Chasmosaurus russelli is a species of ceratopsian dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago, in what is now North America. This herbivore belongs to the genus Chasmosaurus, known for its distinctive horns and large bony frill at the back of its skull.
Chasmosaurus russelli is distinguished from other species of the same genus by several details in its cranial anatomy. It had a large, elongated steering wheel with large openings, which probably served both for display and defense. The edge of the frill was adorned with small osteoderms, which are bone nodules that added a more ornate appearance. Its horns above the eyes were relatively short and pointed forward, while the nasal horn was small and more rudimentary compared to other ceratopsians.
The body of Chasmosaurus russelli was robust and voluminous, weighing an estimated several tons. It had short, strong limbs, adapted to support its large body mass. Like other ceratopsians, it was a quadruped that moved slowly, grazing on the low vegetation in its environment.
The discovery and study of Chasmosaurus russelli have provided important insights into the diversity and evolution of ceratopsians in the Late Cretaceous. Its fossil remains, found primarily in the Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada, allow paleontologists to better understand the morphological variability within the genus Chasmosaurus and the ecology of herbivorous dinosaurs of that era. This dinosaur not only stands out for its spectacular cranial structure, but also for its role in the ecosystem as a large herbivore, possibly being part of large herds that roamed ancient landscapes in search of food.
Approximate measurements of the Chasmosaurus:
Chasmosaurus russelli is distinguished from other species of the same genus by several details in its cranial anatomy. It had a large, elongated steering wheel with large openings, which probably served both for display and defense. The edge of the frill was adorned with small osteoderms, which are bone nodules that added a more ornate appearance. Its horns above the eyes were relatively short and pointed forward, while the nasal horn was small and more rudimentary compared to other ceratopsians.
The body of Chasmosaurus russelli was robust and voluminous, weighing an estimated several tons. It had short, strong limbs, adapted to support its large body mass. Like other ceratopsians, it was a quadruped that moved slowly, grazing on the low vegetation in its environment.
The discovery and study of Chasmosaurus russelli have provided important insights into the diversity and evolution of ceratopsians in the Late Cretaceous. Its fossil remains, found primarily in the Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada, allow paleontologists to better understand the morphological variability within the genus Chasmosaurus and the ecology of herbivorous dinosaurs of that era. This dinosaur not only stands out for its spectacular cranial structure, but also for its role in the ecosystem as a large herbivore, possibly being part of large herds that roamed ancient landscapes in search of food.
Approximate measurements of the Chasmosaurus:
- 1:35 scale Two-piece assembly kit
- Length 123mm
- Height 55mm
- Snout-tail length 129 mm
- 1:20 scale Two-piece assembly kit
- Length 215mm
- Height 96mm
- Snout-tail length 225 mm
