**Saurolophus: The Lizard Crest Dinosaur**
Saurolophus is a large dinosaur that lived around 70 to 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of Saurolophus have been found in North America and Asia. This dinosaur is part of the hadrosaur family, often called “duck-billed dinosaurs,” known for their unique head crests.
**What does the name Saurolophus mean?**
The name “Saurolophus” translates to “lizard crest.” This name refers to the distinctive crest on the dinosaur’s head, which looks like a spike pointing upward and backward.
**Discovery and History**
The first Saurolophus fossils were discovered in 1911 by Barnum Brown in Alberta, Canada. This discovery included a nearly complete skeleton, which became famous and is now displayed in the American Museum of Natural History.
In addition to the Canadian species called Saurolophus osborni, another species named Saurolophus angustirostris was found in Mongolia. This species is recognized for its longer skull and different skin patterns.
**Physical Features**
Saurolophus could reach great lengths:
– **S. osborni** was about 27 to 28 feet long.
– **S. angustirostris** was much larger, about 43 feet long.
Both species share similar features, but we can tell them apart by details in their skulls and skin.
The most noticeable characteristic of Saurolophus is its long, spike-like crest. This crest started out smaller when the dinosaur was young but grew larger as it aged. Some scientists think the crest might have helped in breathing or even as a way to attract mates.
**What Did Saurolophus Eat?**
Saurolophus was a herbivore, which means it ate plants. Its unique teeth allowed it to grind plant material much like how we chew food. This dinosaur used its beak to clip leaves from bushes and trees.
**Social Behavior**
Research shows that Saurolophus might have lived in groups. One site in Mongolia is known to have many bones from different ages, suggesting these dinosaurs might have traveled and lived together.
**Habitat**
Saurolophus lived in different environments. S. osborni was found in what we now know as Alberta, where it might have lived near rivers and marshes. On the other hand, S. angustirostris lived in a well-watered area in Mongolia, with streams and lakes.
In summary, Saurolophus is a fascinating dinosaur known for its impressive crest and herbivorous lifestyle. It provides valuable insight into the lives of dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period, showcasing how they adapted to their environments and possibly lived in social groups.