recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Eurotamandua

## Physiology

### Description

A primitive mammal, formally thought to be Xenarthran due to its similar appearance to an anteater

## Biography

### Locations

Europe

***Eurotamandua*** ( name meaning "European *Tamandua*") is a genus of mammal from extinct family **Eurotamanduidae** that lived during the middle Eocene.

In the Series 3 premiere "*New Dawn*," a family of Eurotamandua were brought to the park from Early Eocene Germany, 49 million years ago after nearly getting killed by volcanic gas. They reside in the Ape-Men Jungle Enclosure.
Barosaurus

***Barosaurus*** (name meaning "Heavy Lizard") is a genus of giant, long-tailed, long-necked, plant-eating sauropod dinosaur closely related to the more familiar *Diplodocus* that lived the Late Jurassic and Mid Cretaceous in what is now North America and Africa.

In the Series 2 episode "***Battle for Dominance**,*" a herd of Barosaurus were rescued and brought to the park from Mid Cretaceous Africa, 95 million years ago. They reside in the Sauropod Savanna Enclosure with their fellow sauropod relatives.
Godinotia

***Godinotia*** (name meaning "Godinot's Animal") is a genus of strepsirrhine primate that lived in what is now Germany during the Early Eocene.

In the Series 3 premiere "*New Dawn*," several Godinotia were brought to the park from Early Eocene Germany, 49 million years ago after nearly getting killed by volcanic gas. They reside in the Ape-Men Jungle Enclosure with other primates.
Orrorin

## Orrorin tugenensis

Orrorin is a postulated early species of Homininae, estimated at 6.1 to 5.7 million years ago and discovered in 2000. It is not confirmed how Orrorin is related to modern humans. Its discovery was used to argue against the hypothesis that australopithecines are human ancestors, although this remains the most prevalent hypothesis of human evolution as of 2012.
Anurognathus

***Anurognathus*** (name meaning "*Without Tail Jaw*") is a genus of rhamphorhynchoid pterosaur that originated during the Late Jurassic period in what is now North America and Europe. With a wingspan of only 20 in, this small pterosaur lived among the sauropod dinosaurs.

In the Series 2 episode "***Land of Giants***", a flock of *Anurognathus* were brought to the park from Late Jurassic Colorado, 150 million years ago. Due to their small size they are one of the few animals allowed to roam freely, however they are mostly around the Sauropod Savannah Enclosure where they mostly roam on the backs of sauropods.
Mosasaurus

## Physiology

### Description

Large sea monster with a crocodile-like head, eel-like body, and four flippers similar to Tylosaurus

### Attributes

Streamline body; eel-like tail; shape teeth; crocodile-like head; four flippers similar to Tylosaurus

## Biography

### Locations

North America

***Mosasaurus*** (Name meaning "*Lizard of the Meuse River*") is the type genus of the mosasaurs, an extinct group of aquatic squamate reptiles. It lived from about 82 to 65 million years ago during the Campanian and Maastrichtian stages of the Late Cretaceous.

In the Series 2 finale "***Death of a Dynasty I: To Hell... And Back***", a family group of Mosasaurus were brought to the park from Late Cretaceous Montana, 65 million years ago. They reside in the Marine Enclosure.
Homotherium

**(Scimitar Cat)**

***Homotherium*** (name meaning ''Same Beast'') also known as the **Scimitar Cat**, is a genus of machairodontine scimitar-toothed cats that inhabited North America, South America, Eurasia, and Africa during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs from around 4 million to 10,000 years ago. In comparison to *Smilodon*, the canines of *Homotherium* were shorter, and it was probably adapted to running down rather than ambushing prey.

In the Series 3 finale "***Mammoth's Undertaking Journey***", several Homotherium were brought to the park from Late Pleistocene North America, 11,000 years ago. They reside in the Saber Tooth Rock Enclosure with other saber-tooth cats like Smilodon.

## Gallery

A Homotherium backing down from an adult American Mastodon.
Green Sea Turtle

The **green sea turtle** (***Chelonia mydas***), also known as the **green turtle**, **black (sea) turtle** or **Pacific green turtle**, is a species of large sea turtle of the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus ***Chelonia***. Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but it is also found in the Indian Ocean. The common name refers to the usually green fat found beneath its carapace, not to the color of its carapace, which is olive to black.

The dorsoventrally flattened body of *C. mydas* is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace; it has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although in the eastern Pacific populations, parts of the carapace can be almost black. Unlike other members of its family, such as the hawksbill sea turtle, *C. mydas* is mostly herbivorous. The adults usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of seagrasses. The turtles bite off the tips of the blades of seagrass, which keeps the grass healthy.

Like other sea turtles, green sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Many islands worldwide are known as Turtle Island due to green sea turtles nesting on their beaches. Females crawl out on beaches, dig nests, and lay eggs during the night. Later, hatchlings emerge, and scramble into the water. Those that reach maturity may live to 90 years in the wild.

Prior to the start of the series, several Green Sea Turtles were brought to the park. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium with other sea creatures.
Cave Lion

The ***Cave Lion*** (*Panthera spelaea*), also known as the **Eurasian cave lion**, **European cave lion** or **steppe lion**, is a genus of prehistoric lion that originated during the Early Pleistocene epoch in what is now Europe. Measuring 3 meters long and weighing 340 kilos, this was among the largest felines species of all time.

