The dinosaur Alaskacephale gangloffi was actually a pachycephalosaurid dinosaur and it belonged to the order Dinosauria. It lived in Alaska in the Late Campanian to Maastrichtian stages of the Late Cretaceous period, millions of years ago. The remains of the Alaskacephale gangloffi were found in Alaska.
The skeleton that was discovered was incomplete and still hangs in the New Mexico Museum. The Alaskacephale gangloffi lived from 80 million years to 70 million years ago. These dinosaurs lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
For more relatable content, check out these Austroraptor facts and Incisivosaurus facts for kids.
Alaskacephale Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Alaskacephale'?
The name of this dinosaur, Alaskacephale gangloffi, is pronounced 'ah-lass-kah-seff-ah-lee' and it was a pachycephalosaurid dinosaur.
What type of dinosaur was an Alaskacephale?
The Alaskacephale gangloffi was from the Pachycephalosaurid dinosaur genus and belonged to the clade and order Dinosauria Ornithischia respectively. It lived in the Late Campanian to Maastrichtian stages of the Late Cretaceous period a million years ago.
The remains of the Alaskacephale gangloffi were found in Alaska and its name has been derived from the state of the United States where it was discovered. The exact location where the fossil was found was the Prince Creek Formation and this dinosaur was possibly a Pachycephalosaurus.
This herbivore species was discovered by Robert Sullivan. The half-discovered skeleton hangs in the New Mexico Museum today.
The head and the skull tell the 'Journal Of Paleontology' that this species of dinosaurs was large in size. Alaskacephale teeth were sharp and widely spread out and the average Alaskacephale size was half the size of a mid-size T-rex.
In which geological period did Alaskacephale roam the earth?
The Alaskacephale gangloffi lived in Alaska during the Late Cretaceous period from the Late Campanian stage to the Maastrichtian stage. An Alaskacephale skeleton was discovered in the Prince Creek Formation. This dinosaur belonged to the clade and order Dinosauria and Ornithischia respectively.
When did Alaskacephale become extinct?
The Alaskacephale gangloffi lived in Alaska from 80 million years to 70 million years ago. These dinosaurs lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
Where did Alaskacephale live?
The Alaskacephale gangloffi lived during the Late Cretaceous period and this dinosaur’s remains were found in Alaska, suggesting that it may have lived in this region.
What was the Alaskacephale's habitat?
This species lived in a terrestrial habitat. The location where the fossil was found was the Prince Creek Formation and this specimen was named by Robert Sullivan.
This dinosaur preferred living in woodlands especially in what is today the western USA. Their distribution range was spread across the Prince Creek Formation, Alaska, in the United States. These dinosaurs were primarily herbivores and belonged to the order of Ornithischia.
Who did Alaskacephale live with?
Not much is known about the social life of these dinosaurs from Alaska. However, their gigantic fossils were found amongst fossils of a similar kind so it is safe to assume that they probably lived in a group of three or four similar species of dinosaurs that have been listed under the clade and order of Dinosauria Ornithischia.
How long did an Alaskacephale live?
These Alaskacephale dinosaurs lived in Alaska in the Late Cretaceous period from the Late Campanian stage to the Maastrichtian stage and belonged to the genus of pachycephalosaurid dinosaur. They lived for a fairly long period of time, but the exact length of their lives is not currently known.
How did they reproduce?
The exact reproduction process of these dinosaurs is not known to us. But this was an egg-laying species. They laid an average of 20 eggs. A new study has discovered over 70 species that were capable of nesting at very high altitudes but it has not listed Alaskacephale dinosaurs as one of those species.
Alaskacephale Fun Facts
What did Alaskacephale look like?
This dinosaur is known for its head and skull. It is assumed that this herbivore could have been greenish-yellow or gray in color.
A complete skeleton was never discovered, so the exact shape of this species was never fully determined. Its half-discovered skeleton hangs in the New Mexico Museum today.
The head and the skull tell the 'Journal Of Paleontology' that this species of dinosaurs was large in size. Alaskacephale teeth were sharp and widely spread out and the Alaskacephale was half the size of a mid-size T-rex.
The head and skull of this species of dinosaurs were half the size of a T-rex's head and skull. This species weighed an average of 500 lb (226.8 kg) and was 8 ft (2.4 m) tall.
*We've been unable to source an image of Alaskacephale and have used an image of Pachycephalosaurus instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Alaskacephale, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.
How many bones did an Alaskacephale have?
The exact number of bones in the body of this dinosaur species from Alaska is not stated in the 'Journal Of Paleontology' as a complete set of bones of this specimen has not been discovered. However, a prominent part of the bone structure that was studied by paleontologist experts is the skull and the head.
This specimen is popular for its hard, strong, and protective head and skull.
How did they communicate?
These dinosaurs from Alaska may have used loud voices and visual forms of communication. As per paleogeographic implications, the exact method of communication that took place between the dinosaurs is not yet known to man. But it is assumed that they might have used their voices as well as their body language.
How big was the Alaskacephale?
The Asaskacephale is a fairly large animal. It was 8 ft (2.4 m) in length and was half the size of a T-rex.
How fast could an Alaskacephale move?
Most large dinosaurs were considered to be slow movers primarily due to their weight and flat feet but this species of Dinosauria Ornithischia was an exception. They primarily moved on their hind legs as their forelegs were too small to reach the ground.
Due to the shape of their body, they were able to quickly pick up pace and find shelter from predators.
How much did an Alaskacephale weigh?
These dinosaurs from Alaska weighed 500 lb (226.8 kg).
What were the male and female names of the species?
No specific names were given to males and females of this species.
What would you call a baby Alaskacephale?
Dinosaurs are hatched from eggs, therefore new baby dinosaurs can be called hatchlings, just like other reptiles like turtles and crocodiles.
What did they eat?
The primary diet of this Dinosauria consisted of a combination of leaves, twigs, seeds, and plants.
How aggressive were they?
These animals were non-aggressive animals and they can be described as gentle giants. These animals are herbivorous and did not harm any other species of dinosaurs.
Did you know...
The specimen was previously described by Gangloffi as an unnamed pachycephalosaurid, possibly a Pachycephalosaurus.
Why are they called Alaskacephale?
The primary reason these animals are called Alaskacephale is because of their genus. The name refers to Alaska where the formation holotype was discovered and is combined with the Greek 'kephale', meaning 'head'.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly dinosaur facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other dinosaurs from our Chromogisaurus interesting facts and Orodromeus fun facts for kids pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Alaskacephale coloring pages.
The main image is by Karkemish
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance
Fiza TalathBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance
As an assistant financial accountant, Fiza has developed a strong understanding of the business world. Her Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Accounting and Finance from St Joseph's College of Commerce (Autonomous), enhances her ability to cover a wide range of topics, including finance, accounting, and business. Fiza's writing skills allow her to communicate complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner. She is also passionate about animal welfare, and enjoys writing on this subject as well.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.