Triceratops head from the frontTriceratops head from the side
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Triceratops

Triceratops ("three-horned face") was a ceratopsid herbivorous dinosaur genus from the Latest Cretaceous period of North America. It was about 9 m (30 ft) long, and probably weighed around 5,400 kg (12,000 lb). more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
BirdBird
CatCat
DinosaurDinosaur
AllosaurusAllosaurus
ApatosaurusApatosaurus
ArchaeopteryxArchaeopteryx
BrachiosaurusBrachiosaurus
BrontosaurusBrontosaurus
DiplodocusDiplodocus
GigantosaurusGigantosaurus
HadrosaurusHadrosaurus
PterodactylPterodactyl
StegosaurusStegosaurus
TriceratopsTriceratops
Tyrannosaurus Rex  Tyrannosaurus Rex
VelociraptorVelociraptor
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile


Discoveries and species

Triceratops was discovered by John Bell Hatcher in 1888. Its declaration as a legitimate dinosaur came when an intact skull was found. It was named by Othniel Charles Marsh in 1889. Two years earlier, however, he misidentified the Triceratops as a type of bison. The sturdy nature of the animal's skull has ensured that many examples have been preserved as fossils, allowing variations between species and individuals to be studied.

Known species of Triceratops include T. prorsus and T. horridus. Diceratops was formerly believed to be a species of Triceratops as well, but is currently recognized as a separate genus and species.

Triceratops species:

  • T. horridus Marsh, 1889 (type species)
  • T. prorsus Marsh, 1890

Nomina dubia:

  • T. albertensis Sternberg, 1949
  • T. alticornis Marsh, 1887 (originally 'Bison')
  • T. eurycephalus Schlaikjer, 1935
  • T. galeus Marsh, 1889
  • T. ingens Lull, 1915
  • T. maximus Brown, 1933
  • T. sulcatus Marsh, 1890

Misassignments:

  • T. brevicornis Hatcher, 1905 (=T. prorsus)
  • T. calicornus Marsh, 1898 (=T. horridus)
  • T. elatus Marsh, 1891 (=T. horridus)
  • T. flabellatus Marsh, 1889 (=T. horridus)
  • T. hatcheri Lull, 1907 (=Diceratops hatcheri)
  • T. mortuarius Cope, 1874 (also nomen dubium; originally Polyonax; =Polyonax mortuarius)
  • T. obtusus Marsh, 1898 (=T. horridus)
  • T. serratus Marsh, 1890 (=T. horridus)
  • T. sylvestris Cope, 1872 (nomen dubium; originally Agathaumas; =Agathaumas sylvestris)

Horns and frill

The distinctive skull of Triceratops had a single horn on the snout above the nostrils, and a pair of horns approximately 1 m (3 ft) long above the eyes. The rear of the skull bore a relatively short bony frill.

A number of purposes have been proposed for the frill:

  • Defense against carnivores such as Tyrannosaurus rex
  • Communication between herd members
  • Battling rival Triceratops over status, resources, or territory
  • Courtship display
  • A status symbol which reflects (or determines) the individual's status in the herd
  • Anchor points for the jaw muscles
  • Increasing body area to regulate body temperature (see also: thermoregulation)

Biology

Paleontologists deduce from the evidence of ichnites (fossil footprints) of dozens of individual animals, that Triceratops lived in herds, similar to those of modern-day buffalo. Its food was plants and shrubbery and its snout consisted of a sharp beak, which would have enabled it to break up and eat very tough vegetation. Behind the beak, Triceratops had a series of teeth arranged in a shearing mechanism. Triceratops possessed a sturdy build, with robust legs and hoofed toes. Triceratops teeth are among the most abundant fossils in the Late Cretaceous of Western North America (65 mya), suggesting that it was the dominant herbivore of the time.

It is estimated that Triceratops was able to run at around 24 km/h (15 mph), since its short legs meant it could not take long strides.

