Protoceratops is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 75-71 million years ago. It was a small dinosaur, measuring about 6 feet long and weighing around 400-500 pounds. Protoceratops had a beak like a bird, a short neck, and it walked on all fours.

One of the distinctive features of Protoceratops was the frill on its head. This frill was a bony structure that projected from the back of its skull. It resembled a fancy collar and might have served various functions, such as display, communication, or defense.

Protoceratops was most likely an herbivore, meaning it primarily ate plants. Its teeth were adapted for grinding plant material, suggesting a diet of vegetation. Scientists have found fossilized stomach contents of Protoceratops, confirming its herbivorous nature.

Interestingly, paleontologists have discovered several fossilized Protoceratops nests and eggs. These eggs were relatively small, about the size of a grapefruit, and contained well-preserved embryos. This discovery provides valuable information about Protoceratops reproductive behavior and early life stages.

Despite its name, Protoceratops did not possess any horns, unlike its close relatives, such as Triceratops. However, it was still an important dinosaur in terms of understanding the evolution and diversity of ceratopsian dinosaurs.