HERBIVORES
EDMONTOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 100mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Hadrosaur, Giant Dinosaur, Ornithischian, Semi-Aquatic Dinosaur
HEIGHT: 10-12 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 38-40 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 4-5 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Edmontosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 73 to 69 million years ago. The first Edmontosaurus specimen was discovered in 1916 and later described in 1917. The name Edmontosaurus means “Lizard from Edmonton”.
Contrary to its depiction in pop culture, Edmontosaurus and other Hadrosaurs were far from easy prey for Tyrannosaurus! In reality, Edmontosaurus was remarkably resilient and tough, as well as capable of easily defending itself against the Tyrant Lizard King. In fact, Edmontosaurus was more than capable of standing its ground and taking down a Tyrannosaur in combat!
Edmontosaurus’ skull features oversized nasal cavities, leading scientists to believe that it might have housed air sacs that the animal could use to give visual or auditory signals to other Edmontosaurs in its herd.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Edmontosaurus’ range covers the entirety of the Central and Eastern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise as well as the other surrounding islands in the archipelago. As a migratory species, Edmontosaurus will travel throughout their range on Petrel’s Paradise and the neighboring islands throughout the changing seasons. Over the course of a year, Edmontosaurus can travel up to anywhere between 180 to 230 miles!
Within a typical herd of Edmontosaurus, leadership is assumed by an Alpha Bull. This Edmontosaur is most often the largest and toughest animal of the herd. Battles for dominance fought between the Alpha and a challenger may be lethal due to the titanic size of these beasts!
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IGUANODON
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 100mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Iguanodontid, Giant Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 9 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 34-36 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 4-5 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Iguanodon lived in Europe during the Early Cretaceous Period approximately 126 to 122 million years ago. The first Iguanodon specimen was discovered in 1822 and later described in 1825. It has the honor of being the second dinosaur to have ever been discovered, after the mighty Megalosaurus! Iguanodon bernissartensis was discovered in 1878 and described in 1881.
When Iguanodon was originally discovered, it was a fragmentary specimen composed solely of teeth. Its teeth greatly resembled those of an iguana, and thus it was named “Iguana Tooth”!
The Crystal Palace features one of the most famous reconstructions of Iguanodon (and dinosaurs) ever! Originally commissioned in 1852, this Iguanodon was built to look like an oversized iguana!
Iguanodon’s most notable feature is the prominent thumb spikes on its front limbs! Scientists theorize that the thumb spikes were used as a stiletto-like defense weapon against predators as well as to gather and break seeds and hard fruit!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
The Iguanodon population is concentrated in the Western and Northern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise, however, some herds can be found on the surrounding islands in the archipelago. They tend to keep to themselves in small family groups and avoid mingling with other Herbivores, especially other Hadrosaurs as they often compete for the same food sources.
Iguanodon are incredibly aggressive animals and exhibit a readiness to engage in combat should they feel threatened. It is unknown if their aggressiveness is a natural instinct or the result of genetic tampering.
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PARASAUROLOPHUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 100mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Hadrosaur, Giant Dinosaur, Ornithischian, Semi-Aquatic Dinosaur
HEIGHT: 12-13 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 32-40 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 6-7 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Parasaurolophus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 76 to 73 million years ago. The first Parasaurolophus specimen was discovered in 1920 and later described in 1922.
Parasaurolophus’ name is in reference to its most notable feature, the large crest that sits atop its head. Different species of Parasaurs even have differently shaped crests! Scientists believe this crest served several functions, namely as a visual display for identifying males and females for mating, sound amplification for communicating with other Parasaurolophus, and thermo-regulation. Although this applies to Parasaurolophus tubicen, scientists have managed to use computer modeling to recreate the sounds made by these majestic Hadrosaurs.
