動物定義
三角龍(long)(屬名:Triceratops) 是鳥(niao)臀目(mu)角龍(long)下目(mu)角龍(long)科的(de)(de)植(zhi)食(shi)性恐龍(long)的(de)(de)一(yi)屬,化石發現于北美(mei)洲的(de)(de)晚白堊(e)紀晚馬斯垂克階地層,約6800萬年前到6500萬年前。三角龍(long)是最晚出現的(de)(de)恐龍(long)之一(yi),經常被作為晚白堊(e)紀的(de)(de)代(dai)表化石。
三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)是一種中(zhong)等大(da)小的(de)(de)四(si)足(zu)恐龍(long),全長6—8米、高2.4-2.8米、重5—10噸。他(ta)(ta)們(men)有非常大(da)的(de)(de)頭(tou)盾,以及三(san)根角(jiao)(jiao)狀物,令(ling)人聯(lian)想起現(xian)(xian)代犀牛(niu)。雖然沒有發現(xian)(xian)過三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)的(de)(de)完整(zheng)骨骸,他(ta)(ta)們(men)仍因大(da)量從1887年起發現(xian)(xian)的(de)(de)部份骨骸標本而(er)著名。長久(jiu)以來,關于(yu)它們(men)三(san)根角(jiao)(jiao)以及頭(tou)盾的(de)(de)功能處于(yu)爭論中(zhong)。傳統上這(zhe)些結構(gou)被認(ren)為是用來抵(di)抗掠(lve)食者的(de)(de)武器,但(dan)最近的(de)(de)理論認(ren)為這(zhe)些結構(gou)可(ke)能用在求偶(ou),以及展示(shi)支(zhi)配地位(wei),如同現(xian)(xian)代馴鹿、山羊、獨角(jiao)(jiao)仙的(de)(de)角(jiao)(jiao)狀物。
三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)最顯著的特(te)征是它(ta)們的角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)和(he)頸盾(dun)(dun)。它(ta)們的頭(tou)盾(dun)(dun)可(ke)長至超過1.5米。三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)的口(kou)鼻(bi)部鼻(bi)孔(kong)上方(fang)有一(yi)(yi)根角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)狀物(wu);以(yi)及一(yi)(yi)對位(wei)在(zai)眼(yan)睛上方(fang)的角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)狀物(wu),超過80公分(fen)。頭(tou)顱后方(fang)則是相對短的骨質頭(tou)盾(dun)(dun)。
三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)四肢短,前(qian)腳(jiao)(jiao)掌有(you)五個短腳(jiao)(jiao)趾、后腳(jiao)(jiao)掌則(ze)有(you)四個短腳(jiao)(jiao)趾。雖然三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)確定是四足動物,它們(men)的姿(zi)(zi)勢長久以(yi)(yi)來處于爭(zheng)論中。三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)的前(qian)肢起初被認為是從胸(xiong)部(bu)(bu)往兩側伸(shen)展(zhan),以(yi)(yi)助于承擔頭部(bu)(bu)的重量。這種(zhong)站立(li)方(fang)式可見(jian)于查爾斯·耐特(Charles R. Knight)與(yu)魯(lu)道夫·札林格(ge)(Rudolph F. Zallinger)的繪畫中。然而,角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)類的足跡化石證(zheng)據,以(yi)(yi)及(ji)如今的骨(gu)骸重建(jian),顯示三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)在正常行走時保持者直立(li)姿(zi)(zi)勢,但(dan)肘部(bu)(bu)稍微彎(wan)曲,居于完全直立(li)與(yu)完全伸(shen)展(zhan)(現代(dai)犀牛)兩種(zhong)說(shuo)法的中間。但(dan)這種(zhong)結論無法排(pai)除三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)抵抗(kang)或(huo)進食時會采伸(shen)展(zhan)姿(zi)(zi)態。
科屬分類
三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)中(zhong)(zhong)最著名屬(shu),角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)是(shi)群中(zhong)(zhong)型北美洲角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類(lei)恐龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)。多(duo)年以來,三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)于(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)下(xia)目中(zhong)(zhong)的位置處(chu)于(yu)爭(zheng)論中(zhong)(zhong)。混淆來自于(yu)三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的短(duan)、堅硬(ying)頭(tou)(tou)盾(dun)類(lei)似尖(jian)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞(ya)科(ke),而長(chang)的額角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)類(lei)似角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)(或稱開(kai)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞(ya)科(ke))。在(zai)第(di)一(yi)(yi)個對于(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類(lei)的研究(jiu)中(zhong)(zhong),理察·史(shi)旺·魯爾(er)(Richard Swann Lull)提出(chu)出(chu)兩個支(zhi)系(xi),一(yi)(yi)個往三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)發展的支(zhi)系(xi)包(bao)括(kuo)獨角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、尖(jian)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),另一(yi)(yi)個支(zhi)系(xi)包(bao)括(kuo)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)、牛角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long),這(zhe)(zhe)個假(jia)設使三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)屬(shu)于(yu)尖(jian)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞(ya)科(ke)。