Pachyrhinosaurus

Pachyrhinosaurus was an atypical ceratopsian, in that it did not have well developed horns.

Ceratopsians, or horned dinosaurs, were among the last dinosaur groups to evolve. Large and powerful, they may have ranged in herd across the North American interior. Their great variety of horns and neck frills may have protected them from predators but may also have been used to threaten rivals of their own species.

Unlike its famous cousin, Triceratops, Pachyrhinosaurus did not have well developed horns over the nose and eyes. Instead, the horn cores spread across the top of the skull to form massive busses or buttresses of bone.

In the early 1960s a skull was excavated by local collectors near Bleriot Ferry. This is one of two Pachyrhinosaurus skulls known. Today, this site is used by our Day Digs programme.

This document was prepared by Wayne Hortensius, Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society. All information © 1995 Royal Tyrrell Museum. All Rights Reserved.
Updated: April 8, 1995

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