Graciliceratops is a genus of neoceratopsian dinosaurs that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a relatively small dinosaur, measuring only about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and weighing around 10 kilograms (22 pounds). The only known ceratopsid from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, Graciliceratops belonged to the family Ceratopsidae, which includes some of the most iconic dinosaurs such as Triceratops.
A partial skull and skeleton of Graciliceratops have been found, and it is believed that this was a tiny dinosaur, possibly only 80cm long. Its name means “slender horn,” which reflects its small size and delicate features. Unlike other ceratopsians, Graciliceratops had a relatively simple frill and lacked the characteristic horns on its nose.
Despite its small size, Graciliceratops is an important discovery in the field of paleontology. Its discovery sheds light on the diversity of ceratopsians during the Late Cretaceous period and provides valuable insight into the evolution of these fascinating creatures.
Discovery and Naming
Discoverer
Graciliceratops was discovered by the Polish-Mongolian Palaeontological Expedition in 1971. The fossils were found at the Bayan Shireh Formation in Mongolia, near Sainshand at area D. The holotype specimen, ZPAL MgD-I/156, was a partial skull and skeleton.
Etymology
The generic name, Graciliceratops, is derived from the Latin words “gracilis” meaning slender, and “ceratops” meaning horned face, referring to the slender horn-like structures on its frill. The specific name, mongoliensis, refers to the country where the fossils were found.
Year of Discovery
Graciliceratops lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99-84 million years ago. The fossils discovered in Mongolia were dated to the Cretaceous age. The genus was named by Paul Sereno in 2000.
Overall, Graciliceratops is an interesting dinosaur that provides insight into the diversity of neoceratopsian dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period. Its slender frill and small size make it a unique addition to the dinosaur family tree.
Classification
Family
Graciliceratops is a member of the family Ceratopsidae, which includes all horned dinosaurs. This family is part of the larger group of dinosaurs known as Ornithischia, which are characterized by their bird-like hips.
Clade
Graciliceratops belongs to the clade Neoceratopsia, which includes all ceratopsian dinosaurs that evolved after the split between the basal ceratopsians and the neoceratopsians. Neoceratopsians are characterized by their elaborate frills and horns on their skulls.
Time Period
Graciliceratops lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 84 to 75 million years ago. This was a time when the Earth was warmer and had higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than today. During this time, many different types of dinosaurs roamed the Earth, including other ceratopsians like Triceratops and Protoceratops.
In summary, Graciliceratops is a member of the family Ceratopsidae, the clade Neoceratopsia, and lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Physical Description
Size and Build
Graciliceratops was a relatively small dinosaur, measuring only about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and weighing around 10 kilograms (22 pounds). It had a slender build, which is reflected in its name “Graciliceratops” meaning “slender horn”.
Distinguishing Features
Graciliceratops was a member of the family Ceratopsidae, which includes some of the most iconic dinosaurs such as Triceratops. It is the only known ceratopsid from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia. It had a unique set of features that distinguished it from other ceratopsids. For example, it had a relatively large nasal horn, which was curved backwards and pointed upwards. It also had a small frill with a scalloped edge and a pair of long, slender brow horns that projected forwards and slightly downwards.
Overall, Graciliceratops was a small, agile, and slender dinosaur with a unique set of features that distinguished it from other ceratopsids.
Paleobiology
Diet
Graciliceratops was a small herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 84 to 75 million years ago. Its diet mainly consisted of vegetation such as ferns, cycads, and conifers. The structure of its beak and teeth suggest that it was well adapted for cropping and grinding tough plant material. Its slender build and small size may have allowed it to access food sources that were inaccessible to larger herbivores.
Habitat
Graciliceratops lived in what is now Mongolia, in a semiarid climate with rivers and large lakes around the zone. It likely inhabited areas with dense vegetation, such as forests and woodlands. The presence of caliche, fluvial and lacustrine sediments in the Sheeregeen Gashoon beds, where Graciliceratops was unearthed, indicate a variety of habitats, including floodplains, lakeshores, and river channels.
Behavior
Graciliceratops was a ground-dwelling dinosaur that likely lived in herds or small groups. Its small size and slender build suggest that it was a fast runner, which may have been an adaptation for avoiding predators. The distinctive horned structure on its skull may have been used for display or for intraspecific combat. Graciliceratops was a relatively small and delicate dinosaur, and may have been preyed upon by larger carnivorous dinosaurs such as Velociraptor.
Fossil Record
Locations
The fossils of Graciliceratops have been found in Asia, specifically in Mongolia. They were discovered in the Late Cretaceous period, which lasted from approximately 99 to 75 million years ago. The fossils were collected from areas near Sainshand at area D.
Specimen Quality
The fossil record of Graciliceratops is relatively small, with only a few specimens discovered so far. However, the quality of the specimens is quite good, with several partial skulls and skeletons having been found. The fossils suggest that Graciliceratops was a small dinosaur, possibly only around 80cm long. The fossils also show that Graciliceratops had a slender build and a distinctive horned structure on its skull, which gave it its name, meaning “graceful horned face.”
Overall, the fossil record of Graciliceratops provides valuable information about the physical characteristics and habitat of this small herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in Asia.
Cultural Impact
In Popular Media
Graciliceratops has not had a significant impact in popular media, likely due to its relatively recent discovery and small size. However, it has made appearances in a few documentaries and educational materials about dinosaurs. Its unique name, meaning “graceful horned face,” may make it a memorable addition to discussions about ceratopsians.
Scientific Significance
Despite its lack of presence in popular media, Graciliceratops has contributed to scientific understanding of ceratopsians. Its discovery in Mongolia adds to the growing body of knowledge about the diversity of dinosaurs in that region during the Late Cretaceous period. The slender build and distinctive horned structure on its skull also provide insight into the evolution and adaptations of ceratopsians. However, further research is needed to fully understand the significance of Graciliceratops in the context of dinosaur evolution.