Dinosaur Train Geocache: Protoceratops Traditional Geocache

Protoceratops was approximately 1.8 meters (6 ft) in length and 0.6 meters (2 ft) high at the shoulder. A fully grown adult would have weighed less than 400 pounds (180 kg). The large numbers of specimens found in high concentration suggest that Protoceratops lived in herds.

The protoceratops was a plant eating animal. They would associate in herds. Without being in a herd the protoceratops would be a very easy target for larger carnivores. The primary defense that this animal had was its sharp beak. The frills on the back of the protoceratop’s neck was probably used for mating. They would lay eggs in the sand near a pond. The main predator of protoceratops was most likely a velociraptor.

The protoceratops lived in the late cretaceous period, about 80 million years ago. Fossils have been found in Mongolia, and that is were most protoceratops were said to have lived.

"Go outside, get into nature and make your own discoveries!" That is what Dr. Scott challenges his viewers to do at the end of each Dinosaur Train episode.

What is your favorite dinosaur? Be sure to tell us when signing the logbook!

For more information on this educational outreach initiative please visit the Dinosaur Train Geocaching.com Page