Name:
Centrosaurus (Greek for "pointed lizard"); pronounced SEN-tro-SORE-us
Habitat:
Woodlands of western North America
Historical Period:
Late Cretaceous (75 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 20 feet long and 3 tons
Diet:
Plants
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Single, long horn; large frill over head
About Centrosaurus:
It was probably too dumb to notice the difference, but Centrosaurus was definitely lacking when it came to its defensive armament: this ceratopsian had only a single long horn, compared to three for Triceratops and five for Pentaceratops. Like others of its breed, this herbivore's horn and large frill probably served dual purposes: the frill as a sexual display and (possibly) a way to dissipate heat, and the horn to head-butt other Centrosauruses and intimidate hungry carnivores.
