CretaceousHerbivoreLarge

Parasaurolophus

PAR-ah-saw-ROL-oh-fus

"Near crested lizard"

Overview

Parasaurolophus was a hadrosaur known for its spectacular elongated cranial crest, a long curved tube extending backward from its skull. This crest may have been used to produce resonant calls and for visual display.

Vital Statistics

Length

10 m

Height

4 m

Weight

2.5 t

Est. Speed

25 km/h

Discovered

1922

Named by

William Parks

Countries Discovered

CanadaUnited States

Fossil Locations

🦴

📍 Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta📍 New Mexico

Interesting Facts

The hollow crest may have functioned like a trombone, amplifying low-frequency calls audible for miles.

CT scans of the crest reveal complex internal nasal passages.

Males likely had larger crests, suggesting sexual dimorphism.

Parasaurolophus could walk on two or four legs and was a fast runner.

Closest Relatives

CorythosaurusLambeosaurusTsintaosaurusCharonosaurus