Sinoceratops
SY-no-SAIR-a-tops
The ceratopsian dinosaur Sinoceratops existed in China around 73m years ago, and is easily identifiable thanks to the large horn on its snout. This genus can grow up to 8.1m in length and weigh as much as two tons, while the eye-catching frill above its neck helps it to attract mates. The name Sinoceratops is derived from its appearance and its environment, translating to ‘Chinese horned face’.
Discovery
Sinoceratops was the first ceratopsid to be discovered in China, when a partial skull was excavated from the Xingezhuang Formation, Shandong in 2008 – a significant find, showing that ceratopsian dinosaurs may have migrated from North America to Asia. Further specimens have been found in the same location, allowing researcher Xu Xing to name the genus Sinoceratops formally.
Palaeoecology
Sinoceratops roamed China during the Late Cretaceous period, gravitating towards wetlands, marshes and rivers where low-lying vegetation such as ferns and plants was more plentiful. It shared its environment with numerous dinosaurs including the predator Zhuchengtyrannus, although once fully grown it was able to defend itself from attack.
Information
- Era
- Late Cretaceous
- Family
- Ceratopsidae
- Genus
- Sinoceratops
- Height
- 4.2M
- Length
- 8.1M
- Weight
- 2T
- Diet
- Ground Paleobotany
- Egg batch size
- 1 - 3