In 2005, a BBC documentary, The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs, tested how Triceratops would defend itself against large predators like Tyrannosaurus rex. To see if Triceratops could charge other dinosaurs like a rhinoceros, an artificial Triceratops skull was made and propelled into simulated T Rex skin at 24 km/h (15 mph). The brow horns penetrated the skin, but the blunt nose horn and beak could not, and the front of the skull broke. The program therefore concluded that it would have been impossible for Triceratops to defend itself in this way - instead, it probably stood its ground when attacked by large predators, using its horns if the predator came close enough.

Depiction in popular media

Many (if not most) dinosaur movies have included Triceratops. One Million Years B.C. (1966) features Triceratops in a memorable but anachronistic battle with Ceratosaurus. In Jurassic Park (1993), an immobilized Triceratops is depicted as having a mysterious illness, the role given to a Stegosaurus in the novel. A popular children's book is The Enormous Egg, where a friendly Triceratops hatches from an unusually large hen's egg. Triceramon, a Digimon, is based on Triceratops.

Triceratops is the official state fossil of South Dakota, and the official state dinosaur of Wyoming.

In Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Triceratops was Billy Cranston's power source.

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

New Listing7” Triceratops Dinosaur ToyNew Listing7” Triceratops Dinosaur Toy $6.00 New 13 Inch Triceratops Dinosaur Stuffed Animal Plush ToyNew 13 Inch Triceratops Dinosaur Stuffed Animal Plush Toy $12.95
Triceratops Dinosaur 1 oz Pure Copper Round Collectible Coin in CapsuleTriceratops Dinosaur 1 oz Pure Copper Round Collectible Coin in Capsule $8.99 Young Triceratops Figure - Dinosaur - Hand Painted - Collectible - Papo 55036Young Triceratops Figure - Dinosaur - Hand Painted - Collectible - Papo 55036 $19.99
Triceratops Dinosaur Dominant Brown Orange Model Ceratopsian EoFaunaTriceratops Dinosaur Dominant Brown Orange Model Ceratopsian EoFauna $42.99 Triceratops Green Brown Dinosaur Figure Safari Ltd New Educational Toys FunTriceratops Green Brown Dinosaur Figure Safari Ltd New Educational Toys Fun $14.99
Framed Triceratops or Torosaurus Fossil Dinosaur Tooth Lot! One per Order!Framed Triceratops or Torosaurus Fossil Dinosaur Tooth Lot! One per Order! $54.99 Jurassic Park Triceratops Prehistoric Dinosaur 2” Action Figure Pvc ToyJurassic Park Triceratops Prehistoric Dinosaur 2” Action Figure Pvc Toy $7.73
43" Triceratops Inflatable Dinosaur Toy for Kids Birthday Party Decor Gift43" Triceratops Inflatable Dinosaur Toy for Kids Birthday Party Decor Gift $21.99 Triceratops Dinosaur Safari Ltd Realistic Prehistoric Jurassic Figure 2007Triceratops Dinosaur Safari Ltd Realistic Prehistoric Jurassic Figure 2007 $6.99
Dinosaur Triceratops Decorative BookendsDinosaur Triceratops Decorative Bookends $45.00 Jurassic World Triceratops Dinosaur Toy, Habitat Defender Authentic Figure 14inJurassic World Triceratops Dinosaur Toy, Habitat Defender Authentic Figure 14in $32.99
5 Pack Inflatable Dinosaur Party Pack Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Raptor5 Pack Inflatable Dinosaur Party Pack Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Raptor $15.99 Triceratops Figure 9” Soft DinosaurTriceratops Figure 9” Soft Dinosaur $22.97
Toys R Us Maidenhead Triceratops Dinosaur Large Rubber Foam Figure Toy 17"Toys R Us Maidenhead Triceratops Dinosaur Large Rubber Foam Figure Toy 17" $14.99 Dinosaur Toys Large Triceratops Realistic Hand-Painted Model Triceratops-01-usDinosaur Toys Large Triceratops Realistic Hand-Painted Model Triceratops-01-us $19.31
