Crittendenceratops
Herbivore·Late Cretaceous·Arizona·Quadrupedal
Crittendenceratops is a genus of horned dinosaur belonging to the Centrosaurinae subfamily, known from the late Campanian Fort Crittenden Formation in Arizona. It is distinguished by unique bony flanges on its frill and represents the first formally named dinosaur from its formation.
Key Facts
- ›Crittendenceratops is a centrosaurine ceratopsid dinosaur.
- ›It lived during the late Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period.
- ›Fossils were discovered in the Fort Crittenden Formation of Arizona.
- ›The genus is characterized by forward-curving, hook-like flanges on its frill.
- ›It is the first dinosaur taxon from the Fort Crittenden Formation to be formally named.
- ›Crittendenceratops belongs to the tribe Nasutoceratopsini.
- Forward-curving, hook-like flanges on the central portion of the top of the frill.
- Extensive epiparietals along the sides of the parietal portion of the frill.
- Thickening of the frill in the parietal portion.
- Short, pronounced ridge on the surface of the squamosal portion of the frill.
Avaceratops, Nasutoceratops, Yehuecauhceratops
North America
About Crittendenceratops
Crittendenceratops is a genus of horned dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the late Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period. Its fossils have been unearthed in Arizona, specifically within the Fort Crittenden Formation. This discovery marked a significant milestone as Crittendenceratops is the first dinosaur taxon from this formation to receive a formal scientific name.
Classification and Features
Crittendenceratops belongs to the Centrosaurinae subfamily of ceratopsid dinosaurs and was placed within the tribe Nasutoceratopsini by researchers in 2018. This grouping also includes other well-known genera like Avaceratops, Nasutoceratops, and Yehuecauhceratops. The genus is distinguished by several unique anatomical features, particularly on its frill. These include forward-curving, hook-like flanges along the central part of the frill's top, extensive epiparietals adorning the sides of the parietal section of the frill, a noticeable thickening of the frill in the parietal region, and a short, prominent ridge on the squamosal portion of the frill. These characteristics provide valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of horned dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Crittendenceratops mean?
The name Crittendenceratops means "horned face from the Fort Crittenden Formation." This name reflects both its distinctive horned appearance and the geological formation where its fossils were found.
Where was Crittendenceratops discovered?
Fossils of Crittendenceratops were discovered in the Fort Crittenden Formation, located in Arizona.
What geological period did Crittendenceratops live in?
Crittendenceratops lived during the late Campanian, a stage within the Late Cretaceous epoch.
What are the key distinguishing features of Crittendenceratops?
Crittendenceratops is recognized by forward-curving, hook-like flanges on the central part of its frill, extensive epiparietals along the sides of the parietal portion of the frill, a thickened parietal frill, and a short, pronounced ridge on the squamosal portion of the frill.
What group of dinosaurs does Crittendenceratops belong to?
Crittendenceratops is classified as a centrosaurine ceratopsid dinosaur. Specifically, it belongs to the tribe Nasutoceratopsini, which also includes genera like Avaceratops, Nasutoceratops, and Yehuecauhceratops.
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