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78 Million Year Old Dinosaur Found In Montana Has The Weirdest Skull Ever

Artistic reconstruction of a Lokiceratops head.
Artistic reconstruction of a Lokiceratops head. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

In 2019, paleontologists discovered the fossilized remains of a new species of dinosaur in northern Montana. This dinosaur, related to Triceratops, had a unique and asymmetrical skull structure. So, let’s discover Lokiceratops rangiformis!

Unique Skull Structure

Lokiceratops and other ceratopsidae.
Lokiceratops and other ceratopsidae. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

Lokiceratops had an unusual set of head ornaments, including the largest frill horns ever seen on a horned dinosaur. Its frill featured two long frontal horns and three more on the back. The largest frill horns, broad and curving like scimitars, measured over 23 inches!

Age and Size

Ceratopsidae skulls on display.
Ceratopsidae skulls on display. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

This dinosaur roamed the Earth around 78 million years ago, predating Triceratops by 12 million years. It measured approximately 22 feet long and weighed around 5 tons, which is about as heavy as an elephant. Its home was on the island continent Laramidia, which existed in what is now western North America.

Function of the Horns

Artistic reimagining of a Lokiceratops.
Artistic reimagining of a Lokiceratops. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

The large frill horns were likely used for display rather than defense. These features would have helped attract mates or intimidate rivals, much like fancy feathers on a bird. Such characteristics are common among horned dinosaurs of the Ceratopsid family.

Largest Frill Horns

Different views of a Lokiceratops skull.
Different views of a Lokiceratops skull. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

Lokiceratops hold the record for the largest frill horns by volume and length. These asymmetrical horns, particularly the middle-frill ones, were remarkable in their design. They resembled the antlers of modern reindeer in their uneven structure, which plays into their name, as we’re about to discuss.

Asymmetry in Horned Dinosaurs

Relatives of Lokiceratops.
Relatives of Lokiceratops. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

Asymmetry in horned dinosaurs is not uncommon, but it is particularly striking in Lokiceratops. Its middle-frill horns, in particular, exhibited an unusual, asymmetric shape. This feature inspired the species name “rangiformis,” referring to reindeer-like antlers (reindeer are Rangifer tarandus).

Biodiversity of Ceratopsids

Different ceratopsidae from each continent.
Different ceratopsidae from each continent. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

The discovery of Lokiceratops adds to the understanding of Ceratopsid biodiversity. Many different species of horned dinosaurs evolved in the Late Cretaceous period, as you can see above. This period was marked by a wide variety of horned dinosaurs in North America.

Coexistence of Ceratopsids

Reconstructing the skull from the bones.
Reconstructing the skull from the bones. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

At least five different species of horned dinosaurs lived in the same region at the same time as Lokiceratops. This is the first fossil interval showing such a diverse Ceratopsid population, which is a very exciting discovery. These dinosaurs shared their habitat on the island continent of Laramidia, which is right around where the state of Montana is now located.

Comparison to Triceratops

triceratops skull
Illustration of a triceratops skull, which is a younger relative of Lokiceratops. Image by andreyoleynik via Depositphotos.

By the end of the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, Triceratops had become the dominant horned dinosaur. In contrast, Lokiceratops lived in a time of greater Ceratopsid diversity several years earlier. This shift highlights changes in dinosaur fauna over time and the evolution of Ceratopsidae in order to keep up.

The Name Lokiceratops

Components of a Lokiceratops skull.
Components of a Lokiceratops skull. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

Paleontologists named Lokiceratops after the Norse god Loki, reflecting the fossil’s new home in Denmark. As you already know, the name “rangiformis” was inspired by the dinosaur’s asymmetrical horns. These two elements combine to create what I think is a pretty awesome name for this interesting dinosaur.

Significance of the Discovery

xenoceratops
Xenoceratops, a member of the ceratopsidae family. Image by ケラトプスユウタ, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The discovery of Lokiceratops sheds new light on the evolution of horned dinosaurs. Its unique skull and horns reveal the complex diversity of Ceratopsids. Additionally, this finding contributes to the ongoing study of Late Cretaceous dinosaur ecosystems.

Insights from the Fossil

Bones discovered from the fossil.
Bones discovered from the fossil. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

Studying the Lokiceratops fossil allows scientists to better understand Ceratopsid behavior and adaptation. For example, its large frill horns and unique asymmetry may have played significant roles in its social interactions. Further research could uncover more about its place in the dinosaur family tree.

Conclusion

A statue of the Lokieceratops.
A statue of the Lokieceratops. Screenshot from Lokiceratops rangiformis from the Campanian Judith River Formation of MontanaSource: YouTube Channel: Peer J

The discovery of Lokiceratops rangiformis adds a fascinating chapter to the study of Ceratopsid dinosaurs. Its unusual skull and record-breaking frill horns set it apart from other known species. As researchers continue to study its remains, they may unlock more secrets about the diversity and evolution of horned dinosaurs!