The Dinosaur with a Thick Skull
Pachycephalosaurus was a remarkable dinosaur that lived about 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
| Meaning | Thick-headed lizard [Pachy–cephal-o-saurus] |
| Pronunciation | pak-ee-SEF-uh-lo-sore-us |
| When: | Late Cretaceous (about 70–65 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Alberta) |
| What: | Pachycephalosaur Pachycephalosaurid |
| Weight: | 450–1,000 kg (1,000–2,200 pounds) |
| Length: | 4.5–5.5 meters (15–18 feet) |
| Diet: | Herbivorous (ate plants, ferns, cycads) |
| Discovered: | 1931 (Charles W. Gilmore) |
It was known for its distinctive dome-shaped skull, which could be as thick as 10 inches!
This thick skull helped Pachycephalosaurus protect itself during battles with other dinosaurs and may have been used for head-butting contests during mating season.
Despite its powerful head, Pachycephalosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants like ferns and cycads.
It walked on two strong legs and had a long tail for balance.
Pachycephalosaurus lived in what is now North America and preferred open woodlands and plains.