Dinosaurs & Prehistory - Dinosaurs - Lambeosaurus - Hadrosaurs - Dinosaur anatomy - Cretaceous
What function might the hollow cranial crest of Lambeosaurus have had?
Correct!
Lambeosaurus' conspicuous crest was not massive. Inside it ran complicated cavities and airways that were connected to the nasal cavity. Modern CT scans have made this internal structure visible in detail. One of the best supported hypotheses is that the comb served as a resonator for vocalizations. Studies of the internal skull anatomy indicate that adult lambeosaurines were able to produce or amplify particularly low-frequency sounds, probably well below 1,000 Hz. The comb probably also had an optical social function. Its striking shape could, for example, have played a role in recognizing conspecifics or in communication and partner selection. A recent 2026 anatomical reassessment continues to support the combination of visual and auditory communication.
The hollow cranial crest of Lambeosaurus may have served as a resonator for deep calls and also served a visual social function.
