Maiasaura

Definition

Maiasaura is a genus of duck-billed dinosaur known for its parental care and nesting behavior, which was discovered in North America during the late Cretaceous period. This herbivorous dinosaur is often cited as a prime example of dinosaur social behavior, showcasing evidence that it likely cared for its young and nested in colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Maiasaura lived approximately 75 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period and was primarily found in what is now Montana.
2. Fossil evidence suggests that Maiasaura nested in colonies, with multiple nests found in close proximity, indicating social behavior and communal care for offspring.
3. The name 'Maiasaura' means 'good mother lizard,' reflecting its significance in studies of dinosaur parental care.
4. Maiasaura had a distinctive crest on its head and was characterized by a flat, duck-billed snout suitable for processing vegetation.
5. The discovery of well-preserved nests containing eggs and juvenile fossils provides crucial insights into the life cycle and development of these dinosaurs.

Review Questions

• What evidence supports the idea that Maiasaura exhibited parental care for its young?
  • Evidence supporting parental care in Maiasaura includes the discovery of nests containing eggs and juvenile fossils in close proximity. These findings suggest that Maiasaura likely cared for its offspring after they hatched, providing insights into their social behavior. The arrangement of nests indicates that they may have nested in colonies, further emphasizing their nurturing tendencies.
• Compare and contrast Maiasaura's nesting behavior with that of another dinosaur like Oviraptor. What similarities can be drawn regarding parental care?
  • Both Maiasaura and Oviraptor display evidence of parental care through their nesting behaviors. Maiasaura is known for nesting in colonies with communal care for young, while Oviraptor was initially misidentified as an egg thief but later found to be caring for its own eggs. This similarity highlights a broader pattern of nurturing behaviors among some dinosaur species, challenging earlier perceptions that dinosaurs were solely solitary creatures.
• Evaluate the significance of Maiasaura's discovery in understanding dinosaur social behavior and development. How has this changed perceptions within paleontology?
  • The discovery of Maiasaura has significantly altered perceptions within paleontology regarding dinosaur social structures and parental care. Prior to this, dinosaurs were often viewed as largely solitary or indifferent to their young. The evidence from Maiasaura suggests that some species were capable of complex social behaviors, including communal nesting and nurturing offspring. This shift has led researchers to reevaluate the social dynamics among various dinosaur species and has opened up new avenues for understanding their life history strategies.

Related terms

Hadrosauridae: A family of dinosaurs commonly known as duck-billed dinosaurs, characterized by their flat, duck-like snouts and complex dental structures for grinding plant material.

Oviraptor: A theropod dinosaur known for its egg-stealing behavior; initially thought to be an egg thief but later discovered to have been caring for its own eggs, similar to Maiasaura.

Nesting Behavior: The set of actions exhibited by animals, particularly birds and reptiles, related to the laying, incubating, and rearing of their young, which in the case of Maiasaura indicates complex social structures.