較晚的研究(jiu)支(zhi)持(chi)這(zhe)(zhe)個觀點,并將(jiang)這(zhe)(zhe)個短(duan)頭(tou)(tou)盾(dun)支(zhi)系(xi)正式命名為尖(jian)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞(ya)科(ke)(包(bao)含(han)三(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)),另一(yi)(yi)長(chang)頭(tou)(tou)盾(dun)支(zhi)系(xi)為開(kai)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)亞(ya)科(ke)。
在1949年(nian),查爾斯(si)·斯(si)騰伯格(Charles Mortram Sternberg)首次對這假設提出質疑,并基于(yu)頭顱(lu)與(yu)角(jiao)的(de)特征,而認為三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)與(yu)無(wu)鼻角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)、開角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)關系較近(jin),使得三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)屬(shu)為三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)亞科(ke)(尖(jian)(jian)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)亞科(ke))。然而,斯(si)騰伯格的(de)分類(lei)與(yu)約翰·奧(ao)斯(si)特倫姆(mu)(John Ostrom)、大衛(wei)·諾曼(David Norman)將三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)置于(yu)尖(jian)(jian)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)亞科(ke)不同。
后(hou)來的(de)(de)發現與(yu)研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)支(zhi)(zhi)持(chi)了(le)斯騰伯(bo)格的(de)(de)觀(guan)點,Lehman在1990年為(wei)(wei)兩(liang)個亞(ya)科定義,并基于數(shu)個形態上(shang)(shang)的(de)(de)特征,而將三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)歸于角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)亞(ya)科。事實上(shang)(shang),除了(le)短(duan)頭(tou)盾以外,三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)相(xiang)當符合(he)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)亞(ya)科的(de)(de)特征。彼得(de)·達德森(Peter Dodson)在1990年的(de)(de)親緣分(fen)(fen)支(zhi)(zhi)分(fen)(fen)類法研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu)與(yu)1993年的(de)(de)形態學(xue)研(yan)究(jiu)(jiu),加強三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)歸類為(wei)(wei)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)亞(ya)科的(de)(de)論點。
種系分類
在種系發生學的分類中,三角龍通常作為恐龍定義中的一個參考點;恐龍(long)被定(ding)(ding)義為三(san)角龍(long)與新鳥(niao)亞綱(gang)(現(xian)代(dai)鳥(niao)類)與共同祖先,的所有(you)后代(dai)。而(er)鳥(niao)臀目的定(ding)(ding)義為:所有(you)親緣(yuan)關系與三(san)角龍(long)接近,而(er)離(li)現(xian)代(dai)鳥(niao)類較遠的擁有(you)共同祖先之(zhi)物(wu)種。
物種起源
很多(duo)年(nian)來(lai)三(san)角龍(long)的(de)(de)起源非常不明確(que)。在1922年(nian),新發現的(de)(de)原角龍(long)被亨利(li)·費爾費爾德·奧斯本(ben)(Henry Fairfield Osborn)認為是三(san)角龍(long)的(de)(de)祖(zu)先。然(ran)而(er),如今發現數(shu)種與(yu)三(san)角龍(long)祖(zu)先有關系的(de)(de)物種。發現于90年(nian)代晚期的(de)(de)祖(zu)先角龍(long),是角龍(long)下目中已(yi)知(zhi)最早(zao)有額角的(de)(de)恐(kong)龍(long)。而(er)2005年(nian)發現的(de)(de)隱龍(long),是已(yi)知(zhi)唯一的(de)(de)侏(zhu)羅紀角龍(long)下目恐(kong)龍(long)。
這些新發現(xian)非(fei)常(chang)(chang)重(zhong)要,并描繪出角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)恐龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)起源,它們起源于侏羅紀的(de)(de)(de)亞洲,而真正有角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)的(de)(de)(de)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)類(lei)(lei)出現(xian)在晚(wan)白堊紀之初(chu)。三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)越來越常(chang)(chang)被認為是角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)亞科的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)個成員,三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)祖先可能外表類(lei)(lei)似開(kai)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long),開(kai)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)生(sheng)存時間早于三(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)約500萬年。
