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Carnotaurus ("meat-eating bull") was a species of small carnivorous dinosaur that lived on Isla Sorna that was unique for its highly developed camouflage. It was featured in The Lost World.
Description[]
The InGen Carnotauruses were smaller than their real life counterparts, measuring at 7 feet tall and resembling small Tyrannosauruses but with more bulldog-like snouts, bony protuberances above the eyes, and more stubbier forelimbs.
Camouflage[]
The Ingen Carnotaurus had a highly developed form of camouflage well beyond that of any other animal. It is never known if this is a natural feature or a product of genetic tampering. By changing of color of their scales the Carnotaurus could replicate complex patterns in the environment to such a degree that it made them extremity difficult to observe. They were nocturnal because their system of camouflage was most effective at night. Thanks to this ability they were expert ambush predators but were too slow to give chase to prey, relying on speed and the element of surprise to make a kill.
Role in the Ecosystem[]
The Carnotauruses made their territory in the area surrounding the Laboratory and the Worker Village. Few other animals would venture into Carnotaurus territory during the nighttime. Both the feared Velociraptors and Tyrannosauruses were observed to be wary in the vicinity of their territory. This meant that within there territory they were most likely the apex predator during the night. Once it becomes day, however, the other animals lose their fear of Carnotaurus due to their nocturnal behavior.
History[]
The Lost World[]
Near the beginning when Doctor Levine first embarked into Isla Sorna, he and his guide Diego were ambushed by a pair of Carnotaurus. Diego was dragged into nearby ferns and promptly killed while a second individual attacked Levine, succeeding in tearing off his backpack.
Much later on a pair of Carnotaurus came near the shed in the worker village where Levine, Arby, Kelly, Thorne, Sarah Harding, and Ian Malcolm are all hiding. Thorne was first to be aware of their presence, hearing them breathe when he was about to leave the shed and briefly noticing them while they shifted their pattern. When Levine noticed, he turned on the lights to the shed and the Carnotauruses were once again briefly revealed. They approached Thorne at the shed but couldn't enter due to their large size. Sarah and Levine then exploit their camouflage's refectory period, shining flashlights at the Carnotauruses which forced their pattern to change rapidly, exposing them. With their cover blown, the Carnotaurus abandon the attack and aren't seen again.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Holtz T.R. & Brett-Surman M. (2001). Dinosaur Field Guide, page 51
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