In the Series 3 finale "***Mammoth's Undertaking Journey***", a few of these large lions were encountered and rescued from Late Pleistocene Europe 30,000 years ago.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

The *Cave Lion* lived during the Pleistocene epoch and through to the Early Holocene, from 1,000,000 to 10,000 years ago. One of the top predators of the Ice Age, these cats may have seemed out of reach, but they were common in Europe during the ice age.

*P. spelaea* was first described by the German paleontologist Georg August Goldfuss in 1810 under the scientific name *Felis spelaea*. The first fossil lion skull was excavated in a cave in southern Germany, research suggests that it may date to the Würm glaciation.

### Physical Attributes

The *Cave Lion* was more related to the modern species rather than other extinct cats, such as *Dinofelis* and even *Smilodon*. Standing 5 feet tall, measuring 11.5 feet (3.5 m) in length, and weighing more than 318 to 363 kg (700 to 800 lbs.), the *Cave Lion* was among the largest cats that has ever existed, larger than modern lions of today and slightly bigger than tigers.

These *Cave Lions* also lacked manes like the eastern subspecies of the modern beasts, but some African and Asian male lions also lack manes (or have smaller than expected). Unlike the modern lions, however, cave lions also had thick fur, like most modern Siberian tigers, especially in winter.

In addition to being equipped with 20 retractable, sharp claws on each foot, the *Cave Lion* also had bone-crushing teeth and a bite force of over 1800 pounds, twice the strength of a modern lion's 900-pound bite force. The *Cave Lion* was also a very fast animal, capable of running 30 miles per hour.

### Behavior & Traits

The *Cave Lions* were major predators, hunting ice age deer, bison, and other animals. These lions also were ambush predators, laying in wait and erupting out of the brush to tackle their prey with impressive speed, agility, and strength.

However, like all cats, the *Cave Lion* could only chase prey over a short distance. Despite their size, strength, and relatively long legs, *Cave Lions* were not designed for long-distance chases. Additionally, due to their great size, hunting for these cats is described as "*nearly impossible*". Therefore, it was hard for these cats to hide from their prey as they needed heavy cover to hide their bodies.

## Trivia

* The Cave Lion is one of the second largest prehistoric feline brought to the park.
Ophthalmosaurus

***Ophthalmosaurus*** (name meaning "*Eye Lizard*") is a genus of Ichthyosaur that originated during the Middle Jurassic period in what is now North America and Europe. Measuring 6 meters long and named for its extremely large eyes, this medium-sized, fish-like marine reptile possessed a dolphin-shaped body and its almost toothless jaw was well adapted for catching squid.

In the episode "*Cruel Seas*," a school of ten adult *Ophthalmosaurus* and several pups were rescued from Late Jurassic Europe, 149 million years ago. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Ophthalmosaurus* lived during the Middle to Late Jurassic period, from 165 – 145 million years ago. It was a prey item for many sea creatures, including *Hybodus*, *Metriorhynchus*, and even the giant *Liopleurodon*. *Ophthalmosaurus* was first discovered by Harry Seeley in 1874.

### Physical Attributes

*Ophthalmosaurus* had a graceful dolphin-shaped body. They measured 14 – 20 feet (4.5 – 6 m) long and weighed 1 – 2 tons (2,000 – 4,000 lbs.), very different from the eel-like shapes of earlier Ichthyosaurs, such as *Cymbospondylus*, and its almost toothless jaw was well adapted for catching squid. Nevertheless, it was a speedy pursuit predator.

*Ophthalmosaurus* was a sea reptile that had streamlined, fish-like bodies. These are the oldest of marine reptiles and were perfectly adapted to aquatic life. However, unlike adults, *Ophthalmosaurus* pups had prominent teeth. This allowed them to cope with a variety of tough prey among the coral, but Ammonite shells were too tough for them.

### Behavior & Traits

Like many fish of the 21st century, *Ophthalmosaurus* lived in schools of hundreds of individuals. *Ophthalmosaurus* adults (males and females) were masters of hunting at night. With their enormous light-sensitive eyes, they could pick out squid in the darkest parts of the ocean. Their long toothless snouts are streamlined weapons, making it easy for them to snap up fast-moving prey.

Females came from deeper water to give birth to their offspring. While most marine reptiles swam towards land to lay eggs, *Ophthalmosaurus* instead gave birth to live young. A single female had between two to five pups, but because they were air breathers, the young had to be born tail first –– if not, they would have drowned in the time it took them to escape from their mother's womb. New-born pups only had a few seconds to reach the surface and take their first breath.

From the moment they were born, *Ophthalmosaurus* pups were vulnerable. The Jurassic waters were full of predators and even adult *Opthalmosaurus* ate the offspring of others to increase the chance of survival of their own pups. The only real safety was among the crags of coral. Coral reefs in the Late Jurassic seas were full of baby *Ophthalmosaurus*. Intricate network of caves was their refuge, a safe haven from which they can start to learn about their new world.
Hypsilophodon

***Hypsilophodon*** (name meaning "Hypsilophus Tooth") is a neornithischian dinosaur genus which lived during the Early Cretaceous in what is now Europe.

