Earliest direct evidence of bird-like feeding of young found in ‘good mother’ dinosaurs

Microscopic wear on Maiasaura teeth suggests juveniles ate softer, higher-calorie foods while adults ate tougher plants.

The pattern implies adult dinosaurs likely provisioned their young, similar to bird feeding behavior.

Researchers say this is the earliest direct evidence of complex parental feeding in non-avian dinosaurs.

The finding changes how scientists think about dinosaur social behavior and the evolution of parental care.