Parasaurolophus was an herbivorous ornithopod dinosaur that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately between 76 and 73 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive cranial crest, which extended backward from the top of its skull. This crest makes it one of the most recognizable and studied dinosaurs.

The crest of Parasaurolophus had a hollow, tubular structure, possibly used for vocal communication, thermoregulation, or visual display. Its diet was predominantly herbivorous, feeding on low-lying plants and leaves from shrubs. In terms of size, Parasaurolophus could reach up to 30 feet in length and weigh several tons.