Dinosaur Parenting: Uncovering the Secrets of Ancient Nests and Nurturing

Abstract

When most of us think of dinosaurs, we often imagine ruthless, colossal creatures roaming the Earth, engaging in frequent, often violent battles for survival. However, recent discoveries have shed light upon a more tender side of these complex ancient creatures. Let's delve into the fascinating world of dinosaur parenting and uncover the ancient secrets of their nests.

Nesting Sites: Windows into the Past

One of the most significant studies in the field of paleontology is the discovery of dinosaur nesting sites. These sites provide heaps of priceless information regarding the species' reproductive strategies, parenting strategies, potential threats and so much more. After all, most of the big dinosaurs we know, and love were raised and cared for in these nesting sites. 

A very popular example would be the discovery of a nesting site in Montana. This expedition led by paleontologist Marion Brandvold, was pivotal in figuring out the nurturing nature of dinosaurs. The nesting site revealed a cluster of fossilized eggs and 15 juveniles, which belonged to a new species of dinosaur at the time, Maisaura. This discovery of infants in such close proximity to their mother proved the first ever signs of parental and social behavior in dinosaurs. In just a matter of decades, hundreds of more remains of Maisaura mothers and juveniles were found in the same site, earning the nickname, "egg mountain".

Known as the "duck-billed dinosaur" and "good mother lizard", Maisaura was a large, herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the Hadrosaur family, which lived around the Late Cretaceous period roughly 70 million years ago. Babies walked on their hind legs, whilst adults on all fours, reaching up to 30 feet in length when fully grown.

Drawing depicting a Maisaura caring for it's young

Parental Care: Nurturing the Next Generation

Evidence of parental care in dinosaurs is not only limited to nesting sites. Fossilized remains of hatchlings and juveniles found alongside adult dinosaurs indicate that some species may have cared for their young outside the "house". 

The discover of a fossilized Protoceratops nest in Mongolia, showed that the adults likely guarded and fed their offspring, providing protection and sustenance until they were old enough to fend for themselves. 

Protoceratops was a small, herbivorous dinosaur that also lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Known for its frilled neck and beak-like mouth, the discovery of 10 intact juvenile Protoceratops' revealed this species exhibited care similar to that of modern birds.

The nest discovered in Mongolia was proven by Rhode Island paleontologists to be almost a year old, considering it takes around a decade for the average Protoceratops to become fully matured, this is a substantial amount of time this species spent caring for its brethren. 

Protoceratops remains displayed in the American Museum of Natural History

Eggs and Embryos: Clues to Dinosaur Development

Dinosaur eggs and embryos offer a unique glimpse into the development and growth of these ancient creatures. The discovery of fossilized eggs with embryos inside has allowed scientists to study the incubation periods and possible nesting behaviors of various dinosaur species. 

Troodon, a small bird-like theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, is a species known for its keen intellect, large brain and heightened senses. The discovery of egg fragments in the Judith River Formation, Montana revealed small and underdeveloped bones and teeth. 

Further experimentation on this 1 mm thick eggshell showed that it consisted of prismatic, external and mammillary membranes, which released a fluorescent glow when viewed by certain microscopes.

These findings had never been observed before in any non-avian dinosaur before, only present in avian dinosaurs that make up the birds today. Proving that there may be more connections between the mighty creatures and modern-day birds than we originally thought.

Comparative Analysis: Dinosaurs and Modern Birds

By comparing the nesting behaviors of dinosaurs with those of modern birds and reptiles, we can draw fascinating parallels and differences. For instance, the brooding behavior of oviraptorid dinosaur, Citipati, closely resembles that of modern birds. Citipati lived during the Mid Cretaceous Period, known for its strangely close bird-like appearance and brooding behavior, the discovery of its fossilized remains in Mongolia pictured Citipati in a position very similar to that of a mother hen.

The dinosaur had its arm spread protectively over its nests, suggesting a comparison between non-avian dinosaurs and their present-day avian counterparts. Once again, remains of hatched infants were also present in the site suggesting even the Oviraptorids nurtured their children beyond hatching. 

Originally it was believed that Citipati feasted on eggs and their remains, since many sites in Asia depicted oviraptorid species in close proximity with eggs. However, the discovery of multiple infant dinosaurs in the vicinity suggested that maybe the Oviraptorids had a knack for caring for their offspring.

Reconstruction of Citipati engaging in a brooding position

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Past

The study of dinosaur parenting and nesting behaviors provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of these ancient creatures! From communal nesting grounds to protective brooding, the evidence suggests that dinosaurs were more than just fearsome predators; they were also caring parents who nurtured their young. As we continue to uncover the secrets of their ancient nests, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse world of dinosaurs.