On March 18th, our Speaker Series will feature a presentation from Matthew Ellerbeck, a Dinosaur Outreach Educator, and creator of Dinosaur Devoted. He has kindly prepared this article for Nature Calgary members.
Many individuals often exhibit a profound interest in dinosaurs during their youth, yet this enthusiasm diminishes long before they reach adulthood. Only a small group of individuals consider dinosaurs in any significant manner (if at all) beyond childhood. Those who do reflect on them typically do so within the framework of them as cinematic monsters. This is quite
regrettable, as dinosaurs represent an exceptionally intriguing category of animals. Recent research and fossil evidence suggest that they were considerably more intricate and complex than most individuals realize. The notion that dinosaurs were unintelligent, lumbering reptiles is far outdated. In fact, these animals had many different ways to communicate and signal, both with conspecifics and other species within their ecological communities. Many dinosaurs were adorned with crests, frills, spikes, etc., which are thought to be used for attracting mates, deterring rivals, recognizing members of their own species, and threat displays to ward off predators. Additionally, dinosaurs could communicate sonically, and many hadrosaurs (duck-billed dinosaurs) had crests that could help amplify sounds and calls.
Touch also seems to be important to dinosaurs. Evidence suggests that tactile sensitivity played an important role in dinosaur biology, particularly among theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs of a group whose members are typically bipedal, i.e Allosaurus & Tyrannosaurus). Studies of cranial foramina in large theropods such as Tyrannosaurus rex indicate the presence of extensive
neurovascular canals in the facial bones, comparable to the mechanosensory structures in modern crocodilians (Carr et al., 2017; Barker et al., 2023). This suggests that the faces of these dinosaurs were highly innervated and capable of detecting fine tactile stimuli, possibly aiding in delicate tasks such as nest construction, egg handling, or social interactions in addition to feeding (Kundrát et al., 2019). In living archosaurs, such as birds and crocodilians, tactile sensitivity in the beak or snout is crucial for object manipulation, chick care, and foraging in challenging environments (Hieronymus et al., 2009).
By inference through the Extant Phylogenetic Bracket (EPB), similar functions may be applied to theropods, suggesting that their tactile sense was not limited to predation but extended to complex behavioral and social roles, reinforcing the view of these animals as dynamic, behaviorally sophisticated organisms. Several lines of fossil evidence indicate that some dinosaurs engaged in direct parental or maternal care of their offspring. The classic example comes from the hadrosaur Maiasaura, whose nesting grounds in Montana revealed large communal colonies with closely spaced nests, containing eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles. All suggesting prolonged care after hatching (Horner & Makela, 1979). Troodontids and oviraptorosaurs also show evidence of brooding behavior, with adults preserved in bird-like postures atop clutches of eggs, indicating active incubation and protection of offspring (Norell et al., 1995; Clark et al., 1999).
Several theropod dinosaurs are known to have carefully arranged their eggs within nests, reflecting advanced nesting behavior
organized in concentric rings and adults preserved brooding atop nests, suggesting deliberate placement for incubation (Norell et al., 1995; Clark et al., 1999). Troodontids like Troodon formosus also arranged their eggs upright and partially buried in symmetrical patterns, indicating active positioning within shallow nests (Varricchio et al., 1997; Varricchio & Jackson, 2016). Some therizinosauroids show similar egg arrangements, hinting at shared nesting strategies among maniraptoran theropods (Averianov et al., 2022). Furthermore, bone histology of hatchlings from various taxa suggests that some were altricial, unable to fend for themselves, further supporting the need for sustained parental investment (Varricchio et al., 2008). These discoveries demonstrate that, much like modern birds, certain non-avian dinosaurs provided direct care to their young, representing a key step in the evolutionary continuum of reproductive strategies within Archosauria. Some dinosaurs, like the long-necked Sauropods (i.e Brontosaurus), employed nesting strategies similar to that of sea turtles. Sauropods would often dig trenches or other depressions and lay mass amounts of eggs.
These were often covered with sand, soil, or vegetation and left to hatch on their own. This method is strikingly different to the more parental dinosaurs, but highlights the diverse behaviors that were found across dinosauria. Modern birds are classified as dinosaurs, as they represent a very highly derived branch of theropods. However, they exhibit significant morphological differences from most dinosaur species. Consequently, it is not surprising that many naturalists, upon observing birds, draw little comparisons to their extinct relatives. However, it is important to recognize that dinosaurs exhibited a comparable level of complexity in their behaviors and survival strategies, akin to many contemporary species. Thus, they merit greater acknowledgment as remarkably successful organisms that adapted, diversified, and proliferated across the globe. Certainly, an appreciation for such misunderstood extinct forms can help strengthen a value in the Earth’s extant biodiversity.