發現與種
命名
第(di)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)被(bei)(bei)命名為(wei)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)標(biao)本,是在(zai)1887年(nian)發(fa)現(xian)于(yu)科羅拉(la)多(duo)州(zhou)丹佛市附(fu)近,由(you)(you)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)頭顱(lu)骨(gu)頂部,與附(fu)著在(zai)上(shang)面的(de)一(yi)(yi)對額角(jiao)(jiao)所(suo)構成(cheng)。這個(ge)(ge)標(biao)本被(bei)(bei)交給奧塞內爾(er)·查利斯(si)(si)·馬什(shen)(Othniel Charles Marsh),他(ta)認(ren)(ren)為(wei)該化(hua)石(shi)的(de)所(suo)處地層年(nian)代(dai)為(wei)上(shang)新(xin)世(shi),而該化(hua)石(shi)屬于(yu)一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong)特別大(da)的(de)北美(mei)野(ye)牛,因此(ci)將它們命名為(wei)長角(jiao)(jiao)北美(mei)野(ye)牛(Bison alticornis)。第(di)二(er)年(nian),馬什(shen)根(gen)據一(yi)(yi)些破碎的(de)化(hua)石(shi),發(fa)現(xian)了(le)有角(jiao)(jiao)恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)存(cun)在(zai),因此(ci)建立了(le)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)屬;但他(ta)仍認(ren)(ren)為(wei)長角(jiao)(jiao)北美(mei)野(ye)牛是種(zhong)(zhong)上(shang)新(xin)世(shi)的(de)哺(bu)乳類。直到第(di)三(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)更完整的(de)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)類頭顱(lu)骨(gu),才(cai)改(gai)變他(ta)的(de)想(xiang)法。這個(ge)(ge)由(you)(you)約翰·貝(bei)爾(er)·海徹(che)爾(er)(John Bell Hatcher)在(zai)1888年(nian)于(yu)懷俄明州(zhou)蘭斯(si)(si)組發(fa)現(xian)的(de)標(biao)本,起初(chu)被(bei)(bei)敘述成(cheng)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)屬的(de)另外一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)種(zhong)(zhong),但馬什(shen)經過熟慮之后(hou)(hou),他(ta)將這個(ge)(ge)標(biao)本命名為(wei)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(Triceratops),并將原本的(de)長角(jiao)(jiao)北美(mei)野(ye)牛改(gai)歸(gui)類于(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)一(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)種(zhong)(zhong)(后(hou)(hou)來也(ye)成(cheng)為(wei)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)一(yi)(yi)種(zhong)(zhong))。三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)結實頭顱(lu)骨(gu)使得(de)許(xu)多(duo)頭顱(lu)骨(gu)被(bei)(bei)保存(cun)下來,允許(xu)科學家們研究不同種(zhong)(zhong)與個(ge)(ge)體(ti)間的(de)變化(hua)。除了(le)科羅拉(la)多(duo)州(zhou)與懷俄明州(zhou)之外,隨后(hou)(hou)在(zai)美(mei)國的(de)蒙(meng)大(da)拿(na)(na)州(zhou)與南達科他(ta)州(zhou)、加拿(na)(na)大(da)的(de)亞伯達省(sheng)(sheng)與薩克(ke)其(qi)萬省(sheng)(sheng)也(ye)發(fa)現(xian)了(le)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)化(hua)石(shi)。
種
在三(san)角龍(long)第(di)一次被命名(ming)(ming)的(de)(de)(de)(de)前十年內,發現了不(bu)(bu)(bu)同的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu),這些(xie)骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)骸與馬什最初命名(ming)(ming)的(de)(de)(de)(de)恐怖三(san)角龍(long)(T. horridus)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)有或(huo)多或(huo)少的(de)(de)(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同;恐怖三(san)角龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)種名(ming)(ming)horridus在拉丁語中(zhong)其實意為(wei)「凹凸不(bu)(bu)(bu)平(ping)的(de)(de)(de)(de)」,意指(zhi)原型標本的(de)(de)(de)(de)凹凸不(bu)(bu)(bu)平(ping)表(biao)(biao)面,該標本后(hou)來(lai)被確認為(wei)幼年個體。這些(xie)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)差異可歸類(lei)出三(san)種不(bu)(bu)(bu)同尺(chi)寸,這些(xie)差異來(lai)自于(yu)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同年齡與性別的(de)(de)(de)(de)差異,以及化石化過程中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同程度或(huo)壓(ya)力方向(xiang)。這些(xie)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)(gu)(gu)被命名(ming)(ming)為(wei)個別的(de)(de)(de)(de)種(可見于(yu)以下列表(biao)(biao)),并形成數(shu)個系(xi)統發生學研究。
