Triceratops

Triceratops is easy to recognize because of its three horns. Its name actually means "three-horned face." This dinosaur lived about 68 million years ago. It shared its world with T. Rex!

Built Like a Tank

Triceratops was about 30 feet long and weighed up to 12 tons. That is as heavy as two elephants! It had a large bony frill behind its head. The two long horns above its eyes could be over 3 feet long. It also had a shorter horn on its nose.

A Peaceful Plant Eater

Triceratops ate plants like ferns and shrubs. It had a hard beak like a parrot to snip off tough plants. Behind the beak were hundreds of small teeth for chewing. Scientists think Triceratops may have lived in herds for protection from predators.

Fun Facts

• Triceratops fossils have been found with bite marks from T. Rex teeth.
• Its frill may have changed color to attract mates or scare enemies.
• Triceratops is the state dinosaur of Wyoming.

Did You Know?

Triceratops was one of the very last dinosaurs alive before the great extinction 66 million years ago. Its skull alone could be over 7 feet long!