Parasaurolophus

Artist Rendering of Parasaurolophus

Parasaurolophus is a hadrosaur, or “duck-billed” dinosaur (a type of Ornithischian dinosaur). As such, it was a large, herbivorous dinosaur. Standing over 10 feet tall, they could reach lengths of 33 feet or more and weighed two or more tons (4,000+ pounds).

The most notable feature of this animal is the large crest on its skull. Paleontologists have long debated over the purpose of this structure. Originally, it was believed to be some kind of snorkel, though that has since been found to be false. We now know that they were able to make low-frequency, trumpet-like sounds with this “horn.” Aside from communication with other individuals, it was likely also used for display and identification of individuals, like deer antlers.

It is also believed that Parasaurolophus was able to walk on all fours as well as just its hind legs. Did you know that this dinosaur is one of only four that has appeared in every single Jurassic Park/World film? The others are Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and the Velociraptor (which was actually another raptor known as Utahraptor).

October is “dinosaur month!” Every weekday of this month, you can come back to our Kids site to read about my 20 favorite dinosaurs. I hope you’ll join me!