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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Parasaurolophus

Parasaurolophus is a genus of hadrosaurid, or duck-billed, dinosaur known for its long, curved hollow crest on the head.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Parasaurolophus is a genus of hadrosaurid, or duck-billed, dinosaur known for its long, curved hollow crest on the head. It lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous and was a large herbivore. Fossils have been found in Canada and the United States, and the crest likely helped produce sound and may also have been used for display.

Description

Parasaurolophus was a large duck-billed dinosaur with a narrow beak, strong limbs, and an elongated head crest. The crest was hollow and extended far behind the skull, making the animal one of the most recognizable dinosaurs.

Classification

Parasaurolophus belongs to the hadrosaurid family, a group of ornithopod dinosaurs commonly called duck-billed dinosaurs. The genus name refers to its similarity to Saurolophus.

Habitat and range

This dinosaur lived in western North America during the Late Cretaceous. Fossils have been found in what is now Alberta, Canada, as well as New Mexico and Utah in the United States.

Paleobiology

Parasaurolophus was herbivorous and likely fed on tough vegetation. Studies of its crest suggest it may have produced low-frequency sounds, possibly for communication or display.

Key facts

  • Parasaurolophus was a hadrosaurid dinosaur, part of the duck-billed dinosaur group.
  • It lived during the Late Cretaceous, about 76–73 million years ago.
  • Its most notable feature was a long, backward-curving hollow crest on its skull.
  • Researchers have proposed that the crest helped produce sounds and may have functioned in display or communication.
  • Fossils are known from western North America, including Alberta, Canada, and U.S. sites in New Mexico and Utah.
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Canadian context

Parasaurolophus is relevant to Canada because fossils have been found in Alberta, making it part of Canada’s Late Cretaceous dinosaur record.

Frequently asked questions

What was Parasaurolophus?
Parasaurolophus was a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur known for its long hollow crest and herbivorous diet.
When did Parasaurolophus live?
It lived during the Late Cretaceous, roughly 76 to 73 million years ago.
Where did Parasaurolophus live?
It lived in western North America, with fossils found in Canada and the United States.
What did Parasaurolophus eat?
It was a herbivore that fed on plants and likely cropped tough vegetation with its beak.
What was the crest used for?
The crest likely helped produce sound and may also have been used for communication or display.
How big was Parasaurolophus?
It is estimated to have reached about 9.5 to 10 metres in length.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/prehistoric/facts/parasaurolophus
    Supports: General description, size, herbivory, crest function, and North American range
  2. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/parasaurolophus.html
    Supports: Duck-billed dinosaur classification, crest, Late Cretaceous age, and North American range
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasaurolophus
    Supports: Scientific name, age range, species list, and genus-level classification
  4. Active Wild — https://www.activewild.com/parasaurolophus-facts-kids-students-adults/
    Supports: Length, weight estimate, species list, and fossil locations including Alberta
  5. Science Kids — https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/dinosaurs/parasaurolophus.html
    Supports: Size estimate, bipedal/quadrupedal movement, Late Cretaceous age, and North American range