Chasmosaurus was a member of the ceratopsian (horned dinosaur) family and similar to Anchiceratops. Althrough smaller than its cousin, Chasmosaurus was a typical horned dinosaur. It had a large neck frill made of bone. Large holes in the bony plate reduced the weight of the weight of the neck frill. This made it easier for Chasmosaurus to move its head around. Strong neck muscles were attached to the frill. It needed these to pull out the roots of tough plants. Chasmosaurus had the parrot-like beak of other horned dinosaur. The frill was longer than the skull itself and covered with skin.

Many Chasmosaurus fossil bones have been found in Alberta. Skin impressions on rock show it had small button-like scales all over its body. With these, its hide was probably quite tough. Animals like Tyrannosaurus would have had a hard time trying to bite through its leathery skin. Their best defense would have been to run away!

Location: Canada, Texas

Size: Length 4.9m (16ft)

      Weight 2.2 tonnes

Classification:

Family Ceratopsidae

Infraorder Ceratopsia

Suborder Marginocephalia

Order Ornithischia

Time (million years ago): 67