Research increasingly shows that having an affinity for a particular animal, or forming close emotional connections with wildlife can serve as a gateway to a broader appreciation of nature and support for conservation. Studies indicate that individuals who feel a strong connection to animals exhibit higher empathy and stronger pro-environmental attitudes overall (Whitburn et al., 2020). Reviews also highlight that emotional and cognitive bonds with animals, such as storytelling, recognition, and empathy are powerful motivators for conservation behavior (Marzluff et al., 2017). This can apply to dinosaurs, as there’s growing evidence and expert consensus suggesting that a childhood fascination with dinosaurs can serve as an early pathway into broader interest in nature, science, and conservation. While few studies examine dinosaurs specifically, related research in environmental education and psychology supports the idea that “gateway taxa” (extinct or living) can ignite lasting curiosity about the natural world. Children who develop deep, sustained interests, like those in dinosaurs, often show stronger scientific reasoning, observational skills, and ecological awareness later in life (Alexander et al., 2008; Patrick & Tunnicliffe, 2013).
These interests frequently expand from prehistoric life to modern animals, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. Moreover, the same mechanisms that link affinity for living species to conservation concern empathy, curiosity, identification, and storytelling also operate with extinct ones. Dinosaurs offer a vivid entry point into understanding evolution, extinction, and
environmental change, which can foster appreciation for biodiversity and the fragility of ecosystems. Educators often note that dinosaur enthusiasm helps children grasp concepts of adaptation and extinction, bridging to modern conservation topics like habitat loss or climate change (Patrick & Tunnicliffe, 2013). A deeper comprehension of dinosaurs can enhance the appreciation of our present natural environment for both children and adults. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of parents fostering and supporting their children’s fascination with these creatures, guaranteeing that the affection for dinosaurs does not merely become a fleeting interest.
By doing this, not only is a fondness for dinosaurs and possibly a passion for environmental stewardship being solidified, but parents also have the opportunity to revive their own enthusiasm for these animals.
About The Author: From a young age, Matthew Ellerbeck has been fascinated by dinosaurs. His love and passion for dinosaurs inspired him to create Dinosaur Devoted, an outreach education project dedicated to sharing that wonder with others. Through his work, Matthew strives to foster a deeper public understanding of dinosaur paleobiology and to dispel the outdated notion of dinosaurs as dull, cold-blooded monsters. For more information: www.dinosaurdevoted.com
Selected References:
Barker, C. T., et al. (2023). Neurovascular anatomy and sensory function of the tyrannosaurid facial skeleton. Scientific Reports, 13, 3834. Carr, T. D., Vann, D. R., & Rigby, J. K. (2017).
Craniofacial features of tyrannosaurid dinosaurs and inference of sensory function. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, 62(1), 1–16. Hieronymus, T. L., Witmer, L. M., Tanke, D. H., & Currie, P. J. (2009).
Cranial integumentary specializations in dinosaurs: Evidence from the neurovascular system. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 29(3), 607–633. Kundrát, M., et al. (2019).
Facial sensitivity in non-avian theropods inferred from foramina distribution. Anatomical Record, 302(6), 1049–1062. Von Düring, M. (1974).
The ultrastructure of cutaneous sensory nerve endings in reptiles and birds. Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology, 48, 1–48. Clark, J. M., Norell, M. A., & Chiappe, L. M. (1999).
An oviraptorid skeleton from the Late Cretaceous of Ukhaa Tolgod, Mongolia, preserved in an avian-like brooding position over an oviraptorid nest. American Museum Novitates, 3265, 1–36.Horner, J. R., & Makela, R. (1979).
Nest of juveniles provides evidence of family structure among dinosaurs. Nature, 282(5736), 296–298. Norell, M. A., Clark, J. M., Chiappe, L. M., & Dashzeveg, D. (1995). A nesting dinosaur. Nature, 378(6559), 774–776. Varricchio, D. J., Horner, J. R., & Jackson, F. D. (2008).
Reproduction in Mesozoic birds and evolution of the modern avian reproductive mode. Auk, 125(3), 664–671.