Remains of ceratopsids have been discovered many times in North America and Asia, though their presence in Europe was long considered doubtful. For decades, the prevailing view was that members of this dinosaur group did not inhabit the European continent. Recent evidence has refuted this notion.
Researchers examined a 3D model of the skull of the dinosaur Ajkaceratops, which was previously mistakenly classified as an iguanodont. Comparing its morphological features with Asian ceratopsids revealed significant resemblance, allowing it to be assigned to this group. Following the reassessment of materials, paleontologists found several other fragments in Romania that had not previously been identified as belonging to ceratopsids. The corresponding specimen was renamed Ferenceratops.
The data obtained led scientists to conclude that ceratopsids likely occurred in Europe, but many of their remains were incorrectly categorized as belonging to other dinosaur species for an extended period. This opens the possibility of identifying new specimens within already studied collections and revising the European paleontological record.
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