ðĶ CERATOSAURUS: HORNED HUNTER
PAGE 1 OF 5 — HORNED HUNTER
HORNED LIZARD
THE THEATRICAL PREDATOR
Ceratosaurus nasicornis was one of the most striking meat-eaters of the Late Jurassic. Its name means horned lizard, and for good reason. A pointed horn sat on its snout, with smaller crests above the eyes. Rows of bony armour plates called osteoderms ran along its back, unusual for a theropod. Fossils come from the Morrison Formation of western North America, about 153 to 148 million years ago. Adults reached roughly 5 to 6 metres or more, smaller than Allosaurus but still deadly. Deep jaws held blade-like teeth for slicing flesh. With horns, armour, and dramatic headgear, Ceratosaurus looks like the Jurassic's most theatrical predator.
ðĶ HORNED FACTS
ð
Late Jurassic Morrison (~153 to 148 Ma)
ðĶ Nasal horn + brow crests
ðĶī Osteoderms along the back
ðĶ Nasal horn + brow crests
ðĶī Osteoderms along the back
HORNS!
SNOOT HORN
ðĶ The nasal horn was a blade of bone on the snout, probably covered in keratin like a rhino horn in life.
ð Scientists think it may have been for display or species recognition rather than stabbing prey.
ð Scientists think it may have been for display or species recognition rather than stabbing prey.
EYE CRESTS
ðïļ Small bony crests rose above each eye, giving Ceratosaurus a fierce, theatrical look compared to plain-faced theropods.
ðĻ Artists often paint them bright red or orange, though fossil bone alone cannot prove the exact colours.
ðĻ Artists often paint them bright red or orange, though fossil bone alone cannot prove the exact colours.