Pachyrhinosaurus is an extinct genus of ceratopsian dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 67 million years ago. Its name means "thick-nosed lizard", which refers to the distinctive feature of this species.
Pachyrhinosaurus was characterized by having a large, robust skull with a thick nose and enlarged nasal organs, which formed bony structures called "antlers" at the front of the skull. These antlers varied in shape and size depending on the species and were more pronounced in males than in females.
Its body was bulky and covered in scales and bony plates called osteoderms. It had four stout legs and a long tail. Pachyrhinosaurus is estimated to have been around 6 meters in length and weighed around 4 tons, making it one of the largest ceratopsians.
Unlike other ceratopsians, such as Triceratops, Pachyrhinosaurus lacked horns on top of its skull. Instead, it featured bony protrusions and, in some species, a large bony crest on the back of the skull. It is believed that these structures may have had a display function to attract mates or intimidate competitors.
The Pachyrhinosaurus was a herbivore, feeding mainly on low plants, ferns, and conifers. It probably lived in herds and is thought to have had a similar social structure to other ceratopsian dinosaurs.
Pachyrhinosaurus fossils have been found in North America, mainly in Canada and Alaska.
Approximate measurements of the Pachyrhinosaurus:
Pachyrhinosaurus was characterized by having a large, robust skull with a thick nose and enlarged nasal organs, which formed bony structures called "antlers" at the front of the skull. These antlers varied in shape and size depending on the species and were more pronounced in males than in females.
Its body was bulky and covered in scales and bony plates called osteoderms. It had four stout legs and a long tail. Pachyrhinosaurus is estimated to have been around 6 meters in length and weighed around 4 tons, making it one of the largest ceratopsians.
Unlike other ceratopsians, such as Triceratops, Pachyrhinosaurus lacked horns on top of its skull. Instead, it featured bony protrusions and, in some species, a large bony crest on the back of the skull. It is believed that these structures may have had a display function to attract mates or intimidate competitors.
The Pachyrhinosaurus was a herbivore, feeding mainly on low plants, ferns, and conifers. It probably lived in herds and is thought to have had a similar social structure to other ceratopsian dinosaurs.
Pachyrhinosaurus fossils have been found in North America, mainly in Canada and Alaska.
Approximate measurements of the Pachyrhinosaurus:
- 1:35 scale - 160 mm long (Pachyrhinosaurus in two pieces)