魯爾(er)(er)發現這(zhe)些種可分(fen)為兩個(ge)(ge)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun),但他并(bing)沒有(you)說明如何分(fen)辨(bian)它們(men);其中一(yi)群(qun)(qun)(qun)由恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)、T. prorsus、短(duan)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. brevicornus)所(suo)構成(cheng),另一(yi)群(qun)(qun)(qun)由T . elatus、T. calicornis所(suo)構成(cheng)。鋸(ju)齒三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. serratus)與(yu)扇(shan)形三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. flabellatus)則不屬于這(zhe)兩個(ge)(ge)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun)。在1933年(nian),魯爾(er)(er)將(jiang)之前他與(yu)海(hai)徹爾(er)(er)、馬(ma)什先后(hou)完成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)下目專題(ti)論文(wen)重新出版,他維持原本的(de)(de)(de)兩個(ge)(ge)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun)與(yu)兩個(ge)(ge)未(wei)定種的(de)(de)(de)分(fen)類法,并(bing)增加了(le)第三(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)支(zhi)(zhi)系(xi),由鈍(dun)頭(tou)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. obtusus)與(yu)海(hai)氏三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. hatcheri)所(suo)構成(cheng),特征是非常小的(de)(de)(de)鼻角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)。恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)、T. prorsus、以(yi)及短(duan)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)所(suo)構成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun),此時被認(ren)為是最傳統(tong)的(de)(de)(de)支(zhi)(zhi)系(xi),頭(tou)顱骨較大,鼻角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)較小。而T. elatus、T. calicornis所(suo)構成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)第二(er)個(ge)(ge)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun),有(you)大型(xing)額角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)與(yu)小型(xing)鼻角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)。查爾(er)(er)斯(si)·斯(si)騰伯格作了(le)些調(diao)整(zheng),他將(jiang)寬頭(tou)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(T. eurycephalus)視為第二(er)與(yu)第三(san)(san)個(ge)(ge)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun)之間的(de)(de)(de)連結,而非恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)所(suo)屬的(de)(de)(de)第一(yi)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)物(wu)群(qun)(qun)(qun)。這(zhe)個(ge)(ge)分(fen)類法持續用到(dao)80年(nian)代與(yu)90年(nian)代。
不同角(jiao)(jiao)龍類(lei)的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱(lu)骨代(dai)表(biao)者(zhe)單一(yi)(yi)(yi)種(或兩個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種)之內的(de)(de)(de)(de)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體變化(hua),這個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)論點逐漸(jian)普及。在(zai)(zai)1986年(nian)(nian),奧斯(si)特倫姆與彼得·沃(wo)爾赫(he)費(fei)爾(Peter Wellnhofer)公布一(yi)(yi)(yi)份(fen)研究(jiu),他(ta)(ta)們宣稱(cheng)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍屬只有一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種,恐怖(bu)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍。其中一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)理(li)由(you)(you)是(shi)在(zai)(zai)一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)地區(qu)中,通常只存在(zai)(zai)者(zhe)單一(yi)(yi)(yi)或兩個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)大(da)型動物群;例如(ru)現代(dai)非洲的(de)(de)(de)(de)非洲象與長頸鹿。 Lehman在(zai)(zai)魯爾與斯(si)騰伯格的(de)(de)(de)(de)支系研究(jiu)中,加進兩性(xing)異(yi)形與年(nian)(nian)齡變化(hua),他(ta)(ta)認為由(you)(you)恐怖(bu)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍、T. prorsus、短角(jiao)(jiao)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍所(suo)構成的(de)(de)(de)(de)第一(yi)(yi)(yi)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)生(sheng)物群是(shi)雌性(xing)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體,而(er)(er)T. elatus、T. calicornis所(suo)構成的(de)(de)(de)(de)第二個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)生(sheng)物群是(shi)雄性(xing)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體,而(er)(er)鈍頭(tou)(tou)(tou)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍與海氏三角(jiao)(jiao)龍所(suo)構成的(de)(de)(de)(de)第三個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)生(sheng)物群是(shi)年(nian)(nian)老的(de)(de)(de)(de)雄性(xing)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體。