Triceratops horridus

Triceratops, meaning “three-horned face,” is a genus of large, herbivorous ceratopsid dinosaurs that roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. Recognized for its distinctive features, Triceratops possessed a massive skull adorned with a bony frill at the back and three prominent facial horns—two above the eyes and one on the nose. These physical characteristics have made it one of the most iconic and well-known dinosaurs. 

Adult Triceratops were formidable in size, measuring up to 9 meters (30 feet) in length and weighing between 6 to 12 tons. Their sturdy, quadrupedal build was supported by robust limbs, and they featured a parrot-like beak used for clipping vegetation. The large frill and horns have been subjects of extensive study, with theories suggesting they served various purposes, including defense against predators like Tyrannosaurus rex, display during mating rituals, and species recognition. 

Fossil evidence indicates that Triceratops primarily inhabited regions that are now the western United States and Canada, with numerous specimens unearthed in the Hell Creek Formation, spanning areas of Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. These fossils have provided significant insights into the anatomy and behavior of Triceratops, contributing to its status as one of the most extensively studied dinosaurs. 

The discovery of a partially healed Triceratops horn with bite marks matching those of Tyrannosaurus suggests that encounters between these two species occurred, and that some Triceratops individuals survived such attacks. 

In recent years, Triceratops fossils have garnered significant attention in the auction market. Notably, a specimen known as “Big John,” the largest Triceratops skeleton discovered to date, was sold at auction in 2021 for €6.6 million (approximately US$7.7 million). This high-profile sale reflects the growing interest in dinosaur fossils among private collectors and has sparked discussions about the implications of private ownership for scientific research. 

The enduring popularity of Triceratops is evident in its frequent representation in media, literature, and museum exhibits, where it continues to captivate the public’s imagination and contribute to our understanding of prehistoric life.