The injuries of Parasaurolophus have been extensively studied, and scientists have noticed that the Parasaurolophus were able to heal from serious injuries and heal in a short amount of time. One study showed a Parasaur having a fully healed broken shoulder and ribs after being crushed by a tree! These Hadrosaurs were really tough!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Parasaurolophus’ range extends across the Central, Western, and Southern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise as well as the neighboring islands of the Orion’s Eye Archipelago. They have been observed to live in medium-sized family groups and take part in large multi-species herds that include other Hadrosaurs as well as Sauropods, Stegosaurs, and Ceratopsians.
The Parasaurolophus have a unique hierarchy within their given herd. As with most other dinosaurs, the herd is led by a Bull Male. This Bull is tasked with leading the herd as well as acting as the last line of defense in a situation with a predator or pack of predators. Then, there are the sentinels. These Parasaurs are tasked with protecting the herd and keeping an eye out for predators that may be on the prowl. If they detect any sign of danger, they will use their crest to emit a loud cry and alert the others of the presence of danger. Below the sentinels is the nurturer. Usually an elder female, the nurturer is in charge of rearing the juveniles. In the event of an attack from a predator, the nurturer will guard the juveniles, even if it means fighting off the attacker and giving her life to protect them.
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STEGOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 100mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Stegosaurid, Armored Dinosaur, Giant Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: 12-13 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 30 Feet Long
WEIGHT: 6-7 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Stegosaurus lived in North America during the Late Jurassic Period approximately 155 to 145 million years ago. The first Stegosaurus specimen was discovered in 1886 and later described in 1887 during the infamous “Bone Wars”, a period of competitive fossil hunting between the paleontological rivals Dr. Edward Drinker Cope and Dr. Othniel Charles Marsh.
Stegosaurus is best known for its two most iconic features - the large double row of kite-shaped plates atop its back and the four horizontally-jutting spikes at the end of its tail comically and affectionately called the Thagomizer.
The function of the Stegosaurus’ plates is currently unknown. Scientists theorize that the plates were sheathed in keratin and provided protection from predators, used for thermoregulation, or used as a form of sexual display to attract a mate. The scientific consensus on the Thagomizer is that it most likely served as a defensive weapon against predators.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
The Stegosaurus population is concentrated in the Northern and Eastern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. They live in large family groups composed of 4 to 5 adults and several juveniles. Some individuals have been observed to live a solitary life as well.
These majestic animals exhibit high levels of aggression when threatened or when encroached upon. Although they can live comfortably with other animals, the Stegosaurus may fight over resources such as food or water, even when plentiful. Despite their large, lumbering size, the Stegosaurus were remarkably agile and performed incredible maneuvers thanks to their flexible spines and muscular legs.
To avoid the aggressiveness of the Stegosaurs, scientists and rangers that wanted to study or treat the animals would approach them in large armored vehicles dressed with foliage to give off the impression that it was an oversized shrub.
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THERIZINOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 100mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Theropod, Giant Dinosaur, Therizinosaurid, Semi Aquatic Dinosaur
HEIGHT: 14-16 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 30-33 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 5-6 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Therizinosaurus lived in Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 70 million years ago. The first Therizinosaurus specimen was discovered in 1948 and later described in 1954. When Therizinosaurus was first described, it was thought to have been an oversized turtle!
Therizinosaurus was named after the massive claws that are on its fingers. Each claw was approximately 3 feet long and it may have grown to bigger sizes if it was sheathed in keratin! Scientists believed that these claws were used for gathering fruits and leaves from trees as well as defensive weapons against predators!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
As a result of heavy genetic engineering, Therizinosaurus have acquired the extraordinary ability to echolocate. As a result of this enhancement, Therizinosaurus are mostly blind, however, their echolocation serves as an important tool to navigate within their surroundings, find food, and seek out hidden predators… or sneaky humans!
Therizinosaurus inhabit the Marshlands of Petrel’s Paradise. They lead solitary lives and only pair up during the mating season. These massive beasts spend most of their time lounging in the swamps or sleeping on the ground for most of the day. Despite their lethargic behavior, Therizinosaurus can become dangerously aggressive when provoked. Once agitated, it will seek out the disturbance and tirelessly pursue them until it is dead or outside of its territory.
