VR Jurassic Encyclopedia #21
Parasaurolophus dinosaur facts VR 360 video education
In today’s #21 episode of our VR Jurassic Encyclopedia series, we take a closer look at Parasaurolophus dinosaur. Travel back 76 million years with us and learn new facts about this dinosaur. Enjoy this article and watch our latest episode of VR Jurassic Encyclopedia!
Parasaurolophus is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur that lived about 76.5 to 73 million years ago in what is now North America. This dinosaur was known for its array of bizarre head ornaments, which likely facilitated communication and allowed it to hear better.
The first fossils of the animal were found in the province of Alberta, Canada in 1920. A skull and partial skeleton without most of the tail and hind legs below the knees were excavated. It was considered to be the holotype of Parasaurolophus walkeri. Another discovery was made in 1921 in Kirtland, New Mexico. A partial skull was found, which was given a separate species – Parasaurolophus tubicen. Only in 1995, also in New Mexico, was found the almost complete skull of this species. In 1961 another species of Parasaurolophus was found, and as in the case of discoveries in 1995 and 1921, the place where the fossils were found was New Mexico.
As with many dinosaurs, the skeleton of Parasaurolophus is not fully understood. It is estimated that the length of an average Parasaurolophus walkeri was 9.5 meters, while its weight oscillated around 2.5 tons. The skull of this dinosaur could be as long as 1.6 meters (including the crest) while in the case of the species Parasaurolophus tubicen the length could be up to 2 meters. The study shows that the dinosaur most likely moved on two legs, while eating rested on all four paws.
Parasaurolophus was a large herbivore. This dinosaur could have fed on vegetation up to 4 meters above the ground. It is speculated that it may have fed on pine leaves and needles. Because of its tooth design, it could chew on branches as well as leaves and fruit.
If you want to get more interesting facts about this dinosaur, be sure to watch the VR Jurassic Encyclopedia #21 video posted on the website and continue our VR 360 video education about dinosaurs. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at this species.