Chasmosaurus was an average-sized ceratopsid dinosaur from North America. Like Triceratops, it featured three facial horns and a wide frill. The frill would likely have been too fragile for defense so may have been for attracting mates, or identification within their herd. Its name means 'opening lizard' because of the holes present in the frill bone structure to save weight. Like all ceratopsids, they were herbivores.
Discovery
In 1898 the first Chasmosaurus was discovered at Berry Creek in Canada. Some complete skulls were later found in 1913, and from this the genus was named. These specimens came from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, Canada. Further finds in the region over later years have identified two species of the genus.
Paleoecology
The Dinosaur Park Formation contains a wide variety of dinosaurs and flora, indicating a rich environment. Fish and amphibian fossils suggest plentiful water bodies in the region.
