What tough, primitive plants formed the likely staple diet of Parasaurolophus?
Answer
Ferns, cycads, and conifers
The primary menu for Parasaurolophus likely consisted of ferns, cycads, and conifers. These plant types were prevalent during the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period when this dinosaur lived. Structurally, these plants are considerably more fibrous and difficult to digest compared to softer vegetation. For example, conifers present challenges due to their rigid needles and hard seed cones, while cycads feature tough, palm-like leaves. The animal's entire dietary quest was founded upon subsisting solely on this type of resilient, ancient plant matter.
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