Post by Admin on Jan 24, 2015 5:02:03 GMT
Spinosaurus
Pronunciation: Spine-o-SAUR-us
Description: GIANT Biapedal Carnivore
Order: Saurischia |Theropoda
Name means: "Spine Lizard"
Period: Cretaceous
Location: North Africa
Height: 13 - 23 ft
Length: 49 - 51 ft
Weight: 7 - 9 Tons
** We accept Pre-2014 reconstruction and 2020 Spinosaurus! It all depends on how YOU
wish to design your spino!**
Instincts
+ Defend own territory from rivals / large predators
+ Defend own offspring to the death
+ Steal from any kill found; hey no hard work right?
+ Semi-aquadic; will hunt on land but prefers water.
+ Nom fish
+ Males/Females work out their own social hierarchy
+ Breed and raise offspring
Verbal Communication
snort - annoyed
bellowing roar - aggressive warning, anger, intimidation etc; " GET THE HECK OUT "
low rumble - content, happy, pleased
light low sounds - friendly, mean no harm,
hiss - warning, intimidation " you're bothering me buddy.."
snarl - serious aggressive warning; about to attack
Nonverbal Communication
- Lowering head and body: submission, apology
- Sitting; relaxed, at ease
- Muzzle rubbing; affection
- Biting: annoyed, punishment
- Mock charge / Charge: Intimidation, Open display of aggression, about to attack
Sociability
Spinosaurs are semi-social creatures, and probably lived in a small group as mated polygamy. Though there are rare cases of simple pairs sticking to one another. While they can also thrive as a pair; though it's rare to do so. They are social and react to other predators; as long as that predator poses no threat to them and those they care for. They stake a claim in one area and tend to stay there, except on hunting trips to follow migrating herds or to look for adequate water sources. However, it is quite possible that they could have lived as nomads if the need called for it.
Diet
Spinosaurs are opportunists much like the raptor; and will eat anything they can get their long jaws around. Be it living, or be it dead. On active hunting they will hunt as long as there is food. Diet usually includes any marine life, fish etc, crocs, gators, sharks, pterodactyls etc, but they possibly ate some land dinosaurs.
Breeding
Spinosaurs grow and mature fairly quickly for their size, however they reach sexual maturity at about 5 - 8 years of age. During this time life becomes extremely complicated and dangerous. Females will take up residence in their own territory, with a dominant male in the vicinity of their territory. Male Spino's territories are vast, and they likely overlapped several females. Claiming each as their own, this process gives them the very best chance to get their genes to the next generation. Very, very rarely does one male spinosaur stick to one female; but it can happen.
Nesting
Spinos will want a safe, isolated location for them to be able to nest, usually at their own territory. The female will scratch up what she can for a nest, and lay her eggs. The female will fiercely guard her nest, while the male provides food and protection via his vast territory.
After almost 3 weeks the eggs hatch, and are cared for solely by the female until the chicks reach sub-adult stage. The most selfish chick survives to adulthood and is the first to hunt. sub-adults will leave their parents at 3 - 5 years of age. The dominant male may shove out his male offspring even earlier than his daughters. This eliminates any chance of his sons taking over his territory.
Take-Overs
Sometimes the dominant male Spinosaur might find himself challenged by a rival male; when this happens a fight will occur between both males. Unless the current ruling male is scared off for whatever reason. The victor claims the new territory and the females within it. These females can flee, or choose to stay and endure their newest male. However, the new male will kill any chicks not sired by him. Chicks under the age of 2 are at risk and could be killed, their mothers will defend them and risk their very lives do so. Sub-adults are shoved out of their nest by the new male or they risk being killed. Any laid nests made before the male took over are destroyed.
In rare cases newly established males might be killed by an angry female defending her young. This is a extremely risky and dangerous situation.
Extra: Spinosauridae