Triceratops

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Triceratops is a type of herbivorous ceratopsid dinosaur that first emerged during the late Maastrichtian phase of the late Cretaceous period, around 68 million years ago in what is now North America. It was one of the last known non-avian dinosaur genera to exist and became extinct in the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event at 66 million years ago. The term Triceratops means "three-horned face" and is derived from the Greek words τρί- (tri-) meaning "three", κέρας (kéras) meaning "horn", and ὤψ (ops) meaning "face". Carrying a large bony frill and three horns on its four-legged body, Triceratops shares similarities with the modern rhinoceros. It is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs of all time and the best known ceratopsid. It coexisted with Tyrannosaurus in North America, although it is uncertain whether they ever battled each other. The exact placement of the Triceratops genus within the ceratopsid family has been debated by paleontologists for many years. Two species, T. horridus and T. prorsus, are considered to be valid. However, there have been numerous other species named that have not gained widespread acceptance. Research published in 2010 suggested that Torosaurus, a ceratopsid dinosaur long regarded as a separate genus, represents Triceratops in its mature form. This theory was quickly disputed by experts and further examination of fossil evidence is required to settle the debate. Triceratops has been documented through numerous remains collected since it was first described in 1889. These remains include at least one complete individual skeleton. Paleontologist John Scannella observed that it's hard not to stumble upon a Triceratops skeleton when exploring the Hell Creek Formation. In this area, forty-seven complete or partial skulls were discovered from 2000 to 2010. The functions of the frills and three facial horns on Triceratops' head have been the subject of much debate. Traditionally, these features have been viewed as defensive weapons against predators. However, more recent theories suggest that they were primarily used for identification, courtship displays, and dominance displays, similar to the antlers and horns of modern animals such as reindeer, mountain goats, or rhinoceros beetles. The theory would receive additional support if it was proven that Torosaurus is the mature form of Triceratops. This would mean that the frill developed holes (fenestrae) as individuals reached maturity, making the structure more useful for display than defense.