Amtocephale is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 96 to 89 million years ago. It comes from the southern Gobi Desert in Mongolia.
The name “Amtocephale” was first given by scientists Mahito Watabe, Khishigjaw Tsogtbaatar, and Robert Sullivan in 2011. The name combines “Amtgai,” the place it was discovered, and the Greek word “kephale,” which means “head.” The full species name is Amtocephale gobiensis, referring to its origin from the Gobi Desert.
Amtocephale is part of a group called Pachycephalosauridae. These dinosaurs are known for their thick skulls. It is believed to be one of the oldest members of this family. The only known fossil of Amtocephale is a nearly complete part of its skull, found in a rock formation called the Baynshire Formation.
Scientists who study ancient bones, called paleontologists, have been exploring the Gobi Desert since 1993. They found many different fossils, including those of other dinosaurs and ancient turtles. The Baynshire Formation where Amtocephale was discovered has provided clues about the types of animals that lived in that area millions of years ago.
The discovered skull dome of Amtocephale measures about 2.1 inches long and is around 0.75 inches thick. The back part of the dome is particularly large compared to the front.
This fascinating dinosaur helps us understand the diversity of life during the Cretaceous period and offers a glimpse into the history of dinosaurs found in Mongolia.