The Protoceratops is the first ancestor of the famous ceratopsian family to resemble the later, more famous members such as Triceratops. It was much smaller than its more famous relatives, but had a very successful design that lasted for many millions of years. Protoceratops didn't have horns to protect itself with, just its sharp beak to bite with.[1]
It is a fairly common fossil, being one of the few dinosaurs that's complete growth history can be seen in fossils ranging from an infant to an adult. Like other ceratopsians, each individual shows a difference in the size and shape of its frill. Protoceratops frills were not solid and did not grow overly large. Some scientists believe that the frills may have been brightly colored for display, either to intimidate attackers or for courtship. There are some fossils of this species that show a small horn on the snout. This is thought to be a gender differentiation.[1]
One of the most famous fossils ever found is of a Velociraptor and a Protoceratops locked in battle. They were both killed in the midst of a fight, most probably due to a sandstorm or flood. It is interesting to note that the species name, andrewsii, is for Roy Chapman Andrews. Mr. Andrews was a very adventurous fossil hunter; the movie character Indiana Jones is based on Andrews' exploits.[1]
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Jurassic Park Franchise
Picture from Redemption comic
Protoceratops was not featured in any of the films or novels.
Comic books
Protoceratops appears in Jurassic Park: Redemption III, after Tim arrives at his secret facility. It is the second dinosaur he sees. He kneels to touch its head. The sensation makes Tim say, "Being in the presence of these creatures after all these years... it's even more incredible than I remember... How did you...?"
Video games
Protoceratops from Jurassic Park III: Park Builder.
Protoceratops can be created from paleo-DNA in the game Jurassic Park III: Park Builder.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jurassic Park Institute, Dinopedia#Protoceratops.