10 Fascinating Facts About Dinosaurs And Their Time On Earth

5. The Social Network: Dinosaur Behavior and Social Structures

Dinosaurs were not solitary creatures; many species exhibited complex social behaviors and lived in groups. Evidence of herding behavior has been found in fossils of species like the Hadrosaur, where trackways indicate coordinated movements. Some dinosaurs, such as the Maiasaura, are believed to have cared for their young based on fossilized nests and juvenile remains found together. The discovery of mass nesting sites suggests that certain species returned to the exact locations year after year to lay eggs, similar to modern sea turtles. Social interactions were likely facilitated by vocalizations, visual displays, and possibly even communal nesting grounds. These behaviors indicate that dinosaurs could form intricate social structures, contributing to their success as a dominant group for millions of years.