Chasmosaurine

Chasmosaurine is a subfamily of ceratopsid dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. These dinosaurs are characterized by their distinctive frills and horns. Chasmosaurines are known for having long, elaborate frills that extended from the back of their skulls. These frills varied in shape and size among different species and are believed to have served multiple functions, including display, species recognition, and possibly thermoregulation or defense.

The most recognizable feature of chasmosaurines, besides their frills, are their facial horns. They typically possessed one or two brow horns above the eyes, and a larger nose horn. The size and shape of these horns also differed significantly between species. Chasmosaurines were herbivores, with powerful beaks and dental batteries adapted for grinding tough plant material. They were large, quadrupedal animals that likely lived in herds.

Prominent members of the chasmosaurine subfamily include Chasmosaurus itself, with its long, tapering frill, and Triceratops, famous for its three large facial horns and broad frill. Torosaurus, with its exceptionally long frill and large openings, is another well-known chasmosaurine. The discovery and study of chasmosaurine fossils have provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of ceratopsian dinosaurs.