In the episode "***Master of the Skies***", A flock of Hypsilophodon brought back to the park from the Early Cretaceous period, 127 million years ago. They reside in the Ostrich Paddock enclosure with other ornithopods.
Ottoia

***Ottoia*** is a stem-group archaeopriapulid worm known from Cambrian fossils. Although priapulid-like worms from various Cambrian deposits are often referred to *Ottoia* on spurious grounds, the only clear *Ottoia* macrofossils come from the Burgess Shale of British Columbia, which was deposited 508 million years ago. Microfossils extend the record of *Ottoia* throughout the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, from the mid- to late- Cambrian. A few fossil finds are also known from China.

In the Series 1 episode "***Water Dwellers***" several Ottoia were brought to the park from Early Cambrian North America, 530 million years ago. They resides in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.
Dall Sheep

* Ram
* Ewe

***Ovis dalli***, also known as the **Dall sheep** or **thinhorn sheep**, is a species of wild sheep native to northwestern North America. *Ovis dalli* contains two subspecies: *Ovis dalli dalli* and *Ovis dalli stonei*. *O. dalli* live in mountainous alpine habitats distributed across northwestern British Columbia, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Alaska. They browse a variety of plants such as grasses, sedges and even shrubs such as willow, during different times of the year. They also acquire minerals to supplement their diet from mineral licks. Like other *Ovis* species, the rams engage in dominance contests with their horns.

Prior to the start of the series, a herd of Dall Sheep were brought to the park from North America. They reside in the Mammoth Tundra with other animals.
Crassigyrinus

***Crassigyrinus*** (name meaning "*Thick Tadpole*") is a genus of carnivorous stem tetrapod that originated during the Early Carboniferous Era in what is now North America and Scotland. Measuring 2 meters long, this Carboniferous "*swamp monster*" possessed tiny limbs and unusually large jaws.

In the Series 1 episode "***Arthropods of the Swamp***" a few Crassigrinus were brought to the park from Late Carboniferous Scotland, 300 million years ago. They reside in a water area of the Bug Dome Enclosure.
Cave Bear

### Attributes

Large size; brown; strength; speed; endurance & stamina; razor-sharp teeth & claws; heavier build than other bears; identical to large brown bears

### Height

1.34 m (4.39 ft; on all fours)
3.5 m (11.50 ft; on hind legs)

## Biography

### Locations

Eurasia

The **Cave Bear** (***Ursus spelaeus***) is a genus of prehistoric bear that originated during the Middle Pleistocene epoch in what is now Europe and Asia.

In the Series 3 finale "***Mammoth's Undertaking Journey***", a family of Cave Bears were brought to the park from Late Pleistocene Europe, 30,000 years ago. They reside in the Bear Country Enclosure with other prehistoric and modern bears.

## Gallery

A Cave Bear being attacked by a tribe of Cro-Magnons.A Cave Bear chasing a Cro-Magnon out of it's cave.A Cave Bear brutally attacks a Cro-Magnon.
Brontoscorpio

## Physiology

### Description

Sea scorpion with gills, an exact appearance of normal scorpion, and a light-bulb sized stinger

### Attributes

Long body; lightbulb sized stinger; primitive lungs; powerful pincers; one of the first animals on land; superior armor to Anomalocaris

## Biography

### Locations

Europe

***Brontoscorpio*** (name meaning, "*Thunder Scorpion*") is a genus of eurypterid arthropod that originated during the Early Silurian era in what is now Europe. A large prehistoric sea scorpion measuring a meter long, it is notable for being one of the first animals to walk onto land. While this creature hunted ancient fish and other smaller sea creatures, larger predators in the waters in which it lived with would have in turn preyed on *Brontoscorpio,* such as giant orthocones and even other sea scorpions larger than *Brontoscorpio*, such as *Pterygotus*.

In the Series 1 episode, **Dangerous Seas**, a group of nearly a dozen Brontoscorpio were brought to the park from Late Silurian United Kingdom, 417 million years ago. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.
Iberomesornis

## Physiology

### Description

the first bird to show evidence of a perching foot. A Dictionary of Earth Sciences

## Biography

### Locations

Spain

***Iberomesornis*** ("Spanish intermediate bird") is a monotypic genus of enantiornithine bird of the Cretaceous of Spain.

In the episode "***Master of the Skies***", a flock of Iberomesornis were brought to the park from Early Cretaceous Europe, 127 million years ago. They reside in the Aviary enclosure.

## Trivia

* Iberomesornis is the first prehistoric bird brought to the park.
Cryptoclidus

## *Cryptoclidus eurymerus*

***Cryptoclidus*** (name meaning "*Hidden Clavicles*") is a genus of plesiosaur that originated during the Middle Jurassic period in what is now North America, South America, and Europe. Measuring 8 meters in length and weighing 8 tons, these four-flippered marine animals are nicknamed the "*speed demons of the deep*".

In the episode, "*Cruels Seas*," a pod consisting of ten individual *Cryptoclidus* were brought to the park from Late Jurassic Europe, 149 million years ago. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Cryptoclidus* lived during the Middle to Late Jurassic period from 180 – 145 million years ago. It shared the Jurassic oceans with a variety of other sea creatures. It was first discovered in 1892.

### Physical Attributes

*Cryptoclidus* was a medium-sized plesiosaur, measuring between 13 to 26 feet (4 to 8 m) long and weighing 8 tons (18,000 lb). *Cryptoclidus* was a large four-flippered animal. On the land, they were cumbersome hulks, but in the water, they transformed into very fast animals. These animals used all four flippers to chase the blizzards of fish through the water.

