Ceratopsid

/ˌsɛrəˈtɑpsɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of Ceratopsidae, a family of herbivorous dinosaurs with horns and bony frills on their heads, like Triceratops.

Etymology

From Greek 'keras' (horn) + 'opsis' (appearance) + '-id' (member of). The term was coined in the late 1800s when paleontologists recognized these dinosaurs shared a distinctive horn-and-frill body plan.

Kelly Says

Ceratopsids are one of the most successful dinosaur families ever—they thrived for over 100 million years and were finally wiped out by the same asteroid that killed T-Rex. Some scientists think their elaborate horns and frills were used like peacock feathers to attract mates and communicate with each other.

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