ornithischian dinosaur
grrlscientist | September 24, 2007tags: researchblogging.org, social behavior, evolution, Psittacosaurus, ornithischian dinosaur
Triceratops.
Image: Dinosaur Collector
Triceratops are among the most recognizable dinosaurs because of their distinct appearance. They had a large and elaborate bony shield around the back of their head, horns that jut out from the top of their head and nose like spears, and bony knobs on their cheeks. Because these large structures are energetically expensive to grow, they had to serve a purpose and this purpose was likely the establishment of social hierarchies. Thus, these ornaments provide…