Flapping like underwater wings, these flippers were used separately to give them enormous maneuverability or together for sudden bursts of speed. This is how *Cryptoclidus* got the nickname, the "*speed demon of the deep*". However, *Cryptoclidus* probably wouldn't have been able to pull itself onto land like a sea lion.

### Behavior & Traits

*Cryptoclidus* lived and hunted in groups. Whenever they dug their jaws in the sand, *Cryptoclidus* were not searching for food. They were in fact after pebbles and grit. Sieving of the grains, they retained the larger stone in their stomachs for ballast, which weighed them down and contracted the air in their lungs.
Giraffe

The **giraffe** is a large African hoofed mammal belonging to the genus ***Giraffa***. It is the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant on Earth. Traditionally, giraffes were thought to be one species, *Giraffa camelopardalis*, with nine subspecies. Most recently, researchers proposed dividing them into up to eight extant species due to new research into their mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, as well as morphological measurements. Seven other extinct species of *Giraffa* are known from the fossil record.

The giraffe's chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs, its horn-like ossicones, and its spotted coat patterns. It is classified under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi. Its scattered range extends from Chad in the north to South Africa in the south, and from Niger in the west to Somalia in the east. Giraffes usually inhabit savannahs and woodlands. Their food source is leaves, fruits, and flowers of woody plants, primarily acacia species, which they browse at heights most other herbivores cannot reach.

Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs may prey upon giraffes. Giraffes live in herds of related females and their offspring or bachelor herds of unrelated adult males, but are gregarious and may gather in large aggregations. Males establish social hierarchies through "necking", combat bouts where the neck is used as a weapon. Dominant males gain mating access to females, which bear sole responsibility for raising the young.

Prior to the start of the series, a herd of every species of Giraffe were brought to the park from Africa. They reside in the Giraffe Grasslands Enclosure.
Parasaurolophus

***Parasaurolophus*** (name meaning "*Near-Crested Lizard*"), often called ***Parasaur*** for short, is a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaur that originated during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now North America. Measuring around 11 meters long and weighing over 3 tons, *Parasaurolophus* is perhaps the most well-known hadrosaur, instantly recognizable due to its elongated head crest.

In the Series 2 episode "***Super Croc***," a herd of *Parasaurolophus* (consisting of six adults and seven juveniles) were brought to the park from Late Cretaceous Texas, 75 million years ago. They reside in the Hadrosaur Springs Enclosure and recently welcomed some hatchlings into the herd.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Parasaurolophus* lived during the Late Cretaceous in North America from 76 – 65 million years ago, living up until the end of the Mesozoic when the dinosaurs died out. They shared their environments with other hadrosaurus, like the ceratopsian dinosaurs, *Ankylosaurus*, and was also preyed upon by the raptor dinosaurs, *Deinosuchus*, and the large Tyrannosaur family.

*Parasaurolophus* was first described in 1922 by William Parks. It is one of the rarer hadrosaurids, known from only a handful of good specimens. William Parks named the specimen in honor of Sir Byron Edmund Walker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Ontario Museum. Since its discovery, *Parasaurolophus* has become one of the most popular dinosaurs in media and art, thanks to its distinctive head crest.

### Discovery & Range

*Parasaurolophus* was discovered by Dr. William A. Parks in 1922 in North America.

### Physical Description

*Parasaurolophus* had a long narrow head with large eyes on a mid-length neck, a hard beak and a narrow snout with pebbly textured skin and uniform tubercle-like scales. **Parasaurolophus** is most recognizable by its large and elaborate cranial crest that researchers believe could have measured as long as 6 1/2 feet long.

### Behavior & Traits

Like all hadrosaurs and other herbivorous dinosaurs, *Parasaurolophus* lived in large herds of dozens, even hundreds of individuals. They were said to use their long crests as a form of communication between members of the herd. *Parasaurolophus*, at the very least the juveniles, and were curious creatures as well.

## Trivia

* The sound effects of *Parasaurolophus* are that of camel, geese, and moose sound effects as well as an unknown trumpeting sound for their calling sound.
* Parasaurolophus is the second hadrosaur brought to the park.
Dinofelis

***Dinofelis*** (name meaning "*Terrible Cat*") is a genus of large prehistoric saber-toothed cat that originated during the Early Pliocene epoch in what is now North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the earliest cats with saber teeth, it was a highly adapted and successful member of its family and would have been a common element within many environmental ecosystems within its range, during the relatively extensive (for big cats) period of time.

In the Series 3 episode "***The Walking Ape***", a few *Dinofelis* (including a mother, father, and two cubs) were brought to the park from Pliocene Africa 3.2 million years ago. They reside in the Saber Tooth Rock Enclosure with other saber tooth cats.

Later a Dinofelis was seen hunting for food on the savanna in Early Pleistocene Africa, 2 million years ago.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Dinofelis* lived during the Early Pliocene epoch, 5 million years ago and died out during the Early Pleistocene epoch, around 1.2 million years ago. It was among the apex predators of its time.

*Dinofelis* was first discovered by Otto Karl Josef Zdansky in 1924.

### Physical Attributes

A prehistoric species of cat that is a member of the Saber Tooth variety, these cats had small sabers. *Dinofelis* didn't have the speed to bring down fast–running herbivores, so they specialized in killing slower prey that they can kill easily and quickly. Regardless, *Dinofelis* was only a distant relative of the modern cats or *Smilodon* and belonged to a completely different branch of the feline family.

