Xenoceratops is an ancient dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 80 million years ago. This dinosaur was discovered in Alberta, Canada, and its name means “alien horned face,” highlighting its unique features among ceratopsian dinosaurs.
The only known species of Xenoceratops is called Xenoceratops foremostensis. It was first found in 1958 when paleontologist Wann Langston, Jr. uncovered some skull fragments in a region known as the Foremost Formation. Over the years, these fragments were stored in the Canadian Museum of Nature until researchers David C. Evans and Michael J. Ryan began a more detailed study. They confirmed in 2012 that these remains belonged to a new genus and species of dinosaur.
Xenoceratops is special because it was the oldest known ceratopsid dinosaur in Canada at the time of its discovery. The name “foremostensis” was chosen because it is linked to the nearby town of Foremost, Alberta.
What makes Xenoceratops interesting? It had a bony frill at the back of its skull that was decorated with unique features. The frill had two thick knobs and long straight spikes pointing outward. Unlike most other related dinosaurs, Xenoceratops did not have bumps on the middle part of its frill. Its skull also suggested it had large brow horns.
The classification of Xenoceratops helps us understand its relationship to other dinosaurs. It belongs to a group called Centrosaurinae. Its physical characteristics are similar to several other ceratopsians, but it has some unique traits that help scientists identify it.
In summary, Xenoceratops is a fascinating dinosaur from Alberta, known for its unique horned features and the significance of its discovery in understanding ceratopsian diversity.