他(ta)(ta)的(de)(de)(de)(de)理(li)由(you)(you)是(shi)雄性(xing)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)體型較高、頭(tou)(tou)(tou)角(jiao)(jiao)較直、頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱(lu)骨較大(da),而(er)(er)雌性(xing)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)體的(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)顱(lu)骨較小(xiao)、頭(tou)(tou)(tou)角(jiao)(jiao)較短。
數(shu)(shu)年后(hou),凱薩琳(lin)·佛(fo)(fo)斯(si)特(Catherine Forster)對奧斯(si)特倫姆與(yu)沃(wo)爾赫(he)費(fei)爾的(de)研究(jiu)提出質疑(yi),佛(fo)(fo)斯(si)特對三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)的(de)化石材料做了更廣泛的(de)研究(jiu),并認為三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)只有(you)兩個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種(zhong):恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)、T. prorsus;而(er)海氏三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)因擁有(you)獨特頭顱骨,足以成立(li)新(xin)的(de)屬,已改為海氏雙角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(Diceratops hatcheri)。她發(fa)現數(shu)(shu)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種(zhong)其(qi)實(shi)(shi)屬于(yu)(yu)恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long),而(er)T. prorsus與(yu)短角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)是(shi)同(tong)一個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種(zhong),因為有(you)許多種(zhong)被分類(lei)于(yu)(yu)第一個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)生物群,佛(fo)(fo)斯(si)特提出前兩個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)生物群其(qi)實(shi)(shi)分別代表恐怖三(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)與(yu)T. prorsus。但在這(zhe)個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)新(xin)分類(lei)法(fa)之下(xia),這(zhe)兩個(ge)(ge)(ge)(ge)種(zhong)仍有(you)可(ke)能是(shi)兩性異形的(de)結果。
已確定種
*恐(kong)怖三角龍(long)(T. horridus):奧(ao)思尼(ni)爾·馬什1889 (模式種)
* T. prorsus:馬(ma)什1890
可疑種
*亞(ya)伯達(da)三角龍(long)(T. albertensis):斯騰伯格1949
*長角三(san)角龍(long)(T. alticornis):馬什1887
*寬(kuan)頭三角龍(long)(T. eurycephalus):施賴克(ke)耶爾1935
* T. galeus:馬什1889
*碩大三角龍(long)(T. ingens):魯(lu)爾1915
*大三角龍(T. maximus):布朗1933
* T. sulcatus:馬什1890
錯誤歸類
*短角三角龍(T. brevicornis):海(hai)徹爾1905 ( = T. prorsus)
* T. calicornus:馬什1898 ( =恐怖(bu)三(san)角(jiao)龍)
* T. elatus:馬什1891 ( =恐(kong)怖三角龍)
*扇(shan)形三角(jiao)龍(long)(T. flabellatus):馬什(shen)1889 ( =恐怖三角(jiao)龍(long))
*海氏(shi)(shi)三角龍(T. hatcheri):魯爾1907 ( =海氏(shi)(shi)雙角龍)
* T. mortuarius:愛德華·科普1874 ( =大(da)師龍(long),疑名)
*鈍頭三角(jiao)(jiao)龍(T. obtusus):馬什1898 ( =恐怖(bu)三角(jiao)(jiao)龍)
*鋸齒三(san)角龍(T. serratus):馬什1890 ( =恐怖三(san)角龍)
*森林三(san)角龍(T. sylvestris):科普1872 ( =森林奇跡龍,疑名)
古生物學
雖然三角(jiao)龍常(chang)被描述成群居(ju)(ju)動(dong)物(wu),但(dan)沒(mei)有直接證據顯示它們為(wei)群居(ju)(ju)動(dong)物(wu)。但(dan)有些角(jiao)龍類恐龍的(de)發(fa)(fa)現(xian)(xian)地點常(chang)有數(shu)十或數(shu)百個個體。明(ming)尼蘇達(da)科(ke)學博物(wu)館的(de)古生物(wu)學家Bruce Erickson宣(xuan)稱(cheng)在(zai)蒙大(da)拿州海爾河組(zu)發(fa)(fa)現(xian)(xian)了(le)(le)200個T. prorsus的(de)標本。巴(ba)納姆·布(bu)郎(lang)(Barnum Brown)則宣(xuan)稱(cheng)在(zai)該處發(fa)(fa)現(xian)(xian)了(le)(le)超過(guo)500個頭顱骨(gu)。因為(wei)在(zai)北美洲西(xi)部的(de)蘭(lan)斯組(zu)(晚馬斯垂克階,6800萬年(nian)前到6500萬年(nian)前)發(fa)(fa)現(xian)(xian)了(le)(le)豐(feng)富的(de)三角(jiao)龍牙齒、角(jiao)狀物(wu)碎片、頭盾碎片、以(yi)及三角(jiao)龍其他的(de)破碎頭顱骨(gu)。在(zai)1986年(nian),羅(luo)伯(bo)特·巴(ba)克(Robert Bakker)估(gu)計在(zai)白堊紀(ji),三角(jiao)龍的(de)數(shu)量占了(le)(le)蘭(lan)斯組(zu)動(dong)物(wu)群的(de)5/6。三角(jiao)龍的(de)頭骨(gu)較常(chang)被發(fa)(fa)現(xian)(xian),而非身體部分(fen),與大(da)部分(fen)動(dong)物(wu)不同(tong)。
