This is a member of an odd group of bipedal, herbivorous dinosaurs that lived in Mesozoic central Asia. This group is characterized by an extremely thick (12-15cm) cranial(skull) roof. Homalocephale had a flat, table-like cranial roof whereas their other relatives (e.g. Pachycephalosauridae) had a dome-like one.

The most commonly accepted explanation for the function of these thickened cranial roofs is that they were used when the animals butt heads to compete for females. This concept came from the observation that bighorn sheep used their magnificent horns to butt each other in their mating display. Another explanation is that they were used as a weapon to fend off predators. They may have been used for both purposes, however, the flat cranial roof of Homalocephale seems more suitable for head-to-head butting intraspecific combats.

In addition to the structure of its skull, its postcranial features also support a head-to-head butting hypothesis. Ridge-and-groove articulation between dorsal vertebrae possibly provided great rigidity to its backbone. The shock of the impact would have transmitted through the skull and along its backbone and foot structures, finally to the ground. Its very broad pelvis and widely positioned femora would also have contributed to absorption of the impact shock, however, some scientists suggested this as a proof of ovoviviparity of this animal.

A part of its tail with the basketwork of ossified tendons which would have made its tail heavy and rigid can also be seen in this display. As remains other than the skulls have scarcely been found of this group, there is no doubt that this specimen with a relatively high completeness is a valuable one.

Top Menu Exhibits Menu

Copyright(C) 1997-2007@by Kanna dinosaur Center. All rights reserved.