Triceratops
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Marginocephalia · Infraorder: Ceratopsia · Family: Ceratopsidae
Found in Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Canada, Triceratops was the largest, heaviest, most common and best-known ceratopsian. Sixteen species have been assigned to Triceratops, although some scientists believe that only one species exists, and that the variations found between ceratopsian horns are similar to those found in modern horned animals such as cows. Its massive head had a deep, narrow, parrot-like beak with brow horns 3 feet (0.9 meters) long, and its frill could reach widthsof 7 feet (2.5 meters).
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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 Triceratops mean?
The name Triceratops means “Three-horned Face”. It is pronounced try-SAIR-uh-tops.
When did Triceratops live?
Triceratops lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Triceratops a carnivore or a herbivore?
Triceratops was a herbivore.
How big was Triceratops?
Triceratops was about 26 feet (7.9 meters) long, around 9.5 feet (2.9 meters) tall, weighing up to 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Ceratopsidae family.
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