Ceratopsian Tooth | Hell Creek Formation | Montana
Ceratopsian sp.
Cretaceous (68 - 66 million years ago)
Hell Creek Formation
Montana, USA
Specimen approx. size: 0.75" x 0.5"
Comes in a 1.25" diameter acrylic case.
This is a partial "spitter" tooth, a tooth that has been worn down due to feeding activity and discarded. It is uncommon to find a tooth in this condition, as "spitter" teeth are typically completely worn down over time.
Ceratopsians were herbivorous, beaked dinosaurs characterized by their distinctive skull ornamentation, including a parrot-like rostral beak, a bony frill extending from the back of the skull, and often elaborate facial horns. They thrived during the Late Cretaceous. Species such as Triceratops and Torosaurus were large, quadrupedal grazers. Their frills and horns likely served roles in defense, species recognition, and display.