Centrosaurus
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| Centrosaurus Fossil range: Late Cretaceous |
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The name Centrosaurus (pronounced /ˌsɛtroʊˈsɔrəs/ SEN-tro-SAW-rus) means "pointed lizard" (from Greek kentron/κεντρον = "point or prickle" + sauros/σαυρος = "lizard") is an herbivorous ceratopsian dinosaur from the late Cretaceous of North America, approximately 75 million years ago. The name refers to the series of small hornlets placed along the margin of the frill, and not to the horn on its nose (which was unknown when the dinosaur was named). It is not to be confused with Kentrosaurus.
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[edit] Description
Like other centrosaurines, Centrosaurus had a single large horn over the nose. It may curve forwards or backwards in different species. A pair of horns is also found over the eyes; in Centrosaurus apertus these are directed upwards, whereas they are directed to the sides in C. brinkmani. The frill of Centrosaurus was moderately long and its edge bore small hornlets which gave it a scalloped appearance. C. apertus is distinguished by having two large hornlets which hook forwards over the frill, while in C. brinkmani these hornlets are small and covered with small, finger-like growths. Centrosaurus massive body was borne by stocky limbs, although at 18-20 ft (6m) it was not a particularly large dinosaur.
[edit] Classification
Centrosaurus gives its name to the Centrosaurinae subfamily to which it belongs. Its closest relatives appear to be Styracosaurus and Monoclonius.
[edit] Palaeobiology
Like other Ceratopsidae, the jaws of Centrosaurus were designed to shear through tough plant material; the frill provided an attachment for large jaw muscles. Vast bonebeds of Centrosaurus are known from Dinosaur Provincial Park, in Alberta, Canada. Some of these beds extend for hundreds of meters and may contain thousands of individuals. They may represent a herd killed by a flood or other natural disaster.
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