*Dinofelis* was a medium-sized but powerful cat that possessed short, but prominent saber teeth. They were more short, broad and flat than the sabers of the much bigger and better known *Smilodon*, and less prone to breaking.

### Behavior & Traits

*Dinofelis* was a solitary hunter, often running down its prey in a manner similar to modern pantherine cats (such as tigers and leopards) before delivering the killing blow. It lived in forests and open woodlands. It was a lone hunter and would stalk its prey carefully before pouncing and swiftly killing it with its sharp claws.

The front limbs of *Dinofelis* were particularly strong and muscular, allowing it to deliver debilitating strikes with its claws, and also to pin struggling prey to the ground. Its short saber-teeth could have been used to help deliver fatal wounds, especially to the neck region.

The favorite prey of *Dinofelis* were large mammals, such as antelope, pigs, horses, baboons and *Australopithecus aferensis*. It was not a fast runner, so would spend most of its time stalking its victims before making a sudden leap.

## Trivia

* The sound effects of *Dinofelis* are that of bobcat, cougar, jaguar, leopard, and panther sound effects.
* Though *Dinofelis* hunted *Australopithecus*, it didn't hunt them as much as its relative, Megantereon.
Pliosaurus

### Attributes

Large body; long snout with sharp, protruding teeth; four large flippers; short tail; a strong sense of smell

## Biography

### Locations

Europe and South America

***Pliosaurus*** (name meaning "*More Lizard*"), also known as ***Predator X***, is a genus of short-necked pliosaur that originated during the Late Jurassic period in what is now South America, Europe, and Australia. The apex predator of the Jurassic seas, this is perhaps the largest and most well-known pliosaur.

In the episode "*Cruel Seas,*" a pair of Pliosaurus was brought to the park from Late Jurassic Europe, 149 million years ago. They reside in the Marine Enclosure and managed to have some offspring.
Azhdarcho

Azhdarcho (name meaning "Lance-Necked Dragon") is a genus of azhdarchid pterosaur from the late Cretaceous Period of the Bissekty Formation (middle Turonian stage, about 80 million years ago) of Uzbekistan, as well as the Zhirkindek Formation of Kazakhstan. It is known from fragmentary remains including the distinctive, elongated neck vertebrae that characterizes members of the family Azhdarchidae, a family that includes many giant pterosaurs such as Quetzalcoatlus.

In the episode, "***The Giant Claw***”, a flock of Azhdarcho were rescued from Late Cretaceous Mongolia, 80 million years ago. They reside in the Aviary Enclosure with other pterosaurs.
Ammonite

## Physiology

### Description

Sea creatures that were close relatives of today's octopuses and squids, but they lived inside a shell.

## Biography

### Locations

Worldwide

***Ammonoids*** are a group of extinct marine mollusc animals in the subclass Ammonoidea of the class Cephalopoda. These molluscs, commonly referred to as ammonites, are more closely related to living coleoids than they are to shelled nautiloids such as the living Nautilus species.
Gastornis

## *Gastornis***(Diatryma)**

***Gastornis*** (name meaning "*Gaston's Bird*"), also known as ***Diatryma*** (name meaning "*Hole Through*"), is a genus of large flightless bird that originated during the Late Paleocene epoch in what is now North America, Europe, and Asia. Standing 2 meters tall, weighing over 450 kg, and the apex predator of its time and region, this was by far the largest terrestrial animal of its day.

In the Series 3 premiere "*New Dawn*," a pair of *Gastornis* were brought to the park from Early Eocene Germany, 49 million years ago after nearly getting killed by volcanic gas. They reside in a forest enclosure. Additionally, one large male *Gastornis* was encountered by Allen, Olivia, and Caine prior to the series. Caine had left a facial scar on the *Gastornis* when saving Allen and Olivia. Sometime later, they came into conflict again. Rather than kill it, Caine had decided to spare its life.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Gastornis* lived during the Late Paleocene epoch and lived through to the Middle Eocene epoch, 56 – 41 million years ago. By far the apex predator of its ecosystem, it shared its environment with animals such as *Leptictidium*, *Propaleotherium*, and *Ambulocetus*.

First described in 1855 from a fragmentary skeleton, *Gastornis* was named after Gaston Planté, described as a "*studious young man full of zeal*", who had discovered the first fossils in clay (Argile Plastique) formation deposits at Meudon near Paris.
Petrolacosaurus

***Petrolacosaurus*** (name meaning "*Rock Lake Lizard*") is a genus of primitive diapsid reptile that originated during the Late Carboniferous era in what is now North America and Europe. Measuring 40 cm in length, this small insectivore was among the earliest known reptiles to exist.

In the Series 1 episode ***Arthropods of the Swamp***, a large number of *Petrolacosaurus* were rescued from Late Carboniferous 300 million years ago.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

One of the very first reptiles to evolve, *Petrolacosaurus* lived during the Late Carboniferous Era, around 300 million years ago. It shared its environment with the larger insects and arachnids of the time. While it itself hunted smaller insects, it was fairly low on the food chain.

