MAIASAURA
Maiasaura peeblesorum
DESCRIPTION
Maiasaura peeblesorum, known as the 'good mother lizard', is a large herbivorous dinosaur characterized by its duck-bill and distinctive crest on its head. It lived during the Late Cretaceous period and is notable for its nesting behavior, where it is believed to have cared for its young in communal nesting sites. Fossil evidence suggests that Maiasaura exhibited social behavior, living in herds and possibly migrating in search of food.
FUN FACTS
- Maiasaura is often referred to as the 'good mother lizard' due to the discovery of nests containing eggs and evidence of parental care, which is quite rare among dinosaurs
- This species provides valuable insights into the social behavior and reproductive strategies of hadrosaurs, showcasing a level of care for offspring that was previously unrecognized in dinosaurs
- | The fossils of Maiasaura have been found in large nesting colonies, indicating that these dinosaurs may have engaged in communal nesting, which is a behavior seen in some modern birds
- This suggests a complex social structure and a level of intelligence that allows for cooperative breeding and protection of young
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years
Average Weight400-500 kg
Average Length7-9 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — Maiasaura likely lived in herds for social interaction and protection.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- Maiasaura inhabited floodplains and coastal regions, where lush vegetation was abundant. These habitats provided ample food resources and suitable nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Coastal
- Native Range
- North America, particularly in what is now Montana and surrounding areas
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States
- Diet
- Maiasaura primarily fed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, shrubs, and low-lying plants. Its beak was well-adapted for cropping and processing plant material.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, shrubs, low-lying plants
- Social Structure
- group — Maiasaura likely lived in herds for social interaction and protection.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
EX
400-500 kg
Weight
7-9 m
Length
- Coloration
- Maiasaura likely had a coloration that helped it blend into its environment, possibly featuring greens and browns.
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
DD
Data Deficient
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Fossil evidence suggests that Maiasaura had a stable population during its time.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Maiasaura faced threats from larger predators during its time, but specific threats are not well-documented due to the fossil record. Habitat changes and competition with other herbivores may have also impacted its survival.
- Predators
- Tyrannosaurus rex, other large carnivorous dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous
- Defense Mechanisms
- Maiasaura likely relied on its herd behavior for protection against predators, using numbers to deter attacks.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare