Many creatures are known for their distinctive horned appearance, giving them a unique and often peculiar look. While dinosaurs have long been extinct, studying fossils can reveal fascinating insights into these ancient animals. This article explores 10 dinosaurs within h horns, shedding light on what made each of them remarkable and distinct.
Dinosaurs with horns
1. Carnotaurus
Carnotaurus is a unique genus of horned dinosaurs, represented by a single species, Carnotaurus sastrei. This carnivorous dinosaur, native to Late Cretaceous South America, is distinct for its lack of feathers and upright, bipedal stance. With only one well-preserved fossil known, Carnotaurus sastrei stood approximately 29 feet tall (9 meters) and weighed about 3309 lbs (1500 kgs). Its notable features include a small head with a short snout and horns above each eye. Likely preying on small to large animals, including Sauropods, Carnotaurus may have used its horns for hunting or defence. Impressions of its scaly skin suggest a lizard-like texture.
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Image Source: Wikimedia
2. Torosaurus
The Torosaurus, a Ceratopsidae dinosaur genus with distinctive horns, thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, encompassing two known species: T. latus and T. utahensis. Considered exceedingly rare, only seven fossils of Torosaurus have been discovered. Initially mistaken for triceratops due to similarities in their fossilized skulls, extensive research on their skeletal structures eventually distinguished them as separate species. Torosaurus was a sizable Ceratopsian, weighing up to 13,000 lbs (5896 kg) and measuring approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters) in length. Characterized by a head size of about 9 feet long (2.7 meters), they bore two large horns and a substantial frill above their eyes. Ongoing discoveries may further explain the distinction and characteristics of this intriguing species.
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3. Achelousaurus
These dinosaurs were first identified by Jack Horner in 1987. The Achelousaurus is a Ceratopsian species that thrived during the late Cretaceous period. They were discovered in Montana and these dinosaurs roamed across present-day North America. As herbivores, they relied on their size and horns for protection. Fossil discoveries suggest they travelled in herds. Despite not being the largest Ceratopsians, Achelousaurus measured about 20 feet in length and weighed around 6,600 lbs (2993.71 kg). This species lacked brow horns but sported prominent horns on the top of its frill. Additionally, it featured a large bony knob on its nose and a beaked mouth.
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Image Source: Wikimedia
4. Machairoceratops
During the Late Cretaceous period, the Machairoceratops were among the horned dinosaurs that roamed the earth. Belonging to the Ceratopsidae family, akin to many other horned dinosaurs, Machairoceratops inhabited North America, with its fossils discovered in southern Utah. Its name, a blend of Greek words meaning “bent sword” and “honoured face,” reflects its distinct features. Growing up to 26 feet (8 meters) long and weighing between 2,000 to 4,000 lbs, this dinosaur’s skeleton was primarily identified through its incomplete skull. Machairoceratops sported horns over its eyes and a curved crest on its head.
Image Source: Devianart
5. Albertaceratops
Albertaceratops, a Ceratopsian dinosaur, derived its name from the location of its discovery in Alberta, Canada. Knowledge of this species stems from the unearthing of two fossils. Existing during the late Cretaceous period, Albertaceratops were herbivorous quadrupeds. Measuring approximately 19 feet (5.7 meters) in length, they weighed around 7,700 lbs (3492 kgs). This dinosaur featured long brown horns and a large frill. Their bird-like beak facilitated herbivorous feeding, while a bony knob adorned their nose. The horns on their head likely served purposes such as duelling or display. Albertaceratops’ discovery enriches our understanding of the diverse dinosaur fauna that once roamed North America.
Image Source: Wikimedia
6. Pachyrhinosaurus
The Pachyrhinosaurus, a horned dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous era, is known for its unique features. Three distinct species are recognized: P. canadensis, P. lakustai, and P. perotorum. These herbivores roamed North America, often in herds. Unlike typical Ceratopsians, Pachyrhinosaurus had a prominent bony lump on its nose, distinguishing it. Despite smaller facial horns, they possessed large frills with smaller horn-like structures on their heads. Fossils frequently indicate group travel. They reached lengths of about 26 feet (7.9 meters) and weighed up to 8,800 lbs (3991 kgs). The Pachyrhinosaurus’ unique nasal feature sets it apart from other horned dinosaurs, making it a subject of significant interest in palaeontology.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Pentaceratops
Pentaceratops, one of the world’s largest-skulled animals, possessed a skull that could reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 meters). This sizable member of the Ceratopsidae family grew to around 25 feet (7.62 meters) in length. Renowned for its impressive skull adorned with five horns, Pentaceratops is a distinctive dinosaur. Fossil discoveries of this species have been scarce, with most found in the San Juan Basin in New Mexico. As a herbivore, Pentaceratops primarily fed on low-lying plant material. Its sharp beak was well-suited for consuming large plants such as ferns and conifers. Pentaceratops thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 83.5 to 66 million years ago, and inhabited North America.
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Image Source: Wikimedia
8. Avaceratops
Avaceratops, among the smallest Ceratopsidae dinosaurs known, measured approximately 7.5 to 12 feet (2.3 to 4.2 meters) in length as adults. Fossils of this species were uncovered in Montana, indicating their presence in group settings across North America. Like other Ceratopsians, Avaceratops reproduced by laying eggs and subsisted on a herbivorous diet. Given their diminutive size compared to other North American Ceratopsians, they likely fell prey to larger predatory species. The discovery of fossils alongside other dinosaurs suggests social behaviour within their species. Avaceratops’ small size adds an intriguing layer to the diversity and ecological dynamics of Late Cretaceous fauna.
Image Source: Wikimedia
9. Kosmoceratops
Kosmoceratops, meaning “ornate horned face” in Greek, is renowned for its plethora of horns, making it the dinosaur with the most horns. This species thrived approximately 76 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period in present-day North America, specifically in Southern Utah’s Escalante National Monument. With a total of 15 horns, these features were primarily ornamental rather than functional for combat.
The horns likely served to attract mates and deter rival dinosaurs. Of the 15 horns, 10 adorned the frill atop the Kosmoceratops’ head, with an additional horn positioned above each eye. Despite its impressive horn arrangement, the Kosmoceratops’ frill was comparatively smaller than other Ceratops dinosaurs. This large species measured around 15 feet in length (5 meters), with its skull alone towering 6 feet tall (1.8 meters). Feeding exclusively on plants, the estimated weight of the Kosmoceratops was 2.5 tonnes (5511.56 lbs).
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Image Source: Wikimedia
10. Triceratops
The Triceratops, renowned for the Cretaceous era of North America, is a prominent member of the Ceratopsidae family, encompassing two known species: Triceratops horridus and Triceratops prorsus. Reaching lengths of approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters) and standing about 9.8 feet (2.9 meters) tall when fully grown, they boasted a distinctive frilled head adorned with horns protruding from their nose and above their eyes. These horns, extending up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length, served dual purposes of duelling and defence against other dinosaurs. The Triceratops’ formidable appearance and behaviour contribute to its enduring recognition in popular culture and paleontological study.
Image Source: Wikimedia
These are the 10 types of dinosaurs with horns on planet Earth. Kindly share and do post your comments.
