Triceratops Had a Giant Nose that May Have Cooled Its Massive Head

Triceratops had a giant nose that may have cooled its massive head

Triceratops’ massive head may have been doing more than just showing off those famous horns. Using CT scans and 3D reconstructions of fossil skulls, researchers uncovered a surprisingly complex nasal system hidden inside its enormous snout. Instead of being just a supersized nose for smelling, it likely housed intricate networks of nerves and blood vessels—and even special structures that helped regulate heat and moisture.

Why did Triceratops have such a large nose?

A new study published in The Anatomical Record reveals why the iconic dinosaur Triceratops would have had such a large nose.Seishiro Tada (left) standing next to an a Triceratops skull. Credit: ©2026 Tada CC-BY-ND. Triceratops and other horned dinosaurs would have had larger nasal cavities than other animals. A research team, including members of the University of Tokyo, used CT scans of Triceratops skulls to compare the nasal structures of Tric…

New Discoveries Reveal Triceratops' Massive Nasal Cavity Had More Functions Than Just Smell

For decades, triceratops and their relatives were known only through fossils. Now, groundbreaking research by Japanese paleontologists has mapped the soft tissue anatomy of these iconic horned dinosaurs, unveiling unexpected structures that may shed light on their ability to regulate body temperature and breathe effectively. Triceratops‘ nasal cavity. Image credit: K. Sakane. The ceratopsians, a [...] The post New Discoveries Reveal Triceratops’…