mates.
This dinosaur roamed the ancient landscapes of what is now Mongolia, where it lived in herds and fed on tough, low-lying plants.
Imagine Protoceratops moving through dusty deserts and grassy plains, using its sharp beak to clip off and munch on vegetation.
The discovery of Protoceratops fossils, including nests and eggs, provides valuable insights into dinosaur parenting and social behavior.