A newly discovered horned dinosaur, Lokiceratops rangiformis, is making waves in the paleontology world. Unearthed in Montana’s Judith River Formation, this ceratopsid lived around 78 million years ago and is believed to have had one of the most elaborate horn arrangements ever found in this dinosaur family.
Why Lokiceratops Is Unique Among Ceratopsids
What sets Lokiceratops apart is its distinct, asymmetrical horn arrangement—especially the large blade-like horn above its eye and an uneven pattern of spikes along its frill. These features are so different from close relatives like Styracosaurus and Centrosaurus that researchers placed it in its own genus.
A Snapshot of Its Ancient Ecosystem
Lokiceratops coexisted with several other horned dinosaurs in the region, making it the fifth ceratopsid found in the same area. Its presence suggests a rich and varied ecosystem, where multiple species with differing horn styles possibly evolved to stand out for mating purposes or species recognition rather than defense.
A Private Fossil’s Journey to Science
Discovered on private land and now housed in the Museum of Evolution in Maribo, Denmark, the fossil’s availability to researchers highlights the importance of collaboration between private collectors and the scientific community. The original skull was 90% complete, aiding researchers in reconstructing the dinosaur’s features with confidence.
What the Name “Lokiceratops rangiformis” Means
The name blends Norse mythology with biology—”Loki” for the trickster god, reflecting the dinosaur’s bizarre, unexpected features, and “rangiformis,” meaning “reindeer-shaped,” nodding to the frill’s antler-like ornamentation.
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