Scientists aren’t a hundred percent sure as to why they varied so much between each species but one theory is that it could have allowed different species to recognise each other. These dinosaurs all had large horns on the end of their noses, short and much more shapely neck frills and some particular species had large spines around the top of the neck fril.Įach of the ceratopsidae or ceratopsids had frills which is of course common in these types of dinosaurs, however what’s fascinating about this particular species of Ceratopsians is that for each separate species the frills varied massively. This large group featured some of the most fascinating horned dinosaurs that ever walked the earth. Triceratops and Styracosaurus were part of a sub family of Ceratopsians called Ceratopsidae or ceratopsids. It is also theorised that these frills in some species of Ceratopsians may have been brightly coloured. Now, that could mean from mating perspective to attract females or to ascertain dominance from a rival male (for example). Other theories around so much variation in the frills could have also been around mating, and due to resounding evidence around these animals living in herds could have been used to mark male and female dominance.
Some scientists believe that these frills were used in defense against large theropods however, this theory in the case of Ceratopsidae or ceratopsids is that some of the frills were pretty fragile, and would not have given any protection against an attack. The purpose even to this day is not entirely clear. The second theory around the usage of the frills was for display purposes. First hypothesis is that the head frills were to protect the neck area from large carnivores theropods. It is hypothesised that these large frills might have served more than one purpose.
Though the heads of Ceratopsians varied from sub family or subspecies they each had horns and a frill. To this day, fossilised remains of Triceratops in the West of the USA are the most common discoveries in areas with rocky terrain that dates back to the Cretaceous period. Some lesser-known Ceratopsians discoveries have only uncovered the skull, which is often the opposite case for many dinosaur skeleton discoveries. The skulls of particular species of dinosaur are often the best-preserved parts of the body, due to the sheer size and density of the bone found on the head of Ceratopsians. It wouldn’t be until 1887 that American palaeontologist, Othniel Charles Marsh discovered the instantly recognisable Triceratops. These larger bones allowed scientists to forensically study this dinosaur in much greater detail. Hayden in 1872 uncovered several much larger bones. The teeth of this Ceratopsians weren’t identified as belonging to a dinosaur of this species until much later.ĭuring another expedition again led by F.V. Unfortunately, at this time only teeth were discovered.
Hayden who was leading an expedition at the time. Ceratopsians were first discovered in Montana, USA in 1855 by American geologist F.V.
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