### Physical Attributes

Looking physically similar to modern lizards, *Petrolacosaurus* was a small animal, measuring only 40 cm (16 in) in length. Unlike amphibians, *Petrolacosaurus* (as with all reptiles) possessed tough, scaly skin which trapped moisture inside their bodies, vital for all land dwellers. Because they didn’t dry out in the sun, they could venture away from water. They also had evolved a complex heart, which was not only much more efficient than its arthropod enemies, but was the template for human hearts today. In the case of *Petrolacosaurus*, its heart was a powerful pump that pushed blood and oxygen around their bodies to their muscles so they could run at high speeds without stopping for a rest.

### Behavior & Traits

*Petrolacosaurus* often hunted for smaller insects and arachnids on the forest floors of the Carboniferous. They didn’t need burrows to avoid danger, they had speed and stamina on their side.

## Trivia

* *Petrolacosaurus* is the first reptile brought to the park.
Cephalaspis

***Cephalaspis*** (name meaning "*Head Shield*") is a genus of osteostracan agnathan that originated during the Late Silurian Era in what is now North America and Europe. Measuring 30 cm in length, this prehistoric jawless fish was the size of a modern trout.

In the Series 1 episode, **Dangerous Seas**, a large school of Cephalaspis were brought to the park from Late Silurian United Kingdom, 417 million years ago. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.
Mei Long

***Mei long*** (name meaning ''*Sleeping Dragon*'') is a genus of troodontid dinosaur that originated during the Early Cretaceous in what is now Asia. Measuring just over two meters long, this lethal predator was related to raptors.

In the Series 2 episode "***Dinobirds**,*" a pack of Mei Long were brought to the park from Early Cretaceous China, 125 million years ago. They reside in the Raptor Peak Enclosure.
Pleistocene

### Wildlife

* Bears
* Birds
* Camels
* Cats
* Deer
* Dogs
* Elephants
* Horses
* Hyenas
* Marsupials
* Primates
* Reptiles
* Rhinos
* Rodents
* Tapirs
* Ungulates
* Xenarthrans

* *Arctodus*
* *Arctotherium*
* *Cave Bear*

- *Genyornis*

- *Phorusrhacos*

- *Teratornis*

- *Titanis*

- *Camelops*

- *Hemiauchenia*

- *American Cheetah*

- *American Lion*

- *Cave Lion*

- *Homotherium*

- *Smilodon*

- *Megaloceros*

- *Stag Moose*

- *Dire Wolf*

- *Pleistocene Coyote*

- *American Mastodon*

- *Columbian Mammoth*

- *Woolly Mammoth*

- *Hagerman Horse*

- *Haringtonhippus*

- *Hippidion*

- *Tarpan*

- *Yukon Horse*

- *Cave Hyena*

- *Diprotodon*

- *Thylacoleo*

- *Aboriginal Australians*

- *Cro-Magnon*

- *Gigantopithecus*

- *Homo Erectus*

- *Homo Ergaster*

- *Homo Heidelbergensis*

- *Homo Sapiens Idaltu*

- *Megaladapis*

- *Neanderthal*

- *Paleo-Indian*

- *Megalania*

- *Elasmotherium*

- *Woolly Rhinoceros*

- *Castoroides*

- *Neochoerus*

- *California Tapir*

- *Ancient Bison*

- *Aurochs*

- *Long-Horned Bison*

- *Macrauchenia*

- *Steppe Bison*

- *Toxodon*

- *Doedicurus*

- *Eremotherium*

- *Glyptodon*

- *Glyptotherium*

- *Megalonyx*

- *Megatherium*

- *Nothrotheriops*

- *Paramylodon*
Cynodictis

**Cynodictis** (name meaning "Slender Dog Marten") also known as the **Bear-Dog**, is an amphicyonid carnivoran which inhabited Eurasia from the Late Eocene subepoch to the Late Oligocene subepoch living from 37 to 25 million years ago.

In the Series 3 episode "***The Big, the Bad, and the Ugly***," a family of Cynodictis (consisting of a mother and her cubs) were brought to the park from Late Oligocene Mongolia, 25 million years ago.
Australovenator

***Australovenator*** (name meaning "*Southern Hunter*"), often nicknamed the ***Polar Allosaur***, is a genus of megaraptoran theropod dinosaur that originated during the Middle Cretaceous period in what is now Australia. Measuring 6 meters long and weighing a ton, this medium-sized theropod is a smaller relative of *Allosaurus*.

In the Series 2 episode "***Spirits of the Ice Forest***", a male Australovenator named Hunter and a female were brought to the park from Mid Cretaceous Australia, 106 million years ago.
Meganeura

## *Meganeura***(Giant Dragonfly)**

* Male
* Female

***Meganeura*** (name meaning "*Large-Nerved*"), also called the ***Giant Dragonfly***, is a genus of very large dragonfly that originated during the Carboniferous Era in what is now North America and Europe. The size of an eagle, *Meganeura* is the world's largest dragonfly, described as the "*rulers of the Carboniferous skies*".

In the Series 1 episode "***Arthropods of the Swamp***" a large swarm of Meganeura were brought to the park from Late Carboniferous Scotland, 300 million years ago. They reside in the Bug Dome Enclosure.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Meganeura* lived in North America and Europe during the Carboniferous period, 350 – 280 million years ago, ruling the skies of the Carboniferous and sharing the environment with reptiles, giant amphibians, and other giant insects. They died out when the oxygen level went down by the end of the Carboniferous.