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NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS:​
FREDDY - MALE THERIZINOSAURUS
Freddy is a Therizinosaurus that lives on Petrel’s Paradise. This particular individual exhibits strange behaviors compared to other Therizinosaurs. Freddy is only active at night, where it patrols its territory to find food and trespassers. His most striking visual feature are the heavy burn marks across his face, neck, body and arms. These horrifying scars give him the appearance of the kind of demon you would only see in your nightmares!
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AMARGASAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 75mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Sauropod, Large Dinosaur, Dicraeosaurid
HEIGHT: Up to 10 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 30-33 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 3-4 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Amargasaurus lived in South America during the Early Cretaceous Period approximately 129 to 122 million years ago. The first Amargasaurus specimen was discovered in 1984 and described unofficially in a paleontology magazine that same year as Amargasaurus groeberi. It would later be officially described as A. cazaui in 1991.
Amargasaurus’ most notable feature is the double row of neural spines that runs from the base of its head to the bottom of its neck. The function of these spines is currently debated, with some scientists believing that they were coated in keratin and had defensive purposes while others believed it was for display and species recognition. Some scientists believed that the spines were covered and connected with skin to form a sail.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Amargasaurus live in the Northern and Eastern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. They live in small herds of approximately 4 to 6 individuals with plenty of juveniles. As the juveniles grow older, they eventually leave the herd to seek out other Amargasaurus and create their own herds.
As one of the smaller Sauropods on the island, Amargasaurus was commonly targeted by the island’s carnivores. Unable to rely on sheer mass as a defense like its contemporaries, Amargasaurus compensated for this by being able to move at relatively higher speeds as well as use its whip-like tail for defense.
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ANKYLOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 75mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Ankylosaurid, Large Dinosaur, Armored Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 8 Feet Tall
LENGTH: 25-33 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 1-2 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: MEDIUM
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Ankylosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. The first Ankylosaurus specimen was discovered in 1906 and described in 1908.
Ankylosaurus’ most striking features are its armor and bone-clubbed tail. Its armor consists of bony plates and spikes called osteoderms that line the entirety of its body, head, and tail. These osteoderms would have protected the Ankylosaurus from most of the danger that lurked about in the Late Cretaceous! Ankylosaurus’ tail club was made of two fused-together osteoderms made of solid bone. This tail club was actively used as a defensive weapon that could have been swung 100 degrees laterally!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Ankylosaurus herds are prevalent in the Central and Western Regions of Petrel’s Paradise, where they form small groups of 2 to 4 adult individuals with as many juveniles though some lead solitary lives. Some Ankylosaurs may also be spotted as part of large, multi-species herds.
This living tank has been observed using its clubbed tail in various ways other than defense! Some observations include striking trees to feed on the fallen leaves, fruits, and splintered bark, and others have shown them used as a form of basic communication! To communicate with other Ankylosaurs, they will swing their tail in different motions and then pound its boney club against the ground.
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TRICERATOPS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 75mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Ceratopsian, Large Dinosaur, Armored Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: 9-10 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 30 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Up to 12 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Triceratops lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. The first Triceratops was discovered in 1887 and described in 1890 during the infamous “Bone Wars”, a period of competitive fossil hunting between the paleontological rivals Dr. Edward Drinker Cope and Dr. Othniel Charles Marsh.
Triceratops was named after the three horns adorning its face. The two horns at the top of its brows reached lengths of up to three feet while the third horn above its nose reached up to eight inches long. Triceratops’ horns served two main functions, they were used as weapons in combat as well as for display to attract a mate.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Triceratops herds roam the vast plains in the Western and Central Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. They live in large herds led by an Alpha Bull Triceratops. While solitary individuals are a rare sight, they may be encountered when sick or injured as they would have been left behind by their herd.
Despite their generally docile nature, Triceratops can swiftly turn aggressive when provoked or confronted by something it perceives as a threat. Provoked individuals will not hesitate to charge at the aggressor and use their formidable horns and massive bulk to impale or trample the threat.
