PACHYCEPHALOSAURUS
(PAK-ee-CEF-al-oh-SAW-rus)

Pachycephalosaurus lived about 70 million years ago. It was a plant-eater of a family of dinosaurs known as "Boneheads," because of their unusually thick skulls. For that reason, it got the name Pachycephalosaurus, which means "Thick-headed Reptile."

Pachycephalosaurus was one of the largest of the Boneheads at about 15 feet long and up to 450 pounds. So it was about the same weight as a gorilla. It walked on its back legs, appeared to be slow moving and usually traveled in packs. Its only defense against rivals and predators was its thick hard skull. It would ram its victims in an attempt to knock them senseless.

Pachycephalosaurus’ skull was over 10 inches thick. Wouldn’t that be great for hitting a soccer ball with your head?

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