Kosmoceratops

ceratopsian · Late Cretaceous · Utah · horned dinosaur

Fancy skull decorations. Kosmoceratops had elaborate horn and frill ornaments on its head that made it look extra fancy compared to other horned dinosaurs. Scientists thought these decorations were so impressive that they named it 'ornate horned face'.

Ancient timing. This dinosaur roamed North America during the Late Cretaceous period, about 76 to 75.9 million years ago, near the end of the dinosaur era.

Utah discovery. Paleontologists found Kosmoceratops fossils in Utah's Kaiparowits Formation within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument starting in 2006. They uncovered an adult skull, skeleton pieces, and remains of younger individuals.

Scientific naming. The dinosaur was officially named in 2010 as Kosmoceratops richardsoni, with the species name honoring Scott Richardson, who discovered the important specimens.