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This episode follows the diverse [[Jurassic]] megafauna in [[North America]] 152 million years ago. The episode mainly concentrates on the lives of a adolescent female ''[[Diplodocus]]'' and her constant fight for survival against predators and even her own habitat after hatching. The episode also follows an adult herd of ''Diplodocus'' and their ceaseless search for food. This episode showcases some of the other late Jurassic fauna including the armored and dim-witted ''[[Stegosaurus]]'', the egg-thieving ''[[Ornitholestes]]'', and 'the [[lion]]s of the Jurassic', ''[[Allosaurus]]''.
 
This episode follows the diverse [[Jurassic]] megafauna in [[North America]] 152 million years ago. The episode mainly concentrates on the lives of a adolescent female ''[[Diplodocus]]'' and her constant fight for survival against predators and even her own habitat after hatching. The episode also follows an adult herd of ''Diplodocus'' and their ceaseless search for food. This episode showcases some of the other late Jurassic fauna including the armored and dim-witted ''[[Stegosaurus]]'', the egg-thieving ''[[Ornitholestes]]'', and 'the [[lion]]s of the Jurassic', ''[[Allosaurus]]''.
 
==Full synopsis==
 
==Full synopsis==
The episode begins in the late [[Jurassic]] period with a mother ''[[Diplodocus]]'' laying her eggs into a deep trench. Each individual egg is the size of a football. After laying her eggs, she carefully buries them and leaves them to their fate. She then slowly moved out of the forest she was in to rejoin her herd in the fern plains.
+
The episode begins in the late [[Jurassic]] period with a mother ''[[Diplodocus]]'' laying her eggs into a deep trench. Each individual egg is the size of a football. After laying her eggs, she carefully buries them and leaves them to their fate. She then slowly moves out of the forest she was in to rejoin her herd in the fern plains.
   
Months later, we return to the hatching site. However, some of the eggs have been discovered by an ''[[Ornitholestes]]'' - an egg thief. Then, a little female ''Diplodocus'' emerges from the soil trying to escape. She is caught within the sight of the ''Ornitholestes'' but he is too busy eating to chase more ''Diplodocus''. While her siblings escape, the little female rests but then gets up and joins them. After scurrying deeper in the forest, the sauropodlets find safety, The ''Diplodocus'' creche then starts feeding on the tender ferns between the tree trunks of the forest. However, an ''Ornitholestes'' appears. The sauropodlets crouch and remain motionless while the predator passes by. Their plan had worked.
+
Three months later, we return to the hatching site. However, some of the eggs have been discovered by an ''[[Ornitholestes]]'' - an egg thief. Then, a little female ''Diplodocus'' emerges from the soil trying to escape. She is caught within the sight of the ''Ornitholestes'' but he is too busy eating to chase more ''Diplodocus''. While her siblings escape, the little female rests but then gets up and joins them. After scurrying deeper in the forest, the sauropodlets find safety, The ''Diplodocus'' creche then starts feeding on the tender ferns between the tree trunks of the forest. However, an ''Ornitholestes'' appears. The sauropodlets crouch and remain motionless while the predator passes by. Their plan has worked.
   
 
It then cuts to the open prairies where we see two ''[[Stegosaurus]]'' and the massive herd of ''Diplodocus''. When the herd begins to feed, they attract insects and insect hunters like damselflies. They even attract ''[[Anurognathus]]'' - a genus of pterosaur which feed on insects. The pterosaurs fight, feed and breed on the ''Diplodocus''. When the ''Diplodocus'' defecate, they attract dung beetles. The ''Diplodocus'' herd then moves on, carrying its own unique habitat with them.
 
It then cuts to the open prairies where we see two ''[[Stegosaurus]]'' and the massive herd of ''Diplodocus''. When the herd begins to feed, they attract insects and insect hunters like damselflies. They even attract ''[[Anurognathus]]'' - a genus of pterosaur which feed on insects. The pterosaurs fight, feed and breed on the ''Diplodocus''. When the ''Diplodocus'' defecate, they attract dung beetles. The ''Diplodocus'' herd then moves on, carrying its own unique habitat with them.
   
A year later, the ''Diplodocus'' creche is seen feeding within a canyon which connects to the prairies. Due to that, a male ''Stegosaurus'' appears and starts drinking from a tiny stream. While the herbivores feed, a pair of large ''[[Allosaurus]]'' stalk the canyon. When the creche catches sight of the predators, they run. However, an ''Allosaurus'' managed to kill one of the ''Diplodocus''. The small brained ''Stegosaurus'' is startled by the ''Diplodocus'' creche and accidentally kills another one of the sauropodlets. The other ''Allosaurus'' confronts the ''Stegosaurus'' but it is intimidated by the ''Stegosaurus''' frightening display of color. The ''Allosaurus'' then backs down and joins the other ''Allosaurus'' to feed on the ''Diplodocus'' corpse. The remaining ''Diplodocus'' return to the forest and begin feeding again. Nearby, the little female finds the skeleton of an adult ''Diplodocus''. The creche then goes deeper into the forest.
+
A year later, mists are seen billowing through the trees thanks to the rain, and the ''Diplodocus'' creche is seen feeding within a canyon which connects to the prairies. Due to that, a male ''Stegosaurus'' appears and starts drinking from a tiny stream. While the herbivores feed, a pair of large ''[[Allosaurus]]'' stalk the canyon. When the creche catches sight of the predators, they run. However, an ''Allosaurus'' has managed to kill one of the ''Diplodocus'' after knocking it off its feet. The small brained ''Stegosaurus'' is startled by the ''Diplodocus'' creche and accidentally kills another one of the sauropodlets with one swing of his tail. The other ''Allosaurus'' confronts the ''Stegosaurus'' but it is intimidated by the ''Stegosaurus''' frightening display of color. The ''Allosaurus'' then backs down and joins the other ''Allosaurus'' to feed on the ''Diplodocus'' corpse. The remaining ''Diplodocus'' return to the forest and begin feeding again. Nearby, the little female finds the skeleton of an adult ''Diplodocus''. The creche then goes deeper into the forest.
   
 
It then cuts to the adult herd clearing the edge of the forest. They are doing this so that they can feed on the soft ferns in between them. Whilst they feed, they expel excess gas. The herd then moves on in their remorseless search for food.
 
It then cuts to the adult herd clearing the edge of the forest. They are doing this so that they can feed on the soft ferns in between them. Whilst they feed, they expel excess gas. The herd then moves on in their remorseless search for food.
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Four years later, an ''Anurognathus'' is seen looking for a host. It then finds the female ''Diplodocus''
 
Four years later, an ''Anurognathus'' is seen looking for a host. It then finds the female ''Diplodocus''
   
[[File:WWD_Anurognathus.jpg|thumb|262px|Two Anurognathus]]along with her siblings who are now 12 meters long. Predators like ''Ornitholestes'' are no longer a threat. The creche has moved to the outskirts of the forest as they are getting too large to stay in the deep forest. The ''Diplodocus ''creche goes to the river to drink but catch the scent of smoke. It's a large forest fire. The ''Diplodocus'' slowly escape the flames. During the night, the fire ignites all of the trees and kills a vast plethora of animals.
+
[[File:WWD_Anurognathus.jpg|thumb|262px|Two Anurognathus]]along with her siblings who are now 12 meters long. Predators like ''Ornitholestes'' are no longer a threat. The creche has moved to the outskirts of the forest as they are getting too large to stay in the deep forest. The ''Diplodocus ''creche goes to the river to drink but catch the scent of smoke heading their way. It's a large forest fire. The ''Diplodocus'' slowly escape the flames. During the night, the fire ignites all of the trees and kills a vast plethora of animals.
   
 
The next day, it's revealed that only three ''Diplodocus'' managed to survive and are driven out into the open prairies. The creche pass by a resting pair of ''Allosaurus'' but the carnivores do not attack them. Then, a large ''[[Brachiosaurus]]'' encounters the creche and starts feeding on the tree tops. The ''Diplodocus'' do not have the same size advantages so they need the protection of an adult herd urgently. Only two youngsters have survived and need help. Then, the massive adult herd of ''Diplodocus'' appear. A huge elderly female sizes up the two youngsters and accepts them. They are safe at last. The herd then begins feeding.
 
The next day, it's revealed that only three ''Diplodocus'' managed to survive and are driven out into the open prairies. The creche pass by a resting pair of ''Allosaurus'' but the carnivores do not attack them. Then, a large ''[[Brachiosaurus]]'' encounters the creche and starts feeding on the tree tops. The ''Diplodocus'' do not have the same size advantages so they need the protection of an adult herd urgently. Only two youngsters have survived and need help. Then, the massive adult herd of ''Diplodocus'' appear. A huge elderly female sizes up the two youngsters and accepts them. They are safe at last. The herd then begins feeding.
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Five years later, the herd is at full strength. It is now breeding season and the young female is now old enough and big enough to reproduce. The males have started to display. They do this by rearing up on their hind legs to impress females. Occasionally, the males get physical and fights break out. The victor wins the right to mate. The young female is approached by a young male. She responds by stamps and then responds using very low frequency rumbles. She then shows she is receptive and then the male mounts her.
 
Five years later, the herd is at full strength. It is now breeding season and the young female is now old enough and big enough to reproduce. The males have started to display. They do this by rearing up on their hind legs to impress females. Occasionally, the males get physical and fights break out. The victor wins the right to mate. The young female is approached by a young male. She responds by stamps and then responds using very low frequency rumbles. She then shows she is receptive and then the male mounts her.
   
After a few days, the ''Diplodocus'' have calmed. The young female feeds outside the herd but she is being watched by a pair of ''Allosaurus''. She then notices the ''Allosaurus'' and turns to get away. The ''Allosaurus'' chases the female and then attacks her. She attempts to escape but is pursued by the ''Allosaurus''. She tries to ward off the ''Allosaurus'' by rearing onto her hind legs, but is unsuccessful. However, the older female ''Diplodocus''' whip-like tail hits the ''Allosaurus''. She survives and returns to the herd despite her serious wounds. The herd then moves on.
+
After a few days, the ''Diplodocus'' have calmed. The young female feeds outside the herd but she is being watched by a pair of ''Allosaurus''. She then notices the ''Allosaurus'' and turns to get away. The ''Allosaurus'' chases the female and then attacks her. She attempts to escape but is pursued by the ''Allosaurus''. She tries to ward off the ''Allosaurus'' by rearing onto her hind legs, but is unsuccessful. However, the older female ''Diplodocus''' whip-like tail hits the ''Allosaurus'', knocking him on the ground. The predator is quick to get up. She survives and returns to the herd despite her serious wounds. The herd then moves on.
 
==Creatures ==
 
==Creatures ==
 
===152 Million Years Ago (Colorado, USA)===
 
===152 Million Years Ago (Colorado, USA)===

Revision as of 00:01, 15 December 2021

Time of the Titans
TimeOfTheTitans
General information
SeriesWalking with Dinosaurs
Episode number2
Featured creaturesA Diplodocus creche
Broadcast information
Original airdate11 October 1999
Chronological information
Previous episode
New Blood
Following episode
Cruel Sea

Time of the Titans - broadcast in North America as Jurassic Giants - is the second episode of Walking with Dinosaurs.

Summary

This episode follows the diverse Jurassic megafauna in North America 152 million years ago. The episode mainly concentrates on the lives of a adolescent female Diplodocus and her constant fight for survival against predators and even her own habitat after hatching. The episode also follows an adult herd of Diplodocus and their ceaseless search for food. This episode showcases some of the other late Jurassic fauna including the armored and dim-witted Stegosaurus, the egg-thieving Ornitholestes, and 'the lions of the Jurassic', Allosaurus.

Full synopsis

The episode begins in the late Jurassic period with a mother Diplodocus laying her eggs into a deep trench. Each individual egg is the size of a football. After laying her eggs, she carefully buries them and leaves them to their fate. She then slowly moves out of the forest she was in to rejoin her herd in the fern plains.

Three months later, we return to the hatching site. However, some of the eggs have been discovered by an Ornitholestes - an egg thief. Then, a little female Diplodocus emerges from the soil trying to escape. She is caught within the sight of the Ornitholestes but he is too busy eating to chase more Diplodocus. While her siblings escape, the little female rests but then gets up and joins them. After scurrying deeper in the forest, the sauropodlets find safety, The Diplodocus creche then starts feeding on the tender ferns between the tree trunks of the forest. However, an Ornitholestes appears. The sauropodlets crouch and remain motionless while the predator passes by. Their plan has worked.

It then cuts to the open prairies where we see two Stegosaurus and the massive herd of Diplodocus. When the herd begins to feed, they attract insects and insect hunters like damselflies. They even attract Anurognathus - a genus of pterosaur which feed on insects. The pterosaurs fight, feed and breed on the Diplodocus. When the Diplodocus defecate, they attract dung beetles. The Diplodocus herd then moves on, carrying its own unique habitat with them.

A year later, mists are seen billowing through the trees thanks to the rain, and the Diplodocus creche is seen feeding within a canyon which connects to the prairies. Due to that, a male Stegosaurus appears and starts drinking from a tiny stream. While the herbivores feed, a pair of large Allosaurus stalk the canyon. When the creche catches sight of the predators, they run. However, an Allosaurus has managed to kill one of the Diplodocus after knocking it off its feet. The small brained Stegosaurus is startled by the Diplodocus creche and accidentally kills another one of the sauropodlets with one swing of his tail. The other Allosaurus confronts the Stegosaurus but it is intimidated by the Stegosaurus' frightening display of color. The Allosaurus then backs down and joins the other Allosaurus to feed on the Diplodocus corpse. The remaining Diplodocus return to the forest and begin feeding again. Nearby, the little female finds the skeleton of an adult Diplodocus. The creche then goes deeper into the forest.

It then cuts to the adult herd clearing the edge of the forest. They are doing this so that they can feed on the soft ferns in between them. Whilst they feed, they expel excess gas. The herd then moves on in their remorseless search for food.

Four years later, an Anurognathus is seen looking for a host. It then finds the female Diplodocus

WWD Anurognathus

Two Anurognathus

along with her siblings who are now 12 meters long. Predators like Ornitholestes are no longer a threat. The creche has moved to the outskirts of the forest as they are getting too large to stay in the deep forest. The Diplodocus creche goes to the river to drink but catch the scent of smoke heading their way. It's a large forest fire. The Diplodocus slowly escape the flames. During the night, the fire ignites all of the trees and kills a vast plethora of animals.

The next day, it's revealed that only three Diplodocus managed to survive and are driven out into the open prairies. The creche pass by a resting pair of Allosaurus but the carnivores do not attack them. Then, a large Brachiosaurus encounters the creche and starts feeding on the tree tops. The Diplodocus do not have the same size advantages so they need the protection of an adult herd urgently. Only two youngsters have survived and need help. Then, the massive adult herd of Diplodocus appear. A huge elderly female sizes up the two youngsters and accepts them. They are safe at last. The herd then begins feeding.

Five years later, the herd is at full strength. It is now breeding season and the young female is now old enough and big enough to reproduce. The males have started to display. They do this by rearing up on their hind legs to impress females. Occasionally, the males get physical and fights break out. The victor wins the right to mate. The young female is approached by a young male. She responds by stamps and then responds using very low frequency rumbles. She then shows she is receptive and then the male mounts her.

After a few days, the Diplodocus have calmed. The young female feeds outside the herd but she is being watched by a pair of Allosaurus. She then notices the Allosaurus and turns to get away. The Allosaurus chases the female and then attacks her. She attempts to escape but is pursued by the Allosaurus. She tries to ward off the Allosaurus by rearing onto her hind legs, but is unsuccessful. However, the older female Diplodocus' whip-like tail hits the Allosaurus, knocking him on the ground. The predator is quick to get up. She survives and returns to the herd despite her serious wounds. The herd then moves on.

Creatures 

152 Million Years Ago (Colorado, USA)

Trivia

  • This episode features the first feathered animal in the series - Ornitholestes.`
  • In the original version there were some lines that were removed in the later version. They can be heard on the 2001 American VHS re-release however.

Gallery

Promotional Images

Errors

  • Diplodocus could never reach adulthood in only a decade. The minimum amount of time it would take for Diplodocus to reach adulthood would be twenty to forty years.
  • Ornitholestes never had a nasal crest.
  • Ornitholestes would have had sickle claws on each of its retractable second toes, similar to a dromaeosaurid. It would have also been feathered, which the companion book depicts.
  • Anurognathus lived in Germany, not North America. They were microbat-like insectivores, with no evidence suggesting that they lived a lifestyle similar to modern day oxpeckers. Its anatomy is also very inconsistent with the real animal, with a typically elongated neck, deep skull and small wings
  • Allosaurus's anatomy is inconsistent with the real animal, especially concerning the short skull which was a common portrayal at the time due to its incorrect reconstruction.
  • The way the Diplodocus lays its eggs in the episode was based on modern turtles, which, like the sauropod in the episode, have ovipositors. But ever since the episode came out, there has been debate about how sauropods laid their eggs without breaking them. It’s now likely that sauropods, including large ones, laid flat on the ground with the cloaca close to the hole in the ground that is being used as a nest.
  • Brachiosaurus is stated to weigh 70 tons, and is said to be the largest land animal that has ever existed. However, the largest Brachiosaurus specimen is estimated at 37 tons, with later sauropods such as Argentinosaurus weighing even more. The raised bump on the head is somewhat thin. In reality, the bump had more soft tissue around it. The legs and torso of Brachiosaurus were deeper and taller, and its tail would have been shorter and held higher.
  • Contrary to what is said at the end of the episode (“With their passing, life would never again be this large.”), sauropods persisted into the Cretaceous period, flourishing across the globe during the early cretaceous however becoming increasing rare across the globe during the late cretaceous with the exception of South America. Regardless of sauropods, Modern day cetaceans prove that life has indeed reached such sizes again.
  • The plates of Stegosaurus were covered in a horny sheath rather than skin, so it could not intimidate predators like Allosaurus by flushing blood into them, as evidenced by the preserved integument impressions of the closely related stegosaurid Hesperosaurus.
  • Allosaurus is said to be the top predator of its age. In reality, the top predator of the Morrison Formation at this time was the megalosaurid Torvosaurus, which was larger and heavier than Allosaurus, however not nearly as common.

Broadcast

Original airdate

  • 11 October 1999 20.30 BBC One

Repeats

  • 12 October 1999 18.30 BBC Choice
  • 16 October 1999 20.00 BBC Choice
  • 17 October 1999 16.45 BBC One
  • 17 October 1999 19.30 BBC Choice
  • 4 December 1999 7.30 BBC Knowledge
  • 5 August 2000 20.05 BBC One
  • 15 January 2003 19.00 BBC Four
  • 24 February 2004 1.10 BBC One
  • 14 October 2006 19.45 BBC Three

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