What is Everything Dinosaur’s favourite dinosaur? This question was asked recently and although we are fascinated with lots of prehistoric animals, a quick discussion revealed that our favourite dinosaur is Protoceratops.

Palaeontologists can study Protoceratops (there are now two recognised species) at various growth stages from embryos in eggs to extremely old, mature adults.

The “Sheep of the Cretaceous”

Nicknamed the “sheep of the Cretaceous” due to the relatively abundant fossil material. This dinosaur, distantly related to Triceratops and Styracosaurus was formally described 100 years ago (Granger and Gregory,1923). Two species are recognised Protoceratops andrewsi and P. hellenikorhinus (Lambert et al 2001).

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows the Wild Past Protoceratops dinosaur model. It is a small figure, but it does come supplied with a nest and an Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.

To view the range of Wild Past models: Wild Past Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

Our Favourite Dinosaur is Protoceratops

We have learned a lot about dinosaurs thanks to Protoceratops. It may not be the biggest dinosaur, but this herbivore has played a significant role in helping us to understand more about the Dinosauria and as such we will always regard this animal as something special.

If you visit a Natural History Museum, chances are that somewhere in the dinosaur gallery you will find Protoceratops. It is usually tucked away and it’s never going to attract the visitors like a T. rex, or a Triceratops (distantly related to Protoceratops), but go take a look, as I promise, you will probably learn something new about dinosaurs that you didn’t know before.

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