Zhuchengceratops is an extinct type of dinosaur that lived in what is now China during the Late Cretaceous period, around 77.3 to 73.5 million years ago.
It was first identified in 2010 by a group of researchers led by Xu. The name Zhuchengceratops comes from the area where it was found, Zhucheng, and it means “horned face” in Latinized Greek. The specific name, inexpectus, means “unexpected,” referring to how the fossilized remains were discovered in a well-preserved state.
Zhuchengceratops belonged to a family of dinosaurs called Leptoceratopsidae, which are known for their smaller size compared to other horned dinosaurs. It was about 2.5 meters long, which is around 8.2 feet, and weighed about 175 kilograms, or 386 pounds.
The bones found include parts of its skull, teeth, and various bones from its body. One of the interesting features of Zhuchengceratops is its large jaw, which measures about 50 centimeters long. This jaw structure is thought to have helped the dinosaur in its feeding habits.
Zhuchengceratops shares characteristics with other related dinosaurs like Leptoceratops and Udanoceratops. Together, they show a variety of adaptations that allowed them to survive and thrive during their time.
The discovery of Zhuchengceratops helps scientists understand more about the diversity of dinosaurs in Asia and how different species might have developed various ways to eat and survive in their environment.