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TRICERATOPS TEETH FOR SALE
The three-horned Triceratops was one of the most abundant dinosaurs in the North America during the Late Cretaceous (around 68-66 MYA). Its teeth are relatively common fossils within the Hell Creek formation which outcrops in Montana and South Dakota, and the Lance Formation of Wyoming. Due to their abundance Triceratops teeth are relatively inexpensive dinosaur teeth, though the price has increased significantly over the past five years due to the popularity. The Triceratops teeth for sale on FossilEra are all authentic.
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Triceratops: The Iconic Three Horned Dinosaur Of The Late Cretaceous
Triceratops, one of the most recognizable dinosaurs, roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. Known for its distinctive three-horned skull and frilled neck, this herbivorous dinosaur has captivated paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike since its discovery.
An artists reconstruction of Triceratops. By Dmitry Bogdanov
It is classified as a ceratopsid, a group of large, herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by their ornate skulls. The name "Triceratops" means "three-horned face," referring to the two long brow horns above its eyes and a smaller nose horn on its snout. Its skull, one of the largest of any land animal, could measure up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length. The frill, a bony shield extending from the back of the skull, was likely used for defense, display, or thermoregulation. Triceratops stood about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall at the hips, stretched up to 30 feet (9 meters) long, and weighed between 6 to 12 tons, making it one of the larger dinosaurs of its time.
As a herbivore, Triceratops fed on the abundant vegetation of the Late Cretaceous. Its beak-like mouth and rows of shearing teeth were adapted for consuming tough, fibrous plants such as ferns, cycads, and conifers. Scientists believe it had a strong bite force, enabling it to crush and grind plant material efficiently. Triceratops likely lived in herds, providing safety in numbers from predators such as the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. Evidence of healed wounds on Triceratops fossils suggests that these dinosaurs may have also used their horns and frill in combat, either to defend against predators or compete with rivals.
Discovery and Fossil Record
The first Triceratops fossil was discovered in the late 19th century in North America, and its remains are primarily found in the western United States and Canada. The Hell Creek Formation, a fossil-rich area spanning Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, is particularly known for yielding Triceratops fossils.
Triceratops fossils are relatively abundant, with multiple well-preserved specimens allowing paleontologists to study its anatomy in great detail. One of the most significant discoveries was the nearly complete skeleton nicknamed "Horridus," which provided invaluable insights into Triceratops' life and ecology.
One of the most intriguing debates in paleontology involves whether Triceratops and the related dinosaur Torosaurus represent separate species or different life stages of the same species. Some researchers argue that Triceratops' frill grew larger and developed holes as the dinosaur matured, eventually resembling Torosaurus. However, this hypothesis remains contentious, and ongoing studies continue to explore this question.
Triceratops was among the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist before the catastrophic asteroid impact that marked the end of the Cretaceous period, about 66 million years ago. Despite its extinction, Triceratops remains a cultural icon, frequently featured in movies, books, and museum exhibits. Its popularity stems not only from its distinctive appearance but also from its role as a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of prehistoric challenges. Today, Triceratops fossils are displayed in museums worldwide, inspiring awe and curiosity about Earth's ancient past.