CretaceousHerbivoreSmall
Pachycephalosaurus
PAK-ee-SEF-ah-low-SORE-us
"Thick-headed lizard"
Overview
Pachycephalosaurus is famous for its extraordinarily thick, domed skull roof, up to 25 cm of solid bone. It may have engaged in head-butting contests, though some scientists debate whether it used its dome for combat or display.
Vital Statistics
Length
4.5 m
Height
1.5 m
Weight
450 kg
Est. Speed
20 km/h
Discovered
1943
Named by
Barnum Brown & Erich Schlaikjer
Countries Discovered
United States
Fossil Locations
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
📍 Hell Creek, Montana
Interesting Facts
Its skull dome was up to 25 centimeters of solid bone.
The dome may have been used in head-butting contests, similar to modern bighorn sheep.
Pachycephalosaurus had sharp, serrated teeth suited to an omnivorous diet of plants and insects.
Some scientists believe 'Dracorex' and 'Stygimoloch' are actually juvenile Pachycephalosaurus.
Closest Relatives
StygimolochDracorexStegocerasHomalocephale