三(san)角龍(long)是白堊紀-第三(san)紀滅絕(jue)事件(jian)之前(qian)最后(hou)出現(xian)的角龍(long)類之一(yi)。三(san)角龍(long)的近親(qin)雙(shuang)角龍(long)與牛角龍(long)、以及遠親(qin)纖角龍(long)也生存在(zai)同一(yi)時期,但它(ta)們的化石(shi)較少被發現(xian)。
齒列
三角(jiao)龍是植食性動物,但它們也可能使用(yong)(yong)頭角(jiao)、喙狀嘴、以身體來(lai)撞倒(dao)較高的植被來(lai)食用(yong)(yong)。三角(jiao)龍的顎(e)部前端具(ju)有長(chang)、狹窄的喙狀嘴,被認(ren)為(wei)較適合抓取、拉扯,而(er)非咬合。
三角龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)排列成(cheng)齒(chi)系(Tooth batteries),每列由(you)36到40個牙(ya)齒(chi)群(qun)所構成(cheng),上下顎兩(liang)側各有3到5列牙(ya)齒(chi)群(qun),牙(ya)齒(chi)群(qun)的(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)數量(liang)依(yi)照(zhao)動物(wu)(wu)體(ti)型而(er)改(gai)變。三角龍(long)(long)(long)總共擁有432到 800顆牙(ya)齒(chi),其(qi)中(zhong)大部(bu)分都是正在使用,而(er)三角龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)牙(ya)齒(chi)是不斷地生長(chang)并取代。這(zhe)些(xie)牙(ya)齒(chi)以垂直或接(jie)近垂直的(de)方(fang)向來切割食物(wu)(wu)。三角龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)眾多牙(ya)齒(chi),顯示(shi)它(ta)們以體(ti)積大的(de)棕櫚植物(wu)(wu)為食。三角龍(long)(long)(long)的(de)食物(wu)(wu)中(zhong)可能包含棕櫚科與蘇鐵,而(er)其(qi)他(ta)人員則認(ren)為包含草原上的(de)蕨類。
角與頭盾
在2005年(nian),BBC的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)電視節目(mu)《恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)兇面目(mu)》(The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs)之中,節目(mu)單位(wei)測(ce)試三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)將如(ru)(ru)何抵(di)抗(kang)(kang)大(da)型掠(lve)食者如(ru)(ru)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)攻(gong)擊。為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)了(le)(le)了(le)(le)解三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)是(shi)否如(ru)(ru)同現代(dai)犀牛般沖撞(zhuang)(zhuang)敵人,節目(mu)單位(wei)制作(zuo)了(le)(le)一(yi)個(ge)(ge)人工的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)顱,并以(yi)(yi)每小(xiao)時(shi)(shi)(shi)24公里(li)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)(shi)速(su)撞(zhuang)(zhuang)向(xiang)模擬(ni)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)暴(bao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)皮膚。三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)額(e)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)刺穿的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)模擬(ni)皮膚,但(dan)是(shi)額(e)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)與(yu)喙狀(zhuang)嘴則無法刺穿,而(er)且(qie)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)顱的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)前段斷裂。結論是(shi)三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)無法利用(yong)(yong)沖撞(zhuang)(zhuang)敵人來自我防衛,如(ru)(ru)果它(ta)們遭到攻(gong)擊時(shi)(shi)(shi),應該(gai)會(hui)采取堅(jian)守策略,當敵人接近(jin)時(shi)(shi)(shi),使用(yong)(yong)它(ta)們的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)來牴刺敵人。除了(le)(le)將頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)用(yong)(yong)于(yu)抵(di)抗(kang)(kang)掠(lve)食者以(yi)(yi)外(wai),三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)可能會(hui)使用(yong)(yong)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)互相碰撞(zhuang)(zhuang)。研究(jiu)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)示這(zhe)種(zhong)互相碰撞(zhuang)(zhuang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)行(xing)(xing)(xing)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)是(shi)合理的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)、可行(xing)(xing)(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),但(dan)沒(mei)有證(zheng)據顯(xian)(xian)(xian)示三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)擁(yong)有這(zhe)種(zhong)行(xing)(xing)(xing)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)。