### Discovery & Range

*Meganeura* was first discovered in by Charles Brongniart in 1880 in France. Meganeura lived in places in what is now North America and Europe.

### Physical Description

*Meganeura* was physiologically very similar to a modern dragonfly, but larger. Measuring almost a meter long, *Meganeura* was the size of an eagle, making it one of the largest insects that ever lived and the largest dragonfly of all time. High above their Carboniferous kingdom, normally they were invincible.

### Behavior & Traits

*Meganeura* was a very fast aerial predator, using its arms and mandibles to shred prey, typically other insects, or perhaps smaller vertebrates such as lizards or amphibians. It was extremely acrobatic, capable of making sudden mid-air turns, and dodging streams of water. When it came to males having a fight, they could stop immediately and spin around on a sixpence.

In groups, *Meganeura* gathered around fragmented lakes to breed and lay their larvae in the water. Males competed for mating rights with females, but could not determine and individual's sex without getting very close. Like modern dragonflies, *Meganeura* could achieve speeds that a human would be unable to resist. When it comes to mating, and if they found a female, the males grabbed hold with claspers at the front and the mating would start.
Caulkicephalus

## Physiology

### Description

A pterosaur with a crest much like Pteranodon and a beak similar to Ornithocheirus

## Biography

### Locations

Europe

***Caulkicephalus*** (name meaning "Caulkhead") is a genus of anhanguerid pterosaur from the Isle of Wight off the coast of England. It lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 130 million years ago.

In the episode "***Master of the Skies***", a few Caulkicephalus were brought to the park from Early Cretaceous Europe, 127 million years ago.
Ceratotherium

***Ceratotherium*** is a species of rhinoceros found in the Late Pliocene to earliest Holocene of Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Slightly older fossils from the Pliocene of eastern Africa were also proposed to belong to this species, but the most recent study consider them to belong to a somewhat more primitive species, *Ceratotherium efficax*.

In the Series 3 episode "***The Walking Ape***", a few Ceratotherium were brought to the park from Late Pliocene Africa 3.2 million years ago. They reside in the Ape-Men Jungle Enclosure with other animals including their White Rhinoceros relatives.
Hynerpeton

### Attributes

Long body; requires to be wet; powerful tail; has eight digits per foot; cumbersome on land; powerful swimmer in water

## Biography

### Locations

North America

***Hynerpeton*** (name meaning "*Creeping Animal from Hyner*") is a genus of stegocephalid that originated during the Late Devonian Era in what is now North America. Measuring almost two meters long, this strange, prehistoric amphibian was one of the first vertebrate animals that could live and move on land for an extended amount of time.

In the Series 1 episode "***Age of Fishes II: Armored Fish***", a number of *Hynerpeton* were brought to the park from Late Devonian Pennsylvania, 360 million years ago. They reside in a lake exhibit of the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.

## Facts

### Era & Discovery

*Hynerpeton* lived in North America during the Late Devonian Era, from 366 to 350 million years ago. It lived alongside other animals such as *Bothriolepis*, *Stethacanthus*, *Hyneria*, and *Dunkleosteus*.

### Physical Attributes

Measuring 1.6 meters (5.24 feet) long and weighing 10 kilograms (22.04 lbs), *Hynerpeton* was much larger than most amphibians living today in the 21st Century. As a way to exploit the oxygen of the Devonian, *Hynerpeton* had evolved complex lungs. Their lungs were sacks just as a human’s. And as such, *Hynerpeton* breathed as humans do, forcing air in and in order for their blood to absorb more oxygen. Although they could breathe on land, *Hynerpeton* were still water-bound.

Despite the dangers of the water, *Hynerpeton* needed to make sure they were wet or their skin would dry out quickly and they would die. Their skin was much thinner than a human's and it dried out in minutes. Therefore, they had to keep it wet. However, when the sun set, *Hynerpeton* was able to spend more time on land, possibly doe to the color temperature at night. When it came to mating, their eggs were soft and their young had gills, not lungs, so they had to be laid in water.

### Behavior & Traits

Inhabiting ponds, lakes, and rivers, *Hynerpeton* was able to adapt to a home at the water’s edge. But still, life for these animals was far from easy. During mating season (which was short for these strange amphibians), female *Hynerpeton* were selective of the males they would mate with and would only go for males who could defend their territory. During these disputes, male *Hynerpeton* would demonstrate their strength in a rather strange push-up contest to avoid injury.

## Trivia

* Hynerpeton is the first prehistoric amphibian brought to the park.
Death of a Dynasty II: The Return of the King (Episode 2.17)

***Death of a Dynasty II: The Return of the King*** is the seventeenth and final episode of Series 2 and the twenty seventh episode of Prehistoric Earth: A Natural History.

## Synopsis

After the team survived the hellish seas of the Cretaceous, they travel across the lands to rescue the last dinosaurs left on the Earth, including the most famous dinosaur of all time: *Tyrannosaurus rex*. However, their time is limited as a meteorite make a collusion course with Earth and bring an end of the dinosaurs.

## Animals

* Alamosaurus
* Dakotaraptor
* Didelphodon
* Dinilysia
* Dracorex
* Edmontosaurus
* Gypsonictops
* Ornithomimus
* Pteranodon
* Quetzalcoatlus
* Struthiomimus
* Thescelosaurus
* Thoracosaurus
* Torosaurus
* Triceratops
* Tyrannosaurus
Dire Wolf

The ***Dire Wolf*** (*Aenocyon dirus*, name meaning "*Fearsome Dog*") is a genus of a prehistoric wolf that originated during the Late Pleistocene epoch in what is now North America. One of the most famous prehistoric carnivores in the world, the *Dire Wolf* is also the largest canine that has ever existed.

