Pachyrhinosaurus
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Marginocephalia · Infraorder: Ceratopsia · Family: Ceratopsidae
Found in Alaska and Alberta, Canada, Pachyrhinosaurushad a large oval plate of bone on its nose instead of a horn. Rival males may have used their horns in butting combat to establish dominance within the herd. The horns may also have been used for defense against the carnosaurs that stalked them.
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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 Pachyrhinosaurus mean?
The name Pachyrhinosaurus means “Thick-nosed Lizard”. It is pronounced PAK-ee-rye-no-SAWR-us.
When did Pachyrhinosaurus live?
Pachyrhinosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Pachyrhinosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Pachyrhinosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Pachyrhinosaurus?
Pachyrhinosaurus was about 23 feet (7 meters) long, around 11 feet (3.5 meters) tall, weighing up to 8,000 pounds (3,630 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Ceratopsidae family.
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