Plastic Triceratops Dinosaur Toy Gray, Brown and BlackPlastic Triceratops Dinosaur Toy Gray, Brown and Black $2.50 Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Toy 2010 MojoTriceratops Dinosaur Figure Toy 2010 Mojo $9.00
New ListingEbros Gift Prehistoric Jurassic Dinosaur Triceratops Wall Head Large 15.25" H HaNew ListingEbros Gift Prehistoric Jurassic Dinosaur Triceratops Wall Head Large 15.25" H Ha $126.48 Safari Ltd Triceratops 1996 Collectible Dinosaur Toy FigureSafari Ltd Triceratops 1996 Collectible Dinosaur Toy Figure $6.99
Vintage 1993 Schleich Triceratops Dinosaur FigureVintage 1993 Schleich Triceratops Dinosaur Figure $12.00 Triceratops Dinosaur 8" Long Hard Plastic Science Model Heavy 9.3 Ounce Not ToyTriceratops Dinosaur 8" Long Hard Plastic Science Model Heavy 9.3 Ounce Not Toy $25.00
Animal Den Triceratops Plush (13 Inch) Plush Dinosaur Stuffed ToyAnimal Den Triceratops Plush (13 Inch) Plush Dinosaur Stuffed Toy $11.99 8" Long Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Durable Pvc Plastic8" Long Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Durable Pvc Plastic $6.00
2010 Papo Triceratops Realistic Dinosaur Action Figure Collectible 5.5" Long2010 Papo Triceratops Realistic Dinosaur Action Figure Collectible 5.5" Long $10.00 Large Dinosaur Hard Plastic Triceratops Toy Dinosaur Green Yellow Red ~ 9 InchesLarge Dinosaur Hard Plastic Triceratops Toy Dinosaur Green Yellow Red ~ 9 Inches $7.99
New Listing2005 Triceratops Brown 12” Toy Major Trading DinosaurNew Listing2005 Triceratops Brown 12” Toy Major Trading Dinosaur $24.99 New ListingDinosaur Figures Lot Of 4 Apatosaurus, TriceratopsNew ListingDinosaur Figures Lot Of 4 Apatosaurus, Triceratops $8.23
New 7" Jurassic Realistic Pentaceratops Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Kids ToyNew 7" Jurassic Realistic Pentaceratops Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Kids Toy $8.99 Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Triceratops Battle Damage 2017 Dinosaur Toy FigureJurassic World Fallen Kingdom Triceratops Battle Damage 2017 Dinosaur Toy Figure $5.00
Mojo Triceratops Brown Dinosaur Figure 387364 New In StockMojo Triceratops Brown Dinosaur Figure 387364 New In Stock $19.99 Jurassic Park Mini Triceratops Dinosaur Toy Figure 2000 HasbroJurassic Park Mini Triceratops Dinosaur Toy Figure 2000 Hasbro $17.99
Mojo Brachiosaurus & Triceratops Dinosaur ToysMojo Brachiosaurus & Triceratops Dinosaur Toys $15.99 5.25" Dino Bone Fossil Triceratops Jurassic Dinosaur Skeleton Action Figure5.25" Dino Bone Fossil Triceratops Jurassic Dinosaur Skeleton Action Figure $11.99
Triceratops Blue Triceratops Toy Figurine DinosaurTriceratops Blue Triceratops Toy Figurine Dinosaur $3.99 Stone Hurling Beast Pterodactyl Trendmasters 1991 Extreme Dinosaurs Ko FigureStone Hurling Beast Pterodactyl Trendmasters 1991 Extreme Dinosaurs Ko Figure $299.99
Dinosaur Triceratops Figure Soft Body 2016 Jmw SalesDinosaur Triceratops Figure Soft Body 2016 Jmw Sales $6.79 My Pillow Pets Triceratops Dinosaur Soft Plush Toy Green Stuffed Animal 18" NwtMy Pillow Pets Triceratops Dinosaur Soft Plush Toy Green Stuffed Animal 18" Nwt $27.75
Jurassic World Roarivores Triceratops Mattel Dinosaur Roaring SoundJurassic World Roarivores Triceratops Mattel Dinosaur Roaring Sound $16.00 T. rex vs. Triceratops Mini Skulls Model 1/20 scaleT. rex vs. Triceratops Mini Skulls Model 1/20 scale $50.00