History repeats itself as the ancient rivalry between Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops rages on in Petrel’s Paradise. It was a common sight to see a Triceratops sporting a missing horn or damaged frill due to a Tyrannosaurus attack. Conversely, Tyrannosaurus may also bear scars reminiscent of puncture wounds or cuts caused by the horns of this formidable herbivore.
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CAMPTOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 50mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Camptosaurid, Medium Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 7 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 18 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Up to 1 Ton
DANGER LEVEL: LOW
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Camptosaurus lived in North America during the Late Jurassic Period approximately 161 to 145 million years ago. The first Camptosaurus was discovered in 1877 and described in 1879 during the infamous “Bone Wars”, a period of competitive fossil hunting between the paleontological rivals Dr. Edward Drinker Cope and Dr. Othniel Charles Marsh.
When it was originally discovered, it was named Camptonotus, however, it changed its name in 1885 as Camptonotus was already the name of a type of cricket. Funnily enough, it’s not the only dinosaur to get a name change because of a bug!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Camptosaurus are widespread across Petrel’s Paradise, living in mobs ranging from 6 to 20 individuals along with juveniles. They are exclusively found in multi-species herds, cohabitating alongside Ornithopods, Hadrosaurs, and Stegosaurs. They live in a symbiotic relationship where they use their individual heightened senses to monitor their territory for incoming predators!
Male Camptosaurs assert dominance with the other males in a mob by regularly engaging in boxing matches, employing their clawed fingers in the fight. While these sparring matches are often non-lethal, their claws may inflict some serious damage.
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KENTROSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 50mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Stegosaurid, Medium Dinosaur, Armored Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 6 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 15 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 1-2 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Kentrosaurus lived in Africa during the Late Jurassic Period approximately 152 million years ago. The first Kentrosaurus was discovered in 1910 and described in 1915.
Kentrosaurus was named after the abundance of spikes that run down the base of its back and tail as well as atop its shoulders. These spikes most likely served a defensive purpose, allowing Kentrosaurus to be protected from most predators. In fact, Kentrosaurus helped prove the spike-defense hypothesis, with biomechanical tests in 2010 showcasing that their tails could snap at a range of 180 degrees at speeds of 40-60 kilometers per hour!
Smaller, and much more nimble than its more famous cousin, Stegosaurus, Kentrosaurus’ incredible agility allowed it to quickly pivot and turn around much faster than its large cousin. Trackways potentially belonging to Kentrosaurus reveal that these herbivores may have been able to walk on two legs!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Kentrosaurus herds are a common sight in the Southern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. They live in medium-sized herds of approximately 4 to 8 individuals, and are often accompanied by numerous juveniles.
A remarkable behavior observed among Kentrosaurus is their ability to transition from walking regularly on all four limbs to sprinting on two legs and utilizing their tails as a counter balance. This surprising ability left rangers and scientists both intrigued and pleased when studying them.
Despite their small stature, carnivores of all sizes rarely attempt to hunt Kentrosaurus due to the creatures’ “Napoleon Complex”. Adult Kentrosaurs’ large array of spikes, combined with fast whip-like tails and feisty demeanors, cause predators to view them as too risky to hunt, or too much of a hassle to bring down.
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PINACOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 50mm​
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Ankylosaurid, Medium Dinosaur, Armored Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 3 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 16 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 11-2 Tons
DANGER LEVEL: HIGH
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Pinacosaurus lived in Mongolia and China during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 86 to 71 million years ago. The first Pinacosaurus was discovered in 1923 and described in 1933.
Like other Ankylosaurs, Pinacosaurus boasts strong armor and a bone-club at the end of its tail. Its armor consisted of bony plates and spikes called osteoderms that lined the entirety of its body, head, and tail. Pinacosaurus’ tail club was made of two fused-together osteoderms made of solid bone.
In 2023, scientists studied the fossilized larynx of Pinacosaurus. They managed to create a computer model of it where they were able to recreate what it may have sounded like. Pinacosaurus made loud, bird-like chirps and sounds.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Pinacosaurus herds thrive in the Northern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise as they are attracted to the abundance of loose dirt and sand which is reminiscent of their ancient environment. These herds could have grown to large numbers of up to 10 to 18 individuals with numerous juveniles. These creatures are incredibly social in nature, relying on their tails and complex vocalizations to communicate with each other.
