Microceratops
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Marginocephalia · Infraorder: Ceratopsia · Family: Protoceratopsidae
Found in China, Microceratops is the smallest known horned dinosaur. A protoceratopsid, it probably resembled Protoceratops and Leptoceratops but the upper forelimb and hind limb bones of Microceratops are more slender. The entire hind limb is unusually long for a bird-hipped dinosaur when compared with the length of its trunk suggesting thatMicroceratops was capable of running on two legs. Its long forelimbs may have been used when walking on all fours.
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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 Microceratops mean?
The name Microceratops means “Tiny Horned Face”. It is pronounced my-kro-SAIR-uh-tops.
When did Microceratops live?
Microceratops lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Microceratops a carnivore or a herbivore?
Microceratops was a herbivore.
How big was Microceratops?
Microceratops was about 30 inches (0.8 meters) long, around 18 inches (.6 meters) tall, weighing up to 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Protoceratopsidae family.
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