Triceratops free essay sample

Paleontologist John Scannella observed: It is hard to walk out into the  Hell Creek Formation  and not stumble upon a  Triceratops  weathering out of a hillside. Forty-seven complete or partial skulls were discovered in just that area during the decade 2000–2010. [7]  Specimens representing life stages from hatchling to adult have been found. [8] The function of the frills and three distinctive facial horns has long inspired debate. Traditionally these have been viewed as defensive weapons against predators. More recent theories, noting the presence of blood vessels in the skull bones of ceratopsids, find it more probable that these features were primarily used in identification,  courtship  and dominance displays, much like the  antlers  and horns of modern  reindeer,  mountain goats, or  rhinoceros beetles. [9]  The theory finds additional support if  Torosaurus  represents the mature form ofTriceratops, as this would mean the frill also developed holes (fenestrae) as individuals reached maturity, rendering the structure more useful for display than defense. We will write a custom essay sample on Triceratops or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page [4]