Marginocephalians facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MarginocephaliaTemporal range: Upper Jurassic – Upper Cretaceous
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Marginocephalia
Sereno, 1986
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Marginocephalians are a special group of dinosaurs. Their name means "fringed heads," which gives you a big clue about what they looked like! These dinosaurs were part of the Ornithischian group, also known as "bird-hipped" dinosaurs.
What made Marginocephalians unique was their skulls. They often had a bony shelf or a frill (a decorative edge) at the back of their heads. They also had a special kind of mouth and a short hip bone called a pubis. All Marginocephalians were herbivores, meaning they ate only plants.
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What Are Marginocephalians?
This group includes two main types of dinosaurs. Both are famous for their distinct head shapes. These amazing creatures lived a long time ago, from the Upper Jurassic period all the way to the Upper Cretaceous period.
Horned Dinosaurs: Ceratopsians
One major group of Marginocephalians is the ceratopsians. These are the well-known "horned dinosaurs." They are famous for their large frills and horns on their faces.
Famous Ceratopsians
Some of the most famous ceratopsians include:
- Triceratops: This dinosaur had three horns and a large bony frill. It is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs.
- Styracosaurus: This dinosaur had a large horn on its nose and several spikes around its frill.
- Pentaceratops: This ceratopsian had an extra-large frill and five horns.
- Protoceratops: This was a smaller ceratopsian, often found in Mongolia. It had a smaller frill and no large horns.
Thick-Skulled Dinosaurs: Pachycephalosaurians
The other main group of Marginocephalians is the pachycephalosaurians. These dinosaurs are known for their incredibly thick, dome-shaped skulls. Scientists believe they might have used these strong skulls for head-butting, perhaps during fights over mates or territory.
Well-Known Pachycephalosaurians
Examples of pachycephalosaurians include:
- Stegoceras: This dinosaur had a tall, dome-shaped skull. It was one of the first pachycephalosaurians discovered.
- Pachycephalosaurus: This is the largest known pachycephalosaurian. It had a massive, bony dome on its head, which could be up to 10 inches thick!
Where Did They Live?
Marginocephalians lived in different parts of the world. Many ceratopsians, like Triceratops, lived in what is now North America. Pachycephalosaurians were also found in North America, but some types lived in Asia too. They roamed ancient forests and plains, eating plants with their strong beaks and teeth.
Discovery and Study
The first Marginocephalians were discovered many years ago. Scientists like Paul Sereno have studied these dinosaurs to understand their unique features. By looking at their fossils, we can learn a lot about how they lived, what they ate, and how they defended themselves. The bony frills and thick skulls tell us a lot about their behavior and how they interacted with their environment.
See also
In Spanish: Marginocephalia para niños