In the Series 3 finale "***Mammoth's Undertaking Journey***", a pack of Dire Wolves were brought to the park from Late Pleistocene North America 11,000 years ago. They reside in an enclosure near the Raptor Peak Enclosure with Gray Wolves.

## Trivia

* The sounds effects of *Dire Wolves* are that of typical wolf sounds, added with leopard, lion, camel, and tiger sound effects to give them a more intimidating appearance.
Homo Habilis

Homo Habilis (name meaning "*Handy Man*") is a species of the Hominini tribe, which lived from approximately 2.33 to 1.44 MYA, during the Gelasian Pleistocene period. They were among the first hominids to make tools and earliest member of the Homo genus.

In the Series 3 episode "*The Walking Ape*", a group of Homo Habilis were brought to the park from Early Pleistocene Africa, 2 million years ago. They reside in the Ape-Man Jungle Enclosure other hominid species. A group of them were already spying on the team when they arrived.

## Journal Entry

Unlike Paranthropus who mostly ate the roots of reeds, Homo Habilis ate meat. Sometimes while eating meat of a carcass, they would go into confrontation with other apemen species such as Homo Rudolfensis which was a rival species that was remarkable similar. They were the first hominids on Earth to be able to make stone tools. Eating meat brought Homo Habilis the essential protein and fat that allowed the development of their brains. In other words eating meat enabled them to grow smarter.

## Gallery

A Homo Habilis creating stone tools.Homo Habilis fighting against a group of Homo Rudolfensis for meat of a carcass.A Homo Habilis eating bone marrow.A group of Homo Habilis eating meat from a carcass.A Homo Habilis being killed by an African Lion.
Ambulocetus

***Ambulocetus*** (name meaning "*Walking Whale*") is a genus of primitive amphibious cetacean that originated during the Early Eocene epoch in what is now Europe. Measuring 3 meters long and weighing 180 kg, this bizarre semi-aquatic mammal was among the very first form of whales to exist and is among the best-studied Eocene cetaceans.

In the Series 3 premiere "*New Dawn*," a male Ambulocetus named Nate was brought to the park from Early Eocene Germany, 49 million years ago after nearly getting killed by volcanic gas. He resides in the Whale Watching Enclosure with a female Ambulocetus named Mal.
Compsognathus

## Compsognathus longipes

***Compsognathus*** (name meaning "*Dainty Jaw*"), often referred to as ***Compy*** for short, is a genus of theropod dinosaur that originated during the Late Jurassic period in what is now Europe. This small, bipedal carnivore is one of the smallest dinosaurs ever discovered.

In the episode "*Cruel Seas,*" a pack of *Compsognathus* were brought to the park from Late Jurassic Europe, 149 million years ago
Red Kangaroo

The **red kangaroo** (***Osphranter rufus***) is the largest of all kangaroos, the largest terrestrial mammal native to Australia, and the largest extant marsupial. It is found across mainland Australia, except for the more fertile areas, such as southern Western Australia, the eastern and southeastern coasts, and the rainforests along the northern coast.

Prior to the start of the series, a group of Red Kangaroos were brought to the park from Australia.
Alamosaurus

***Alamosaurus*** (name meaning "*Ojo Alamo Lizard*") is a genus of titanosaurian sauropod that originated during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now North America. The largest dinosaur, let alone sauropod, known from North America, it is also one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered.

Because of its massive weight and size, its knees are bent. They live in large herds with children, males and females. They eat loads of plants from the tree tops with there long necks. They are one of the last sauropods to live in North America, because Hadrosaurus like Edmontosaurus and Ceratopsians like Triceratops were the more common herbivores.

In the Series 2 finale "***Death of a Dynasty II: The Return of the King***", a herd of ten Alamosaurus were brought to the park from Late Cretaceous Montana of 65 million years ago. They reside in the Sauropod Savannah Enclosure with many of their other fellow sauropod relatives and recently welcomed hatchlings.

## Trivia

* Alamosaurus is the last sauropod brought to the park.
Common Raven

The **common raven** (***Corvus corax***) is a large all-black passerine bird. It is the most widely distributed of all corvids, found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a raven known by many names at the subspecies level; there are at least eight subspecies with little variation in appearance, although recent research has demonstrated significant genetic differences among populations from various regions. It is one of the two largest corvids, alongside the thick-billed raven, and is possibly the heaviest passerine bird; at maturity, the common raven averages 63 centimetres (25 inches) in length and 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) in mass. Although their typical lifespan is considerably shorter, common ravens can live more than 23 years in the wild. Young birds may travel in flocks but later mate for life, with each mated pair defending a territory.

Common ravens have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and in some areas have been so numerous that people have regarded them as pests. Part of their success as a species is due to their omnivorous diet; they are extremely versatile and opportunistic in finding sources of nutrition, feeding on carrion, insects, cereal grains, berries, fruit, small animals, nesting birds, and food waste. Some notable feats of problem-solving provide evidence that the common raven is unusually intelligent.

Prior to the start of the series, a flock of Common Ravens were already living in the Avairy Enclosure.