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{This page is under construction.}. Triceratops is a genus of ceratopsid marginocephalian which lived during the late Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, around 68 to 65 million years ago (mya) in what is now North America. It was one of the last dinosaur genera to appear before the great Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.[1][2][3]

Bearing a large bony frill and three horns on its large four-legged body, Triceratops is one of the most recognizable of all dinosaurs. Although it shared the landscape with and was preyed upon by Tyrannosaurus rex, it is unclear whether the two battled the way they are commonly depicted in movies, children's dinosaur books and many cartoons.[4]

A 100% complete Triceratops skeleton has yet to be found; however, the animal is well-known from numerous complete (Meaning 65% or more.) specimens collected since the introduction of the genus in 1887. The function of their frills and three distinctive facial horns has long inspired debate. Although traditionally viewed as defensive weapons against predators, the latest theories claim that it is more probable that these features were used in courtship and dominance displays, much like the antlers and horns of modern reindeer, mountain goats, or rhinoceros beetles.

Popular Culture[]

Films[]

  • The 2010 animated film Toy Story 3 features Trixie, a new dinosaur toy.
  • The 2014 comedy film Night at the Museum 3: Secret of the Tomb features an angry skeletal triceratops. Lancelot later tames her and names her Trixie. In the epilogue she 'dances' with Rexy the T.rex skeleton.

References[]

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