About ten days later.
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There was no superfluous promotional text, only a video lasting over 40 minutes.
It opened on a black screen as the main title, Primeval Ecology, slowly faded into view. Below the title was a list of corporate sponsors.
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The sun peeked shyly over the horizon like a sneaky thief. After observing for a moment, it surged into the sky with a golden radiance, tearing through the black curtain of night.
Soon, a massive silhouette occupied the screen. It was so close that the texture of its skin, or rather, the deep crevices of its scales, could be observed with clinical clarity.
"Ankylosaurus."
A steady, magnetic male voice narrated alongside the soundtrack. Simultaneously, the camera angle shifted from a low-angle shot to a bird's-eye view.
The footage clearly showed four Ankylosaurs walking in a single file across the green meadow.
"This dinosaur is famous for the spiked armor on its back and the massive club at the end of its tail."
The camera cut to a close-up of the tail.
"These heavy clubs can weigh up to 50 kilograms, generating an impact force capable of threatening even reinforced bulletproof glass." (Note: Based on Jurassic World lore; not scientifically verified, at least not by the author.)
The third Ankylosaur in the queue was momentarily distracted by a cluster of nut bushes. However, it was quickly reprimanded by the companion behind it. Ankylosaurus Three let out a slightly disgruntled huff but obediently maintained its position in the line.
"Contrary to popular belief, the leader of an Ankylosaurus herd stays at the very rear of the formation."
"Only the leader can command the entire group. Therefore, it must be in a position where it can see every member of the herd to ensure no one falls behind."
The lens focused on the Ankylosaur at the end of the line. Its body was noticeably larger than the others, and the spikes on its back had a more pronounced curve, though it bore no visible battle scars.
Suddenly, the second Ankylosaur, a female, stumbled, nearly falling. Instead of berating her, the others stopped in unison. It was only after Ankylosaurus Two let out a low, trembling groan that the group resumed its march.
"Measurements show that an Ankylosaurus has a cruising speed of 15 kilometers per hour, with a full sprint reaching up to 30 kilometers per hour."
The narrator's voice returned, though he didn't address the female's condition directly at first, taking a more narrative detour.
"However, this particular herd will certainly not be reaching those speeds today."
The camera zoomed in on Ankylosaurus Two.
"Because among them is an expectant mother."
The dinosaur on screen didn't look particularly different from the others, but her slightly sluggish gait betrayed the fact that she was not in peak condition.
"Time is running out for the herd. They must find a suitable nesting site before Number Two is ready to lay her eggs."
The perspective shifted again, focusing on the face of Ankylosaurus One before pulling back and rising high into the air. This revealed a sprawling Great Lake on the screen, where several Brachiosaurs could be seen with their heads held high above the water.
"Ankylosaur offspring are of vital importance to the entire herd. To protect the hatchlings, simply avoiding carnivores isn't enough; they must also keep their distance from other large herbivores."
A while later, the herd arrived at a forest of towering trees. There was almost no undergrowth here, which gave the Ankylosaurs a clear field of vision against predators, at least, against conventional ones.
Following the roar of Number Four, the leader, the pregnant Number Two immediately hunkered down on the ground to alleviate her pain. Ankylosaurus One, acting as the scout, appeared exhausted but immediately began digging a pit, preparing a nest for the imminent egg-laying.
"The herd is weary, but for the safe arrival of the new life, they must push a little further."
Seeing that everything was in order, the leader felt a sense of relief. However, when he saw Number Three lying motionless like a corpse, he felt the urge to swing his tail at him. He let out a roar tinged with irritation, signaling Three to follow him to find food to replenish Two's energy.
Three lifted his head and let out a helpless grunt, having no choice but to follow the leader.
The camera followed the leader and Number Three as they moved slowly. Suddenly, the trunk of a tree entered the frame from the left, gradually occupying the entire screen with its vertically interlocking bark patterns.
As the camera continued to pan left, the scenery on the other side of the trunk changed completely. It was a dense forest teeming with grass and shrubs. Stray beams of sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a touch of warmth onto the otherwise somber environment.
But soon, that warmth was shattered by the appearance of a "little monster."
The creature had a pair of twin crests on its head, which actually looked quite impressive, but the folded skin at its throat ruined the aesthetic.
"Dilophosaurus."
The male voice spoke again.
"A small carnivore that favors dark, secluded areas. They are masters of the ambush."
That Dilophosaurus let out a high-pitched chirrup. Like a stone cast into a pond, the sound triggered a thousand ripples as similar calls echoed throughout the jungle.
Immediately, more Dilophosaurs lunged out of the grass one by one. Compared to the first one, they were slightly smaller and had fewer folds on their skin.
"They possess retractable frills on both sides of their necks. These frills unfurl during courtship or before an attack, forming a shape nearly resembling an irregular circle."
An older Dilophosaurus unfurled its frill, vibrating it rapidly to display the intricate patterns to the others.
"Roar."
Another Dilophosaurus interrupted the display. This was also a large male.
"However, courtship is never a simple affair. Often, the difficulty lies not with the object of affection, but with powerful rivals."
The younger male and the middle-aged male stood in a standoff. They occasionally flared their frills at each other, showcasing their patterns. The older one reared up to make himself look taller. The youngster, refusing to be intimidated, did the same, and the two remained locked in a stalemate.
"A formidable opponent is not easily deterred. Only the victor earns the right to mate."
The middle-aged Dilophosaurus struck first, snapping at the youngster's neck. Still reared up, the younger one tried to dodge the sneak attack, but his balance faltered, and he tumbled backward.
Seeing his opening, the older male charged, intending to trample his opponent into submission. The youngster noticed the charge, but it was too late.
Thump.
The youngster hit the ground. The middle-aged victor let out a triumphant shriek.
"The battle is over. The loser loses his chance for now; perhaps next time he will win the favor of a female."
The younger Dilophosaurus stood up, shook the dust from his hide, and turned away to lick his wounds in a corner.
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