Name: Parasaurolophus (Greek for "near crested lizard"); pronounced pah-ra-sore-OLL-oh-fuss
Habitat: Woodlands of North America
Historical Period: Late Cretaceous 75 million years ago
Size and Weight: About 30 feet long and 4 tons
Diet: Plants
Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, hollow, bony frill on top of head
About Parasaurolophus:
Parasaurolophus was distinguished by the long, hollow crest of bone atop its head, which gave it a sleek, aerodynamic, sporty profile unmatched by most other dinosaurs of its era.
For a long time, the function of Parasaurolophus' ornate head crest was a mystery which was only settled when some enterprising paleontologists created a hollow reproduction of this crest and blasted air through it, producing piercing blasts of sound. Clearly, Parasaurolophus used its crest to communicate with others of its species.
This backward-curving crest may also have had other, secondary functions, such as dissipating heat or signaling other members of the herd.
THE DIRECTIONS
The posted coordinates will take you to the TOP of a small steep hill where it goes into a large open field. After taking a few steps to the bottom of the hill STOP. Now walk 114 PACES keeping with the river on your left side. Once there you'll see a large clump of old trees laying down the hill to your LEFT. There you'll find Parasauolophus
**** Please be prepared this area can be very muddy at certain times of the year****
****Remember to follow all directions EXACTLY****
****Bring bug spray****
****Good Boots****
****Compass****
This cache is located within The Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve a part of the Wayne county park system. All caches are placed with permission. The Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve contains approximately 550 acres along the valley of what is known as Tonquish Creek in the northwest part of the County of Wayne.
This land was acquired by the County for the purpose of habitat preservation through the estate of Mr. Arthur J. Richardson, a Detroit Banker. Mr. Richardson, a philanthropist who died in 1938, stipulated in his will that the County establish a park in honor of his uncle William P. Holliday, who was a life long mentor.
It took over twenty years to assemble hundreds of little parcels that eventually became the Holliday Wildlife Preserve in 1958.
This three-mile section of the Tonquish Creek watershed is in its natural state, containing thickets, upland woods, wetlands and meadows. The foot trails that follow the streambed date back to the days of the Potowanami Indians who fished and trapped this rich land. Chief Tonquish was killed and buried on the lands within the preserve |