"Near crested lizard"

Parasaurolophus

Late Cretaceous · 76–73 MyaHerbivoreNorth America

The trombone of the Cretaceous. Its 1.8-meter hollow crest was a resonating chamber — scientists have reconstructed the sound, a deep haunting foghorn that could carry for kilometers across the floodplains to the rest of the herd.

Length
9.5 m
Height
3 m
Weight
2,600 kg
Top speed
40 km/h

Field notes

  • Scientists have 3D-printed its crest and played its actual call.
  • Each individual's crest produced a slightly different tone.
  • It could walk on two legs or four as it pleased.
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