Prenocephale

dinosaur · thick skull · Mongolia · late cretaceous

Tiny but tough. Prenocephale was one of the smallest pachycephalosaurs, measuring only about 6 to 8 feet long, much smaller than other famous dinosaurs roaming at the same time.

Dome-shaped head. This dinosaur had an incredibly thick, rounded skull dome made of bone that could have been used like a helmet or battering ram when fighting other dinosaurs.

Found in Mongolia. Prenocephale fossils were discovered in the Nemegt Formation in Mongolia, a treasure trove of Late Cretaceous dinosaurs from about 75 million years ago.

Lived alongside friends. Prenocephale shared its desert landscape with Homalocephale, a very similar pachycephalosaur that scientists think might have been its close cousin.

Head-butting champion. Scientists believe Prenocephale used its thick skull to headbutt rivals during fights, protecting its brain while delivering powerful blows to win mates or territory.