Protoceratops is a genus of late Cretaceous ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in what is now Mongolia and China. Fossils of Protoceratops have been found in formations dating back to 75-71 million years ago.

These dinosaurs were small in size, measuring approximately 6 feet in length and weighing around 400-500 pounds. They had a quadrupedal stance, with a relatively short neck and tail. One of the notable features of Protoceratops was the frill on its skull, which extended backward from the skull, forming a bony structure resembling a collar.

Protoceratops lacked the prominent horns seen in its later relatives, such as Triceratops. Instead, it had a more rounded and beak-like snout. Its jaws contained numerous teeth specialized for grinding plant material, indicating an herbivorous diet.

Paleontologists have unearthed multiple Protoceratops nests and egg clutches, shedding light on their reproductive behavior. The eggs were relatively small, comparable in size to a grapefruit, and contained well-preserved embryos. These findings have provided valuable insights into the incubation and nesting behaviors of Protoceratops.

Protoceratops played a role in the evolutionary history of ceratopsian dinosaurs, a group that included the famous Triceratops. By studying Protoceratops, scientists have gained a better understanding of the diversity and ecological adaptations of ceratopsians during the late Cretaceous period.