三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)與(yu)其(qi)他角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)上的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)瘡孔(kong)、洞孔(kong)、損害、以(yi)(yi)及(ji)其(qi)他傷口,常(chang)(chang)被(bei)(bei)認為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)是(shi)以(yi)(yi)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)互相戰斗造(zao)成(cheng)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)傷痕。一(yi)個(ge)(ge)最(zui)(zui)近(jin)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu)則認為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)沒(mei)有證(zheng)據顯(xian)(xian)(xian)示這(zhe)些傷痕是(shi)因為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)打(da)斗而(er)留下的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de),也(ye)(ye)沒(mei)有感(gan)染(ran)或(huo)(huo)痊(quan)愈(yu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)證(zheng)據。而(er)骨(gu)(gu)質流失、或(huo)(huo)不明(ming)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)(gu)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)疾病,是(shi)這(zhe)些傷痕的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)來源。三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)型頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)可能用(yong)(yong)來增加(jia)身體(ti)(ti)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)表面積,以(yi)(yi)協助調節體(ti)(ti)溫。劍龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)骨(gu)(gu)板(ban)也(ye)(ye)被(bei)(bei)推測(ce)擁(yong)有類似的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)功能,但(dan)這(zhe)個(ge)(ge)理論無法解釋角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)科(ke)不同成(cheng)員的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)形狀(zhuang)變(bian)化。頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)與(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)是(shi)兩性(xing)異形特徵的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)理論,是(shi)由(you)Davitashvili在1961年(nian)首次提(ti)出,并且(qie)逐(zhu)漸獲得更多人的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)支持。頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)與(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)在求偶(ou)以(yi)(yi)及(ji)其(qi)他社會(hui)行(xing)(xing)(xing)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)上,被(bei)(bei)視為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)重要的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)視覺(jue)(jue)辨認物(wu);這(zhe)個(ge)(ge)理論可從不同角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)類恐(kong)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)擁(yong)有不同的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)裝飾物(wu)而(er)得到證(zheng)實。而(er)現代(dai)現代(dai)擁(yong)有角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)狀(zhuang)物(wu)或(huo)(huo)裝飾物(wu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)動物(wu),也(ye)(ye)將它(ta)們作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)視覺(jue)(jue)辨識(shi)物(wu)使用(yong)(yong)。最(zui)(zui)近(jin),一(yi)對(dui)于(yu)最(zui)(zui)小(xiao)型三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)研究(jiu),確(que)定該(gai)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)顱骨(gu)(gu)屬于(yu)一(yi)個(ge)(ge)幼(you)年(nian)體(ti)(ti),并顯(xian)(xian)(xian)示頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)與(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)是(shi)在年(nian)紀非常(chang)(chang)小(xiao)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)時(shi)(shi)(shi)期開始發展,早于(yu)性(xing)發育;因此(ci)三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)與(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)可能作(zuo)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)視覺(jue)(jue)辨認物(wu)使用(yong)(yong)。