What sets Pinacosaurus apart from its Ankylosaur cousins are their fascinating behaviors and specialized adaptations. Its most notable adaptation was its ability to dig! Using their powerful limbs, Pinacosaurus were able to dig out shallow pits to store food as well as hide themselves to avoid larger predators or ambush smaller hunters!
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STYRACOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 50mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Ceratopsian, Medium Dinosaur, Armored Dinosaur, Ornithischian
HEIGHT: Up to 6 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 18 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 2-3 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Styracosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 75 to 74 million years ago. The first Styracosaurus was discovered and described in 1913.
Styracosaurus’ most notable feature is the large 2-foot horn that jutted out vertically above its nose. This formidable horn served multiple purposes including combat, foraging, intraspecies competitions, and displays for courtship. Interestingly, Styracosaurus’ horns and spike adornments on its face and frill varied greatly from individual to individual, showcasing the rich diversity within this species!
Styracosaurus was one of the early dinosaur stars to grace the silver screen. It was featured in several movies, including The Valley of Gwangi (1969), King Kong (1933), and its sequel, Son of Kong (1933). Although it is not as prominently featured nowadays, the Styracosaurus will always be a staple in Ceratopsian representation.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Styracosaurus occupy the plains and forested areas of the Central Regions on Petrel’s Paradise. Female Styracosaurus live in sizable herds of 12 to 20 individuals along with plenty of juveniles. These herds can be found on their own or as part of multi-species herds alongside Sauropods, Hadrosaurs, Stegosaurs, and other Ceratopsians.
Conversely, male Styracosaurus lead solitary lives for most of the year and only congregate during mating seasons to compete for females. Male Styracosaurs are fiercely territorial, and violent confrontations will take place when a bull Styracosaur encroaches upon the territory of another bull. These fights are very violent and can escalate to lethal encounters, however most of the time it leads to chipped and broken horns and frill spikes.
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GALLIMIMUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 32mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Omnivore, Small Dinosaur, Theropod, Ornithomimid
HEIGHT: Up to 9 Feet Tall
LENGTH: Up to 20 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 1000 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: LOW
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Gallimimus lived in Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. The first Gallimimus was discovered in 1963 and described in 1972. Its name means “Chicken Mimic”, a playful reference to its neck vertebrae acting very similar to those of a chicken!
The discovery of Gallimimus and subsequent specimens have helped scientists learn more about key aspects of Ornithomimid biology such as their life cycle, diets, and mobility! The most interesting feature of Gallimimus was its long legs. When taking into consideration the size of their legs as well as the air sacs in their bones, scientists believe that Gallimimus is among the fastest non-avian dinosaurs ever known!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Gallimimus nest in the Southern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. As a form of protection against predators, they live in large flocks of up to 80 individuals including juveniles. While they may roam the island on their own, smaller flocks of up to 40 individuals have been known to join multi-species herds. The Gallimimus will then foster a symbiotic relationship with the other Herbivores to enhance predator detection.
The Gallimimus exhibit nomadic behavior, where they will traverse across the entirety of the island as well as swim to the neighboring islands before returning to the Southern Regions for nesting and mating. During the mating season, all of the female members of the flock will lay their eggs in a single communal nest, and the males will assume the roles of caregivers and protectors of the eggs and juveniles.
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ORNITHOMIMUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 25mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Omnivore, Theropod, Small Dinosaur
HEIGHT: Up to 6 Foot Tall
LENGTH: Up to 12 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 700-800 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: LOW
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Ornithomimus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 77 to 66 million years ago. The first Ornithomimus was discovered in 1889 and described in 1890 during the infamous “Bone Wars”, a period of competitive fossil hunting between the paleontological rivals Dr. Edward Drinker Cope and Dr. Othniel Charles Marsh.
