| Pectinodon Bakkeri | |
|---|---|
|
Troodon | |
Basic Info
| |
| Type | Predator
(Theropod: Coelurosaurian: Troodontid) |
| Time Period | Late Cretaceous (Maastrichian) |
| Diet | Mostly Carnivorous (Hunter and Opportunistic Scavenger, Can eat Taxus berry) |
Closely related to the more well known Troodon formosus of the two medicine and Dinosaur Park formations. It likely had similar reproductive lifestyle. Nests contained up to 24 eggs which were laid in pairs. A fossil on top of a nest shows that Troodon brooded their nests (possibly done by males as happens in modern ratites), likely for between 45 to 65 days. It took about five years for Troodon to reach adulthood. Troodontids were likely omnivorous in real life.
Ecology in DinoSystem[]
Troodons are a small and relatively timid, mostly carnivorous dinosaur that live in packs lead by an alpha, which is usually the eldest female that has not yet become infirm from old age. They prefer to scavenge if possible, unless they are in a large enough group to overwhelm their target, but they will also eat Taxus Berries if they are hungry enough. This can often lead to members of the pack falling prey to an angry Tyrannosaurus guarding a carcass. Even when gathered up into a large pack, they prefer to prey on Didelphodon and very young or elderly dinosaurs, avoiding healthy adults and older juveniles. In the winter, Troodon will hibernate for much of the season to save energy. During hibernation, packs will huddle together, both for warmth and safety as roaming Tyrannosaurus are less likely to attack prey in groups.
When nesting, both the mother and its mate will guard their eggs. A pack will usually nest close together, protecting each other from would-be thieves, but this can also lead to hungry Troodons eating their neighbor's eggs.
Strategy in Dinosystem Survival[]
Troodons are the weakest dinosaur in the game and when they are adults, only have 75 hp and around 10 damage. They are generally a good source of meat, pelts, and tendons, but can be hard to kill when grouped up since they use hit-and-run tactics and actively defend one another unless attacked by something overwhelming. When they are nesting, both parents guard their eggs, though they are not as vigilant or aggressive as a mother T. Rex. They make up for this with numbers as an aggravated mother will often have the help of their pack when chasing down an egg thief.
Resources[]
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/322/5909/1826.full
https://www.geol.umd.edu/~tholtz/gaiatroo.pdf
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1671/0272-4634%282002%29022%5B0564%3AEAEFTC%5D2.0.CO%3B2