The Triceratops is a quadrupedal herbivore that lived during the late Cretaceous period—or about 68 million years ago. This dinosaur was first discovered near Denver, Colorado in 1887. When it was first discovered it was believed to have been an unusual type of bison. However, it was discovered rather quickly that this wasn’t just an unusual form of bison but was actually a dinosaur. Since then, Triceratops specimens have been found all over North America. The name of this dinosaur translates into “3 horned face” from the Greek “Tri” meaning three and the word “keratops” meaning face.
Currently, there are two theories which suggest what the horns of the Triceratops were used for.
One theory says that this dinosaur’s horns were used to defend itself in combat against other
dinosaurs—particularly the T- Rex—which is known to have been the mortal enemy of this animal.
The second theory suggests that this animal’s horns served a very limited purpose in combat and was
instead used during courtship rituals.