Jurassic Park:
The Battle For Survival
Synopsis: Months without rain during a prolonged dry season have caused a massive drought within the Northern region of Isla Sorna, resulting in a shortage of food along with dried up rivers and watering holes. The dinosaurs native in this region are forced into a life or death situation where they must adapt to their changing environment. As herbivores of many varieties including ornithopods, sauropods and even ceratopsians compete for the few remaining plants, small to large carnivores like Velociraptor, Deinonychus, Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Giganotosaurus and other theropods desperately struggle in trying to hunt whatever prey they can find, even if they must fight with one another to obtain a meal.
Disclaimer: All rights to Jurassic Park belong to Universal Studios. Copyright is forbidden.
Chapter 1
The light of the sun was spreading all around as it washed over the various lands of Isla Sorna, the largest of five islands, known historically as the Five Deaths. Out of them all, Isla Sorna is most famous for it's population of the most astonishing creatures mankind has ever seen.
Prehistoric animals which have graced us with their presence as fossilized displays in Museums around the world.
Creatures which existed millions of years ago, now currently exist in the modern time due to the machinations of expert geneticists at InGen.
These creatures are known to the world over...as Dinosaurs.
All across the North, East, West and South regions of the island, dinosaurs have flourished as the dominant animals, going undisturbed for many years since their recreation. Herbivores and carnivores of many types inhabit the widespread environments such as jungles, forests, plains, prairies, mountains and grasslands, as well as wetlands, woodlands, savannas and many others.
However, the dinosaurs in the North have since fallen upon hard times as of this year.
There hasn't been any rain in the past 24 hours, a direct result of the dry season which has gone on for quite a while. The low humidity has caused a decrease in plants and vegetation, with watering holes and rivers beginning to dry up over time, leaving behind very little sources of food for the herbivores , and very little hydration for both them and the carnivores.
Out on the grasslands, communal herds of Triceratops, Pachyrhinosaurus and Styracosaurus were feeding on the few bushes that were left in the area. With their usual food sources disappearing, they had to eat as much as they possibly could to get through this tough season.
Triceratops, the largest ceratopsian, thrives here more commonly than other ceratopsians. It's name meaning *Three Horned Face*, this herbivore is best known for sporting a set of deadly horns, as well as a head frill which shields it's vulnerable neck from frontal assault by large predators. But despite this advantage, Triceratops doesn't stand much of a chance against an attack from the back and from both sides should it be unlucky enough. In most cases adult Triceratops in their prime alone have a 80 percent chance of fending off carnivore attacks, while young, old and weaker individuals have little to no chance of surviving against experienced predators.
The 8 meter long Pachyrhinosaurus, meaning *Thick Nosed Lizard*, are more rare in the grasslands than Triceratops, but are just as abundant in the North's meadows. Compared to most ceratopsians who have nasal horns, Pachyrhinosaurus instead has a flat bony growth on it's snout known as a boss, which could be used a battering ram when fighting predators or rivals. Their head frills are not as big as those of Triceratops, but are quite unique for sporting small, curved and backward pointing horns. Small to medium sized carnivores are common threats to both young and adult Pachyrhinosaurus, but smaller predators are primarily of little concern to the well armed adults.
Styracosaurus, meaning *Spiked Lizard*, may be only 18 feet in length, but it's impressive head display and blade like horn indicate this dinosaur is no easy target. Unlike Pachyrhinosaurus, Styracosaurus more regularly feeds alongside Triceratops on the grasslands. A single stab from their long nasal horn is more than enough to savagely injure any predator who underestimates this tough herbivore.
For now, it seemed like the herd had nothing to worry about.
However, they were about to meet some frightening visitors.
Out of the jungle comes a pack of four Deltadromeus, which means *Delta Runner*. This 8 meter long and 2 ton theropod is one of the fastest hunters around, being able to chase down prey over long distances. Usually they often hunt ornithopods, but with most prey items becoming less frequent in the dry season, carnivores are being forced to shift their attention towards hunting down tougher and more challenging targets. Naturally Deltadromeus would avoid attacking ceratopsians, as they weren't adapted for handling such well armed prey items. But overwhelming hunger and stress are what drive this pack to take the risk.
Upon noticing two juvenile Triceratops, a male and female, and their mother grazing just a few feet outside the herd, the pack's attack strategy became simple.
Taking their chance, the pack went charging forward in full throttle. Their initiation paid off well as they scared the herbivores into a massive panic, scattering them in random directions.
During the chaotic event, the mother Triceratops and her two young end up getting separated from the herd in their desperate bid to avoid the theropods. The pack takes advantage as they proceed with chasing down their fleeing victims.
One of the pack members soon catches up, grabbing the male juvenile by his back leg. The young Triceratops called out in alarm as the Deltadromeus restrained him. Another pack member moves in and bites into the nape of the herbivore's neck. It wouldn't be long now before the rest of the pack would join in to bring down their struggling prey.
But just before they can, the angry mother Triceratops charges up and attacks one of the distracted Deltadromeus within range, jamming her massive horns straight through the gut of the one that was holding the youngster's neck, effectively killing it. The other Deltadromeus released it's hold, backing away as the mother shielded her offspring from it.
Suddenly, the rest of the herd reappears on the scene, coming to the aid of their fellow comrades. Outnumbered and outmatched, the three remaining Deltadromeus are forced to retreat.
The mother tends to her injured baby, giving him a few gentle nudges to help him regain his footing. He was then greeted warmly by his sister, followed by the other herd members, including some Pachyrhinosaurs and Styracosaurs.
The Deltadromeus pack would have to find prey elsewhere, even if it would take them days to do so.
In the dry season, the dinosaurs were given a crucial choice.
Either they adapt to survive, or die of starvation.
Well, that's the first chapter.
Sorry for it being so short, I really tried my best. As the story explains, the dinosaurs in the North of Isla Sorna are going through a tough time since the dry season came in. Herbivores are losing their favorite plants, which means carnivores are starting to lose their favorite prey.
Basically what I'm trying to do is make a series of Jurassic Park stories that are presented like a sort of nature documentary, focusing more on the dinosaurs themselves, as well as other creatures I intend to include later on. In other words, there will be no humans getting chased around by dinosaurs like in the movies.
I spent 24 hours a day watching wildlife documentaries featuring modern animals and dinosaurs in order to write this. It's not my best work, but I'm getting there.
Anyway, be sure to tune in for more chapters.
Later everyone.