Apatosaurus

Tier: 5
Type: Terrestrial herbivore
Passive growth time: 6 hrs 34 min

Pack size: 2 sub adults/adults, 1-3 juveniles/adolescents
Hierarchy: Gerontocracy

Mating bond: Monogamous
Nest size: 1-2 offspring per pair

Diet tags: Herbivore, forager, frugivore, & ossivore
Preferred food: Berry bushes, acorns, melons, & bananas. Occasionally eats shellfish, dried bones, & kelp if accessible

Behaviors in nature

The Apatosaurus, one of the most majestic and elegant creatures on the island, commands respect and elicits awe due to their immense size. Contrary to expectations, these massive sauropods are highly active and constantly on the move. They migrate frequently to sustain their enormous bodies, consuming a diverse diet that includes bones for calcium, shellfish for protein and rocks for gastroliths. Their preferred food, however, is aquatic vegetation. Despite its toughness and slight toxicity to other creatures, Apatosaurus relish these water plants. In fact, a common activity for this sauropod is to soak in bodies of water while feasting on the weeds that grow in them. Being such a giant creature, thermoregulating is a challenge, so bathing in water is a crucial part of their routine. Adult Apatosaurus are generally undisturbed by smaller creatures, but they may display aggression towards large ceratopsians or predators. Smaller creatures are hardly an issue, however they will respond to physical contact with powerful tail whips and kicks.

Recommended behaviors

- Apatosaurus frequently enter bodies of water to eat aquatic vegetation and cool their massive bodies.
- They are highly active, rarely staying in one place for long.
- Apatosaurus are typically indifferent to most creatures unless they are large; they may become agitated and aggressive if touched.

Social behavior

Older Apatosaurus, due to their extensive experience, often lead migratory groups. These groups are usually small, consisting of a mated pair and their offspring, though these sauropods occasionally associate with others for companionship. When too many adults gather in one area, competition for resources can lead to conflicts, though these are usually minor and rarely fatal, as even minor injury may be enough to settle things. Playful behavior among friendly apatosaurus helps strengthen bonds, whether within mated pairs or just among allies, this consists of pushing others around with their necks and feet.

Courtship

Mating bonds in Apatosaurus develop slowly and can occur during any season. Courtship begins with displays of interest, such as neck-stretching with vocalizations. The potential mate responds by mirroring these behaviors. The courtship involves a series of synchronized movements, including neck-raising, bowing and rearing up on their hind legs. Perfect imitation is crucial; mistakes may cause the other party to lose interest. However, successful courtship results in a lifelong mating bond.

Nesting & offspring

Apatosaurus lay a few eggs at a time but nest frequently throughout the year. They prefer nesting sites with high humidity and good visibility. Both parents participate in raising the hatchlings, but once the young can walk, the parents resume their migratory lifestyle. Hatchlings must keep pace, as the adults will not pause to wait for them. The parents share their meals with the young as long as they can keep up. However, as the offspring grow, the parents become increasingly reluctant to share. Eventually, they will become aggressive, threatening their own offspring and even attacking if they don’t leave their sights.