而(er)該(gai)幼(you)體(ti)(ti)化石的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)大(da)型眼睛與(yu)較(jiao)短的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)頭(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)(tou)盾(dun)(dun)與(yu)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao),也(ye)(ye)顯(xian)(xian)(xian)示三(san)(san)(san)(san)角(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)(jiao)龍(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)親代(dai)具有親代(dai)養(yang)育的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)行(xing)(xing)(xing)為(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)(wei)。
三角龍祖先
專門收(shou)集(ji)古動(dong)物(wu)遺骸的(de)(de)(de)加拿(na)大(da)(da)(da)化石(shi)公司在加拿(na)大(da)(da)(da)艾(ai)伯(bo)塔省(sheng)與美國蒙大(da)(da)(da)拿(na)州交(jiao)界(jie)地帶(dai)以(yi)南(nan)的(de)(de)(de)米(mi)爾(er)克(ke)河附近發現了一副(fu)較為(wei)完整的(de)(de)(de)恐龍(long)骨(gu)骼(ge)化石(shi)。加拿(na)大(da)(da)(da)卡爾(er)頓大(da)(da)(da)學(xue)古生(sheng)物(wu)學(xue)教(jiao)授邁克(ke)爾(er)·瑞(rui)(rui)安(an)等(deng)人經過多年的(de)(de)(de)研究,才(cai)把這種(zhong)恐龍(long)與外表兇猛的(de)(de)(de)食草恐龍(long)家族(zu)的(de)(de)(de)其(qi)(qi)他成員區別開來。新發現的(de)(de)(de)這種(zhong)恐龍(long)長7米(mi),重約2噸。它生(sheng)活在白堊紀時代,被認(ren)為(wei)是三(san)角龍(long)的(de)(de)(de)祖先,是角龍(long)亞科(ke)恐龍(long)在北美最(zui)早的(de)(de)(de)成員。引人注目的(de)(de)(de)是,其(qi)(qi)頭骨(gu)后(hou)面有一個巨(ju)大(da)(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)頭盾,邊緣有數(shu)個鉤角。瑞(rui)(rui)安(an)認(ren)為(wei),這個器官可能不是用來防御掠食者,而更有可能是吸引配(pei)偶的(de)(de)(de)炫耀物(wu)。
大眾文化
三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)獨(du)特(te)(te)的(de)(de)(de)(de)外形,使(shi)得它們經常出現在電(dian)影(ying)(ying)、電(dian)腦游戲、以(yi)及電(dian)視節(jie)目(mu)中。在1993年的(de)(de)(de)(de)電(dian)影(ying)(ying)《侏羅紀公園》中,出現了一只因為不適應現代植(zhi)被而生病的(de)(de)(de)(de)三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)。而在1933年的(de)(de)(de)(de)電(dian)影(ying)(ying)《金(jin)剛之子》(Son of Kong)中,一只類似(si)三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)的(de)(de)(de)(de)恐龍(long)(long)追(zhui)趕者進入(ru)叢林的(de)(de)(de)(de)人類,該只三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)模型是由早期(qi)的(de)(de)(de)(de)電(dian)影(ying)(ying)特(te)(te)效(xiao)專家Willis O'Brien所(suo)操作。三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)也(ye)出現在三(san)個以(yi)恐龍(long)(long)為主題的(de)(de)(de)(de)電(dian)視節(jie)目(mu):《與恐龍(long)(long)同行(xing)》(Walking with the Dinosaurs)、《恐龍(long)(long)兇面目(mu)》(The Truth About Killer Dinosaurs)以(yi)及《史前公園》(Prehistoric Park)。
三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)因為它們頭(tou)部的(de)三(san)根大(da)型角(jiao)而著(zhu)名。它們常在(zai)英(ying)文中(zhong)被昵稱(cheng)(cheng)為「Three-horns」,例如(ru)動畫電影(ying)《歷險小恐龍(long)》(The Land Before Time)與(yu)其續集。它們也常在(zai)兒童讀物、動畫節目中(zhong)被簡稱(cheng)(cheng)為「Trike」,例如(ru)《哈利與(yu)小恐龍(long)》。
在兒童讀物(wu)中,經常(chang)出(chu)現三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)與暴龍(long)(long)打(da)斗的場景,因此這兩(liang)種恐(kong)龍(long)(long)普遍被(bei)認為是天(tian)敵或是敵手。但(dan)在1966年的電影《公元前一(yi)百萬(wan)年》(One Million Years BC)中,三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)的打(da)斗對(dui)象(xiang),從暴龍(long)(long)替換成角(jiao)鼻龍(long)(long),但(dan)角(jiao)鼻龍(long)(long)與三(san)角(jiao)龍(long)(long)其實生存(cun)于不(bu)同(tong)的時期。
三(san)角(jiao)龍也出(chu)現在《侏(zhu)羅紀公(gong)園》周邊的(de)(de)電視游戲,或是其(qi)他類似主題的(de)(de)游戲,例如1997年的(de)(de)電腦(nao)游戲《Jurassic Park: Chaos Island》與《恐(kong)龍獵人》(Turok: Dinosaur Hunter)、以(yi)及2000年的(de)(de)電腦(nao)與Playstation游戲《恐(kong)龍危機》(Dino Crisis 2)。三(san)角(jiao)龍也出(chu)現在任天(tian)堂的(de)(de)游戲中,例如《大(da)金(jin)剛賽車》(Diddy Kong Racing)、《星戰(zhan)火狐大(da)冒險》(Starfox Adventures)。三(san)角(jiao)龍也是南達科他州的(de)(de)官方州化石,以(yi)及懷俄明州的(de)(de)官方州恐(kong)龍。