Animal Parenting

T. rex mommy carrying her Chick

(This is the only completely new drawing.)

The drawing above is clearly for younger children to color. 

T. rex was a larger predator, but certainly a great parent as well.  Robert Bakker, the famous paleontologists says (something like) this. . . when he thinks of T. rex he thinks of tenderness and gentleness and caring parents.  This is true of some modern predators as well.   The wolf and lion are good parents.    It used to be thought that dinosaurs were dumb animals that did not care for their offspring, but we know otherwise now.  Tyrannosaurs were from the Cretaceous Period.  

T. rex baby and parent close up

The evidence is that Theropod dinosaurs hatched in a pretty much helpless state and therefore the parents would have to care for them. . . like bird parents care for their young.  Of course birds are now sometimes called Avian Theropods.  

Raven and Wolf Cub

Ravens are a type of Avian Theropod that is considered one of the smartest birds.  They even play with the wolves.  The ravens and wolves have a symbiotic relationship called mutualism.  The ravens spot the wounded prey animal and come let the wolf pack know where the food is.  Then the ravens get the scraps after the wolf pack has fed.  

American Robin

A Native American legend has it that the reason the robin has a red breasts is it was brave enough to rescue its chicks in a grass fire and the chest or breast got burned.  The robin is my favorite Avian Dinosaur or Avian Theropod. . . can you guess why?   

Allosaurus caring for Chick

Allosaurus was an earlier Theropod. . . from the Jurssic Period.  We infer that adult Theropods may have carried their young in their mouth. . . since modern crocodilians do that as well.  

American Alligator Mother with Hatchlings

(This is a modified drawing.   I added the hatclings.)

As I mentioned before, lions are predators that care for their young.  Even the male lion will care for the young at times.  .   .  or at least patiently endure the cubs playing all over them. This below picture is another drawing for younger kids to color.   It is another new drawing.  

Lion Family