Aphelops

Aphelops is a genus of fossil reptiles belonging to the order Ornithischia and the infraorder Ceratopsia. These dinosaurs are known from the Late Cretaceous period and are primarily found in North America. Aphelops are characterized by their relatively small size compared to some of their more famous ceratopsian relatives like Triceratops. They possessed a distinctive frill extending from the back of their skull, though it was generally less elaborate than that of later ceratopsians.

The genus Aphelops was first described in 1873 by paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope based on fossil remains discovered in Wyoming. Several species have been assigned to Aphelops over time, though the taxonomic classification of some of these is subject to ongoing debate among paleontologists. These herbivores likely fed on low-lying vegetation, using their beaks to crop plants and their cheek teeth for grinding. The exact ecological role of Aphelops within its Late Cretaceous environment is still being researched, but they were part of a diverse fauna that included other ornithischian dinosaurs, theropods, and various mammals. Fossil discoveries of Aphelops continue to provide valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of the ceratopsian dinosaur lineage.