Coahuilaceratops
Coahuilaceratops is a genus of chasmosaurine ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in what is now northern Mexico during the early Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch. Named for its "horned face from Coahuila," this dinosaur is known for its large horns, comparable in size to those of Triceratops and Torosaurus.
Key Facts
- ›Lived during the early Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch.
- ›Fossils were discovered in northern Mexico.
- ›Known for its large horns, similar in size to Triceratops.
- ›Its name means "horned face from Coahuila."
- ›First dinosaur described from the Cerro Huerta Formation.
- Estimated length of 6.7 meters.
- Estimated height at shoulders and hips of 1.8 to 2.1 meters.
- Skull length of approximately 1.8 meters.
- Horns measuring 0.91 to 1.22 meters.
- Hyperrobust horn morphology.
Triceratopsini, Anchiceratops, Arrhinoceratops, Triceratops, Pentaceratops, Agujaceratops, Bravoceratops, Sierraceratops
Mexico
About Coahuilaceratops
Coahuilaceratops is a genus of chasmosaurine ceratopsian dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the early Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 71.5 to 70.5 million years ago. Its fossilized remains have been unearthed in what is now northern Mexico, making it a significant find for understanding dinosaur diversity in that region.
Discovery and Naming
The fossils of Coahuilaceratops were first discovered in 2001 near Porvenir de Jalpa in Coahuila, Mexico, with excavations continuing in 2003. The deposits were initially attributed to the Cerro del Pueblo Formation but were later reassigned to the overlying Cerro Huerta Formation in a 2024 revision, establishing Coahuilaceratops as the first dinosaur described from this formation. The scientific name, Coahuilaceratops magnacuerna, was formally published in 2010 by a team of paleontologists. The genus name honors the state of Coahuila and incorporates the common ceratopsian suffix "-ceratops" (horned face). The species name, "magnacuerna," is derived from Latin and Spanish words meaning "great horn," highlighting a prominent feature of this dinosaur.
Description and Physical Characteristics
Coahuilaceratops was a large, herbivorous dinosaur characterized by its formidable cranial ornamentation. Estimates suggest an adult individual reached about 6.7 meters (22 feet) in length and stood 1.8 to 2.1 meters (6 to 7 feet) tall at the shoulders and hips. It possessed a substantial skull, measuring approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet) long, and was adorned with impressive horns that could extend 0.91 to 1.22 meters (3 to 4 feet). The absolute size of these horns is comparable to those found on other large chasmosaurine ceratopsians such as Triceratops and Torosaurus. The horn morphology of Coahuilaceratops is noted for its hyperrobustness, showing less constriction in its distal region compared to some other ceratopsians and bearing resemblance to large specimens of Pentaceratops.
Classification and Paleoecology
Phylogenetic analyses place Coahuilaceratops within the chasmosaurine subfamily of ceratopsian dinosaurs. Early analyses positioned it in a polytomy with Anchiceratops and Arrhinoceratops, forming a sister clade to the Triceratopsini. Later studies have continued to explore its relationships, suggesting it forms a clade with Bravoceratops and Sierraceratops, potentially representing a group endemic to southern Laramidia. As a herbivore, Coahuilaceratops likely played a role in shaping the vegetation of its Late Cretaceous environment in what is now Mexico.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Coahuilaceratops mean?
The name Coahuilaceratops combines "Coahuila," the state in Mexico where it was found, with the Ancient Greek suffix "-ceratops," meaning "horned face." This reflects its distinctive cranial ornamentation and geographic origin.
When did Coahuilaceratops live?
Coahuilaceratops lived during the early Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 71.5 to 70.5 million years ago.
Where were Coahuilaceratops fossils found?
Fossils of Coahuilaceratops were discovered in northern Mexico, specifically near the town of Porvenir de Jalpa in the state of Coahuila.
What were the physical characteristics of Coahuilaceratops?
An adult Coahuilaceratops is estimated to have been about 6.7 meters (22 ft) long, with a 1.8-meter (6 ft) skull and impressive horns measuring 0.91 to 1.22 meters (3 to 4 ft). Estimates for its weight vary, with some suggesting around 4 to 5 tons.
How large were the horns of Coahuilaceratops?
The horns of Coahuilaceratops were notably large, with absolute size comparable to the horns of the largest chasmosaurines like Triceratops and Torosaurus. Their robust morphology is also reminiscent of large Pentaceratops specimens.
Related Dinosaur species
Acantholipan
Acantholipan is a genus of herbivorous nodosaurid dinosaur discovered in Mexico. It lived during the early Santonian age of the Late Cretaceous period and is known from fragmentary fossils, including a partial skeleton with osteoderms. Acantholipan gonzalezi is the type species, named in honor of paleontologist Arturo Homero González-González.
Coahuilasaurus
Coahuilasaurus is an extinct genus of kritosaurin ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Coahuila, Mexico. Known from fragmentary skull bones, it was a large dinosaur, estimated to be 8-9 meters long and weighing over 4 metric tons. The genus name honors the region of its discovery, while the species name recognizes the Lipan Apache tribe.
Abditosaurus
Abditosaurus is an extinct genus of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Catalonia, Spain. It is known from the most complete titanosaur skeleton ever discovered in Europe, representing a large species that inhabited the Ibero-Armorican Island. Phylogenetic analyses suggest it was related to South American and African saltasaurines, distinguishing it from other European dwarf sauropods.