Saurolophus
ExploreAncient
Saurolophus
Saurolophus osborni
Saurolophus was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.
Habitat: Mesozoic forests and floodplains
Appearance
The Saurolophus is a large, duck-billed dinosaur with a distinctive solid, bony spike-like crest pointing backward from its head. Its skin might have been patterned with greens, browns, and grays for camouflage.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
AncientRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Fossils have been found in both North America and far-off Mongolia!
It munched plants using a massive battery of over 1,000 self-replacing teeth!
Saurolophus means 'lizard crest,' named for the distinctive spike on its head!
Some scientists think Saurolophus might have spent time swimming in ancient rivers!
Special abilities
Ability
Sound Communicator
Saurolophus could trumpet loud calls through its hollow head crest that helped them communicate with their herd across distances.
Ability
Plant Shredder
Saurolophus had a powerful beak and thousands of tiny grinding teeth that helped them shear and chew tough prehistoric plants.
Ability
Two-Legged Runner
Saurolophus had strong hind legs that allowed them to occasionally run on two legs to escape from dangerous predators.
Ability
Water Wanderer
Saurolophus may have spent time in rivers and lakes, using its duck-like snout to forage for aquatic plants.
Measurements & details
- Estimated Length
- 9-12 m
- Estimated Weight
- 1500-3000 kg
- Era
- Late Cretaceous
- Extinct Millions Years Ago
- 68
Diet & Feeding
A plant-eating giant, Saurolophus grazed on abundant vegetation with its powerful beak.
Primary Foods
- Ferns
- Cycads
- Conifers
- Flowering plants
- Aquatic plants
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tyrant Lizard King
Tyrannosaurus rex
Often hunted young or old Saurolophus.
eaten by
Frightful Lizard
Daspletosaurus torosus
A formidable North American predator of its time.
eaten by
Alarming Lizard
Tarbosaurus bataar
The apex predator sharing Asian habitats.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Ancient
Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
Artifact
An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Saurolophus?
9-12 m
How much does Saurolophus weigh?
1500-3000 kg
What does Saurolophus eat?
A plant-eating giant, Saurolophus grazed on abundant vegetation with its powerful beak.
Where is Saurolophus usually found?
Mesozoic forests and floodplains
How does Saurolophus hunt?
Grazing
What geologic era did Saurolophus live in?
Late Cretaceous
When did Saurolophus go extinct?
68
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