PARASAUROLOPHUS
(par-a-SAWR-oh-LOAF-us)

Parasaurolophus lived about 80 million years ago. It was one of the
largest members of the plant-eating family of Hadrosaurs or "duck-billed" dinosaurs. Parasaurolophus means "Reptile with Parallel-sided Crest." This name comes from the large bony crest on its head.

Parasaurolophus was about 33 feet long and weighed up to 4 tons (8,000 pounds). Its strong front legs were used for walking or feeding from the ground. They were also strong enough for wading or swimming, which was its main defense. Inside the long bony crest on its head, there were two long air tubes that ran the full length of the crest. These air tubes were probably used to make loud honking noises. By forcing air through the tubes they could warn of danger or make noises for identification.

Can you believe that the crest on Parasaurolophus’ head stood 6 feet high. That’s taller than a full grown horse.

(c)1998 Peponi Internetional