Parasaurolophus (para-sore-oh-loaf-us)

The Crest King

Name meaning: "Near crested lizard"

Size: About 9 Flints long (10m)

Lived: 76-75 million years ago

Fossils found in: Alberta, Utah, New Mexico, possibly China

Imagine a lush, swampy forest where Parasaurolophus roams in herds, using her long, hollow crest to amplify deep, resonating calls—kind of like a built-in megaphone! Some scientists think these calls helped them communicate, attract mates, or even warn of danger.

Seen in: Jurassic Park franchise (though a bit smaller than in real life!)

Atrociraptor (ah-tross-ee-rap-tor)

The Fierce Hunter

Name meaning: "Fierce robber"

Size: About 2 Flints long (2m) and 1 Flint high (0.5m)

Lived: 72-70 million years ago

Fossils found in: Alberta (Horseshoe Canyon Formation)

Think of Atrociraptor as a feisty, feathered predator about the size of a wild turkey—small but fast, smart, and equipped with sharp claws and serrated teeth. Fossils found near the Royal Tyrrell Museum tell us it was a close cousin of Velociraptor, but with a shorter snout and stronger bite.

Seen in: Jurassic World Dominion—though Hollywood sized it up quite a bit!

Tyrannosaurus (ty-ran-no-saur-us)

The Ultimate Apex Predator

Name meaning: "Tyrant lizard"

Size: About 13 Flints long (13m)

Lived: 69-66 million years ago

Fossils found in: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Texas

With banana-sized teeth, a bone-crushing bite, and the cutest tiny arms, Tyrannosaurus ruled the Cretaceous. Scientists estimate 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus once roamed the Earth! One of Alberta’s best specimens, “Black Beauty,” was discovered in 1980 by high school students fishing near Crowsnest Pass—talk about a lucky catch!

Seen in: Jurassic Park movies—although real Tyrannosaurus probably didn’t roar like in the films. Some scientists think they might have honked, growled, or even chirped like modern birds!