Small Triceratops Dinosaur Skeleton Bones Figure Moveable MouthSmall Triceratops Dinosaur Skeleton Bones Figure Moveable Mouth $15.00 Dinosaurs! Set Figures T-Rex Triceratops Stegosaurus Carnotaurus brontosaurusDinosaurs! Set Figures T-Rex Triceratops Stegosaurus Carnotaurus brontosaurus $45.02
Large Triceratops Dinosaur Model ToyLarge Triceratops Dinosaur Model Toy $15.00 New ListingVintage 1993 Kenner Jurassic Park Triceratops Jp08 Dino Damage No Wound CoverNew ListingVintage 1993 Kenner Jurassic Park Triceratops Jp08 Dino Damage No Wound Cover $15.95
Great Pretenders kid sz 4-5 Red Triceratops Dinosaur Cape CostumeGreat Pretenders kid sz 4-5 Red Triceratops Dinosaur Cape Costume $21.99 Mojo Brown Triceratops Dinosaur Figure 381017 NewMojo Brown Triceratops Dinosaur Figure 381017 New $13.99
Jurassic Realistic Model 7" Pentaceratops Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Figure ToyJurassic Realistic Model 7" Pentaceratops Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Figure Toy $12.99 Schleich-Like Triceratops Realistic Dinosaur Collectible Figure 7" x 3"Schleich-Like Triceratops Realistic Dinosaur Collectible Figure 7" x 3" $4.75
Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Figurine Blue Purple 7”Triceratops Horned Dinosaur Figurine Blue Purple 7” $9.00 New ListingJurassic Park Iii Re-Ak A-Tak Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Hasbro 2000 WorksNew ListingJurassic Park Iii Re-Ak A-Tak Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Hasbro 2000 Works $11.04
Animal Planet Triceratops Dinosaur Prehistoric 4” Action Figure Toy Red DinoAnimal Planet Triceratops Dinosaur Prehistoric 4” Action Figure Toy Red Dino $15.16 Jurassic World Roarivores Triceratops Electronic Dinosaur FigureJurassic World Roarivores Triceratops Electronic Dinosaur Figure $9.99
Worlds Softest Plush triceratops dinosaur plush Nwt stuffed animal prehistoricWorlds Softest Plush triceratops dinosaur plush Nwt stuffed animal prehistoric $14.99 Inflatable T-Rex Triceratops Costume Dinosaur Kids/Adult Dress Up Cosplay PartyInflatable T-Rex Triceratops Costume Dinosaur Kids/Adult Dress Up Cosplay Party $33.24 to
New Listingx7 large foam dinosaur monster dragon toys Triceratops Stego Raptor Pteranodon +New Listingx7 large foam dinosaur monster dragon toys Triceratops Stego Raptor Pteranodon + $59.99 New ListingJellycat I Am Fossilly Triceratops Dinosaur Plush RetiredNew ListingJellycat I Am Fossilly Triceratops Dinosaur Plush Retired $39.99
Triceratops Dinosaur 925 Sterling Silver Brass Charm Necklace Pendant JewelryTriceratops Dinosaur 925 Sterling Silver Brass Charm Necklace Pendant Jewelry $28.99 to Fossil Dinosaur and Reptile Tooth Collection Lot Trex Triceratops Spinosaurus+!Fossil Dinosaur and Reptile Tooth Collection Lot Trex Triceratops Spinosaurus+! $549.99
Gosnell Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Toy Jurassic Figurine Ty80Gosnell Triceratops Dinosaur Figure Toy Jurassic Figurine Ty80 $4.95 Recur Triceratops Marsh Triceratops dinosaur model new in boxRecur Triceratops Marsh Triceratops dinosaur model new in box $25.00
Triceratops Skull Dinosaur Replica (10Inch) New Mounted!Triceratops Skull Dinosaur Replica (10Inch) New Mounted! $210.25 2016 New Collecta Dinosaur Toy / Figure Dino Prey - Triceratops2016 New Collecta Dinosaur Toy / Figure Dino Prey - Triceratops $10.25
4" Rubber Plastic Triceratops Blue/Yellow Dinosaur4" Rubber Plastic Triceratops Blue/Yellow Dinosaur $4.00
Click to see more Triceratops items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 05/30/25 6:01am.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay