Triceratops

Triceratops are Apex Tier and Diurnal

10 Adults/Sub-Adults
Season Limited Offspring
Same-sex Sex Pairs and herds containing NO Males may adopt up to 2 young

[Solo]

Found in open plains or forested areas where their food is abundant. They tend to wander, looking for a herd to join or a partner to court with.
Females will follow the scent of males, who patrol an area regularly, marking the area with their scent.
When not moving or patrolling, they can be found lazing around near food resources.

[Grouped]

When grouped, Triceratops can be spotted lying down and chewing food, while the young run around them to burn off energy.
Females will often take turns in raising the young, all while males will patrol and stand guard.
When no male is around, a female head will replace this spot. If a herd female is a frequent place for a Triceratops, it isn't uncommon to see their skins change to mimic the bright color of males.

When approaching another Triceratops, it is common to see them both bowing their heads to greet.
When crossing paths with other ceratops, they may lower their head and make a threat call, wanting to scare the others off.
Herds will group up around food sources and shade to relax during hot days, and they may be seen lying in mud or water to cool off.
Each member of the herd will make vocalizations. Being a somewhat lazy dinosaur, they rely heavily on these and body language.

[Solo]: When alone, Adults will rely on their imposing size and three-horned defense. They will mock charge and try to intimidate the threat.
Adolescents and the younger will flee from threats, going as far as wedging themselves into a small area.

[Grouped]: When a threat is seen, the one who notices the threat will make a call to warn of danger. The heads of the herd will move to stand between the threat and the herd, along with a second.
If young are present, the other adults may circle them in a protective formation or like a wall. They do not attack, allowing the two who are between the threat and the herd to deal with the threat.

Triceratops are lazy and tend to be very tolerant of many other herbivores around them. They even tolerate some scavengers if they do not pose a threat to the young.
The only other herbivore that will give reactions is Eotriceratops.
Triceratops consider Eotriceratops a threat. When one is seen in their territory, they may chase it off, mock charging, and threaten, calling. (No hits should be made unless the Eotriceratops gets too close to a herd or member)

Some herds may share a male to father all the young. Once a male is accepted, they can mate when a female is ready.
If it is a new male trying to court a female, it will start with loud vocalizations, their head held high, and trying to get the attention.
If a female is interested, they may approach the male and begin a ritual is nudging each other, testing if the male is a good suitor.
If they are deemed a good fit, the female will allow the pairing to go on.

[Hatchling]: When born, Triceratops will remain in the nest until their mother comes to help get them up. They will nudge them very gently, encouraging them to get on their feet.
They will remain by their mother's side, not daring to even step away from her unless there are dangers.

[Juvenile]: It is at this stage that the young will move away from their mothers. Groups of young can be seen running around and play-fighting, learning how to deal with their horns.
It is at this point as well that the young do not count on their mothers anymore, instead, females will take turns taking care of all the young.

[Adolescent]: Playfighting between the young begins to slow down, only being seen between the male young.
Females can be found grazing and slowing down, finding it better to laze around in the shade.
The head of the herd may also take the time to teach the young to defend.

[Sub-Adult]: At this time, the males will now be run out of the herd, being moved away so there is no chance of siblings mating.
If there is room in the herd, some females may stay around, though, if there is no room they are chased away

Males are of brighter colors, having more vibrant and eye-catching colors on their crests and bodies.
Sub-species: horridus (m), prorsus (m), shattered horn, djellali (m), gnarled horn

Females are more solid in color, not being so bright and not varying much in their colors or patterns.
Sub-species: horridus (f), prorsus (f), stunted horn, duncanii, djellali (f), gnarled horn

Albino: Female Albinos are shunned and left to die, while Albino males are prized by females.
Melanistic: Males that are melanistic may be shunned and have a hard time courting