Platylophosaurus

Platylophosaurus is an extinct genus of herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the ornithopod group. Its name, meaning "flat-crested lizard," refers to the characteristic ornamentation on its skull. Fossils of Platylophosaurus have been discovered in deposits dating to the Late Cretaceous period, primarily in Asia. The most well-known species is Platylophosaurus hagenbecki. This dinosaur is considered a basal member of the hadrosauroid family, meaning it was an early relative of the more advanced duck-billed dinosaurs. Its exact evolutionary relationships are still a subject of research. Platylophosaurus was a medium-sized ornithopod, likely quadrupedal for most locomotion but capable of bipedal movement. Its diet consisted of plant material, as indicated by its dental battery, a specialized arrangement of teeth for grinding vegetation. The distinctive cranial crest of Platylophosaurus, though flattened, likely served a display function, possibly for species recognition or attracting mates. Limited fossil evidence means that many aspects of its biology, such as its exact appearance and behavior, remain speculative. Further discoveries are needed to fully understand this ancient herbivore.