Ornithomimus holds a special place in the fossil record for being the first non-avian dinosaur in North America to be discovered with feathers! Thus earning its name, “bird mimic”!
Interestingly, Ornithomimus had large brains, and although this may not translate to higher intelligence, scientists believe that they were used to better coordinate their movements and agility. An Ornithomimus’ brain was able to process faster movement more effectively and maintain a near-perfect balance at high speeds.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Ornithomimus roam the vast plains of the Central and Southern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise in massive flocks of up to 76 individuals including juveniles.
Similar to Parasaurolophus, Ornithomimus employ specialized individuals with special tasks to ensure the survival of the flock. Sentries will roam around the extremities of the flock to keep an eye out for predators. Should they spot a threat, the sentries will squawk out a warning and prompt the flock to swiftly flee! Ornithomimus also employ “scouts”. Usually, the fastest of the flock, their task is to distract predators as well as find safe spots for grazing.
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PACHYCEPHALOSAURUS
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 32mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Pachycephalosaurid, Ornithischian, Small Dinosaur, Dome-Headed Dinosaur
HEIGHT: 4-6 Foot Tall
LENGTH: 12-15 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 1000 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Pachycephalosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 100 to 66 million years ago. The first Pachycephalosaurus was discovered in 1859 and described in 1931. When the original specimen was found, it was classified as Tylosteus. It was also widely speculated by paleontologists that Pachycephalosaurus may have been a species of Troodon.
Pachycephalosaurus’ most notable feature was the rounded dome sitting at the top of its head. Made up of 10 inches of solid bone, it is widely believed that Pachycephalosaurus used it to butt heads with each other in intraspecies combat or as a defensive weapon against predators!
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Pachycephalosaurus inhabit the Northern, Central, and Mountainous Regions of Petrel’s Paradise. Those that live up in the mountains have adapted to this environment by strategically using the rugged terrain as an additional layer of defense against predators. The challenging landscape protects them from carnivores by giving them escape routes or even act as a deterrent due to the risks of hunting in the mountains. Pachycephalosaurus live in bands of 4 to 16 individuals alongside their juveniles. Those out in the plains or other regions of the island may be in multi-species herds alongside other herbivores.
Interestingly, Pachycephalosaurus exhibit a complex social hierarchy. During the breeding seasons, the dominant adult males will engage in competitions of strength for mating rights with females, however during the non-breeding seasons, the adult females assume dominance and relegate the males to subordinate roles.
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STYGIMOLOCH
RECOMMENDED BASE SIZE: 25mm
KEY WORD: Herbivore, Ornithischian, Pachycephalosaurid,, Small Dinosaur, Dome-Headed Dinosaur
HEIGHT: Up to 5 Foot Tall
LENGTH: Up to 11 Feet Long
WEIGHT: Approx. 400-500 lbs
DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE
CURRENT SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE:
Before moving forward, it is important to note that there is debate as to whether Stygimoloch is considered to be its own species or not. One side of the debate suggests that it should be considered Pachycephalosaurus spinifer, while the other suggests it remains as Stygimoloch spinifer. Since Clone-a-Saurus takes place in the 90s, it will be referred to as Stygimoloch.
Stygimoloch lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period approximately 68 to 66 million years ago. The first Stygimoloch was discovered and described in 1983. This pachycephalosaurid’s name means “Demon from the River Styx”, a clever reference to its discovery in the Hell Creek Formation and the devilish look of the horns sticking out the back of its skull.
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SPECIES OBSERVATIONS ON PETREL'S PARADISE:
Stygimoloch inhabit the Central and Eastern Regions of Petrel’s Paradise, where they form bands of up to 12 individuals along with their juveniles. More often than not, they can be found integrated into multi-species herds alongside plenty of other Herbivores.
Stygimoloch’s domed heads are made with a spongy, honeycombed pattern that helped to efficiently absorb and spread impacts. Within this structure is a network of blood vessels which produce vibrant colors upon impact. Interestingly, the horns at the back of Stygimoloch’s skull are structured in a similar manner to that of modern hooved animals, where they would interlock during intraspecies confrontations.
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