The Deadly Horned Triceratops
In The Deadly Horned Triceratops, naturalist Steve Backshall explains how one of the most well-known dinosaurs used its physical features to attack its predators and defend itself. Fun fact: it weighed in at almost twice as much as an African elephant! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Deadly Dinosaurs, a documentary series in which host Steve Backshall is on the hunt for the deadliest animals to have walked the Earth — dinosaurs — exploring features of several species and putting their abilities to the test to reveal the raw power of these creatures.
Lesson Express
Q: What distinguishing physical feature do Ceratopsian dinosaurs have?
A: They have giant horns in a shield-like position.
Q: How did Triceratops attack or defend itself?
A: It used its powerful horn to pierce its opponents.
Q: Which muscles were responsible for controlling the horn?
A: Triceratops had powerful neck muscles to control its horn.