Chasmosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Marginocephalia · Infraorder: Ceratopsia · Family: Ceratopsidae
Chasmosaurus is one of the best known ceratopsians, because many more specimens have been discovered since the first remains were found in Alberta, Canada in 1901. Chasmosaurus had a small horn on its nose and two upward-curving horns on its brow. Its impressive frill is fairly fragile, making it relatively ineffective as a defense. It may have been used for intimidation.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chasmosaurus mean?
The name Chasmosaurus means “Cleft Lizard”. It is pronounced KAZ-muh-SAWR-us.
When did Chasmosaurus live?
Chasmosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Chasmosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Chasmosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Chasmosaurus?
Chasmosaurus was about 17 feet (5.2 meters) long, around 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, weighing up to 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Ceratopsidae family.
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