# Three-Horned-Face! (DD-201)

> Triceratops was a large plant-eating ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in western North America about 68 to 66 million years ago, at the very end of the Cretaceous, making it one of the last non-avian dinosaurs. Its name means 'three-horned face'. It had a long horn above each eye, a shorter horn on the nose, and a solid bony frill. Healed injuries on fossils suggest the horns were used in fights with rivals, and possibly in defense; the frill may have served for display. It cropped plants with a parrot-like beak. Adults grew to about 8 to 9 m long. The footage shows Triceratops reconstructions, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature (also Science)
- First published: 2024-01-27
- Last updated: 2024-01-27
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/three-horned-face/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-201-F01**: Triceratops lived about 68 to 66 million years ago. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (68 to 66 million years))_
- **DD-201-F02**: Its name means 'three-horned face'. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Name))_

## Write-up

Triceratops means 'three-horned face'. It was among the last non-avian dinosaurs.

1. **68 to 66 million years**: Triceratops lived about 68 to 66 million years ago.
2. **Name**: Its name means 'three-horned face'.
3. **Horns and frill**: It had three horns and a bony frill.
4. **Combat**: Injuries suggest horn fights.
5. **Beak**: It cropped plants with a beak.

## Related case files

- [Chicxulub Crater (DD-693)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/chicxulub-crater/): I linked the impact that ended the Cretaceous
- [The Cretaceous King (DD-202)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-cretaceous-king/): I paired it with the predator that shared its world

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Three-Horned-Face!: Triceratops Means 'Three-Horned Face'

- Duration: 36.1 s · Published: 2024-01-27
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C2n-URrJpVG.mp4

### Transcript

Triceratops a herbivorous dinosaur that roamed the during the late Cretaceous period approximately 68 to 66 million years ago is renowned for its distinctive appearance. DID YOU KNOW? The name triceratops translates to three-horned highlighting its most recognizable feature a large bony frill adorned with three horns. The two longer horns above the eyes and the shorter one on the nose were likely used for defense against predators and possibly in mating displays. This dinosaur had a robust four-legged build and was one of the last and largest of the horned dinosaurs. As an herbivore triceratops used its beak to graze on vegetation. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: When did Triceratops live?**  
A: End of the Cretaceous. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (68 to 66 million years) · Wikipedia: Triceratops)_

**Q: What does its name mean?**  
A: Greek. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Name) · Wikipedia: Triceratops)_

**Q: Where were its longest horns?**  
A: Two of them. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Horns and frill) · Wikipedia: Triceratops)_

**Q: What do healed injuries suggest?**  
A: Rivals. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Combat) · Wikipedia: Triceratops)_

**Q: What did it eat with?**  
A: A plant-eater. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Beak) · Wikipedia: Triceratops)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Triceratops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triceratops)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Three-Horned-Face!." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-201, last updated Jan 27, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/three-horned-face/