Researchers from the Institute for Evolutionary Research in Johannesburg and the Natural History Museum in Johannesburg
During the excavations carried out from 2009 to 2015year, researchers discovered the remains of at least 17 Lesothosaurs that were buried together at about the same time. The researchers note that until recently, these dinosaurs were considered quite rare animals in these ecosystems. The high concentration of remains in one place, scientists believe, confirms that they moved in herds.
The researchers believe that life in the herd helpedthese dinosaurs to defend themselves from predators, as is the case with modern animals. Group interaction reduces the risk of a surprise attack, in addition, a large herd seems more intimidating to predators.
Fossilized remains of a Lesothosaurus. Image: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London
By examining fossilized bones, scientists have also been able torestore the behavior of these animals. Analysis showed that Lesothosaurus grew rapidly until it reached reproductive maturity. Thereafter, between the ages of two and four, he put more energy into reproduction than into growth.
Lesothosaurus is one of the first ornithischian species.dinosaurs that spread at the beginning of the Jurassic period. It was a relatively small bipedal dinosaur compared to some of its descendants, and was about 2 m long. The researchers note that the discovery of social behavior in these primitive ornithischians makes them the very first social dinosaurs.
Cover image: Jack Wood, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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