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Dinosaurs A:Z | S

 

Dinosaurs: Styracosaurus (Spiked Lizard)

 

What is a Styracosaurus?

 

Styracosaurus was a large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, about 75 to 65 million years ago. Its name means "spiked lizard," which is a key feature that distinguishes it from other dinosaurs.

 

 

How big was Styracosaurus?

 

Length: Styracosaurus could grow up to 5.5 metres (18 feet) long.

Weight: These dinosaurs weighed around 3 tons, which is approximately the weight of a modern-day white rhinoceros.

 

 

Appearance

 

Styracosaurus had a distinctive look with a large frill at the back of its head adorned with six long spikes, and a single large horn on its nose. It also had smaller hornlets around the edge of its frill, making it one of the most visually striking ceratopsians.

 

Styracosaurus

 

Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.

 

 

What did Styracosaurus eat?

 

Styracosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it only ate plants. It had a beak-like mouth and specialised teeth that allowed it to shear through tough vegetation that other dinosaurs might not be able to eat.

 

 

Where did Styracosaurus live?

 

Fossil remains of Styracosaurus have been found in what is now Alberta, Canada. During the late Cretaceous period, this region was a part of a large, lush coastal plain that supported a diverse array of plant life.

 

 

Interesting facts

 

• Styracosaurus, with its impressive array of spikes, is related to other horned dinosaurs like Triceratops and Pentaceratops.
• Its large nasal horn and frill spikes might have been used to attract mates, intimidate rivals, or recognise members of its own species.
• Some scientists believe that Styracosaurus used its spikes and frill in social interactions, possibly for fighting over territory or mates.

 

Styracosaurus Facts Pronounced: sty-rack-oh-saw-rus Name Means: "Spiked Lizard" Length: 5.5 metres (18 feet) Weight: 3,000 kg (3 tons) Diet: Herbivore (Low-lying Plants) Time: Late Cretaceous -75 to 65 million years ago Habitat: Forests Fossils Found: North America, Canada

 

Which family of Dinosaurs did Styracosaurus belong to?

 

Styracosaurus was a member of the Ceratopsian family, a group of horned dinosaurs. This family also includes well-known dinosaurs like Triceratops, Protoceratops, and Pentaceratops.

 

 

What were the knobs, horns, and frill of a Styracosaurus for?

 

The exact function of the knobs, horns, and frill of Styracosaurus is unknown, but they may have been used for a combination of species recognition, competition between males, and defense against predators.

 

Defense: The horns and frill might have helped Styracosaurus fend off predators.

 

Social Display: These features could be used for visual communication, possibly to attract mates or establish dominance.

 

Species Recognition: The unique shape of the frill and placement of the knobs and horns could have helped Styracosaurus recognize each other.

 

Combat: Male Styracosaurus likely used their horns and frill in fights for territory or mating rights.

 

 

Styracosaurus FAQ

Q1: What is a Styracosaurus?

A1: Styracosaurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, around 75.5-74.5 million years ago. Its name means "spiked lizard" because of the long spikes on its frill.

 

Q2: How big was the Styracosaurus?

A2: Styracosaurus could grow up to 18 feet long and weigh around 1.8-2.7 tons. It stood about 5.9 feet tall at the hips.

 

Q3: What did Styracosaurus eat?

A3: Styracosaurus was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants. It likely fed on low-lying vegetation, using its beak to clip off leaves and stems.

 

Q4: Where did Styracosaurus live?

A4: Styracosaurus lived in what is now North America. Fossils have been found in Alberta, Canada, particularly in the Dinosaur Park Formation.

 

Q5: What makes Styracosaurus different from other dinosaurs?

A5: Styracosaurus is known for its distinctive frill with four to six long spikes and a single large horn on its nose. These features made it stand out among other ceratopsid dinosaurs.

 

Q6: How did Styracosaurus defend itself?

A6: Styracosaurus likely used its horns and frill to defend itself from predators. The horns could be used for stabbing, while the frill could protect its neck.

 

Q7: What did Styracosaurus look like?

A7: Styracosaurus had a large head with a single horn on its nose, a frill with long spikes, and a beak-like mouth. It had a bulky body, short legs, and a short tail.

 

Q8: Why is Styracosaurus important to scientists?

A8: Styracosaurus provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of ceratopsid dinosaurs. Its fossils help scientists understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy, and the environment of the Late Cretaceous.

 

Q9: Where can I see a Styracosaurus skeleton?

A9: You can see Styracosaurus skeletons in several museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta.

 

Q10: What is the significance of the name Styracosaurus?

A10: The name Styracosaurus means "spiked lizard," reflecting the long spikes on its frill. It was named by paleontologist Lawrence Lambe in 1913.

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