Grant swatted at flies buzzing around his head as he watched Ellie examine the large green Dilophosaurus slumped on the forest floor. It’s breathing was shallow and erratic. He remarked at the animal’s impressive size even while lying flat - the Dilophosaurs were now reaching maturity, much larger than on his last visit.
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“She’s exhibiting signs of neurotoxin poisoning. But there are no bite marks or traces of spit on her body from the other Dilophosaurs.” Ellie summarised.
“So what’s your prognosis, Doctor?”
I’d say her venom glands have been leaking internally. You can tell by the swelling here on her neck. Thankfully the venom doesn’t seem to be particularly strong, or she’d already be dead.”
Grant frowned. “Why would this happen?”
“Well, the smaller carnivores on this island like Dilophosaurs are being fed carrion. As a result, they’re not using their venom as often as they should, which looks to have led to some build up.” Ellie shook her head. “But venomous animals like snakes typically have specialised antibodies to combat the venom, should it leak into their bloodstream.”
Something clicked in Grant’s mind. “Perhaps the missing gaps in her genome coded to the production of antibodies.” Grant theorised. “Or… perhaps the Amphibian DNA is the cause of their venomous traits. For example, some tree frogs produce neurotoxins too.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. It’s not like it’d be the first time InGen has overlooked the finer details” Ellie replied.
“Agreed. It also makes me wonder what other unintended side effects the animals could be exhibiting.”
Ellie tagged the Dilophosaurus’ frill with a yellow ID tag.
“Either way, these animals are in desperate need of some enrichment in their paddocks. She needs to hunt. You know what I could use? Pictures of the dinosaurs. We should observe the dinosaurs and look for behavioural patterns. I’ll get together a list of specific photos that I need.”
“Never thought I’d be able to take photos of dinosaurs before. That’s a first.”
“And Alan. The lens cap. I want actual images.”
Alan smiled. “I’ll remember this time.”
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