• Paleontologists once thought stegosaurus walked on two legs, like T-rex.
However, most experts no longer believe this.
Triceratops
• Triceratops means “three-horned face” due to its hard, plated head that
held three spear-like horns.
• Triceratops was an herbivore, feeding only on the vegetation of western
North America.
• Triceratops was about 30 feet (9 m) long and 10 feet (3 m) tall, and
weighed 4–6 tons (3,600–5,400 kg). Triceratops could not move very
quickly despite having strong, thick limbs.
• Triceratops’ horns were a handy defense mechanism. When another
dinosaur such as T-rex attacked, triceratops would use its head and horns
as a battering ram similar to the rhinoceros.
• Triceratops was one of the last surviving dinosaurs approximately 65
million years ago.
Raptor
• Recent ndings conrm that the raptor was a feathered dinosaur. Raptors
likely had thick feathery coats, similar to a peacock’s, covering their scaly
skin.
• Despite their birdlike features, raptors could not y. Like tyrannosaurus
rex, they had short limbs that made liftoff impossible.
• Raptors had larger brains than most dinosaurs, making them one of the
most intelligent species.
• Raptors could run upright on two legs nearly as fast as an Olympic
sprinter—24 miles (38.6 km) an hour!
• Raptors preyed on other dinosaurs. Because of their speed, retractable
claws and sharp teeth, they were very effective hunters.
Discussion Starters
In addition to providing great opportunities for pretend play, Jumbo Dinosaurs
are helpful early science discussion starters. Ask questions, such as the
following, to help students understand the similarities and the differences
between the dinosaurs.
Could any of the dinosaurs fly?
Did any of the dinosaurs have fur or hair covering their skin?
Did any of the dinosaurs lay eggs?
Did the coloring of any of the dinosaurs help it blend into its natural habitat?
Which dinosaurs were herbivores (plant eaters)?
