Can anyone help me identify this fossil?

Question

My son found a fossil in the creek at my mother-in-law's house. I think it might be a young Parasaurolophus, but I am not sure. All he found was the head. Also, there is no way of telling exactly where it came from because it was found after what is being called the worst flood in Indiana since 1913. It would also be great if I knew the value so I can tell my son. It is in remarkable condition. You can tell where the nostrils, eyes,and jaw are. It even appears that some of the skin or scales fossilized with it. There are pictures of the fossil on flickr, just search ian former. If anyone can help me, I would be greatly appreciate it. My son wants to be a paleontologist and I think this may go a long way in encouraging him to reach his goal. Thanks!

Answer 1

Sorry, I don't think it's a Skull.  I think it is a piece of coral or sponge. The dark area may be a piece of trilobite or brachiopod.

Good luck getting it ID'd.

Answer 2

I Can't tell you what it is but if you take it to a museum they can tell you what it is.

Answer 3

No.

Answer 4

It's a very strange finding. My knowledge of reptile hides is confined to lizards, but the 'skin' impressions are the oddest I've seen. They look like a cast from the actual skin and as such they ought to be on the rest of the rock! That, and scales are usually interlaced, rather than arranged in rows:

http://spore.strategyplanet.gamespy.com/...

http://digsfossils.com/fossils/pics/Otoz...

I can only second what has already been said... bring it to a museum and they'll be able to help.

Congrats for the find, at the very least it'a great conversation piece. I've never even found a WWI helmet...

Tell us if you ever find out, 'k?