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WHAT'S IN A
NAME?
Corythosaurus means "helmet lizard". This strange head was common in many
dinosaurs, and had a variety of functions.
SMILE!
Corythosaurus had a beak on the front of its mouth and hundreds of tiny teeth at
the back. These were used to up chew pine cones which were its favourite food.
NUTS AND
BOLTS
The study
of fossils show that this crested head was in fact hollow and had air vents
running through it.
With these
fossils being found near water, scientists believe that aside from it being rich
in vegetation, the riverside would provide a place to escape to from predators.
When in the water, it is though that Corythosaurus would use its crested head as
a snorkel breathing through it until the danger had passed.
OUT AND
ABOUT
Corythosaurus was a social animal living in large herds. In order to distinguish
one from another within these groups, it is thought that its crested head was
highly coloured to aid recognition.
FROM
HEAD...
Fossils show that the crested head of Corythosaurus differed in size between males and females. The males were the largest, being about the same size and shape as a diner plate.
...TO TAIL
Generally walking about on all fours, Corythosaurus could easily rise up onto two legs to reach food or defend against attack. It would use its tail to balance itself when doing this.
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