The massive skull of a Triceratops acted like a complex air conditioner
The iconic three-horned skull of a Triceratops contained a sophisticated network of blood vessels and nasal passages designed to regulate the dinosaur’s internal body temperature.
Triceratops utilized its massive skull and frill as a biological heat exchanger to prevent its brain from overheating. Researchers believe that as air passed through the dinosaur’s large nasal cavities, it cooled the blood circulating through a dense network of vessels. This chilled blood then traveled to the brain, providing a vital cooling effect during the hot Cretaceous period.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz