Everything Dinosaur Blog - Dinosaur Models

22 12, 2024

Providing Helpful 14+ Safety Information for Customers

By Mike|2024-12-23T15:45:13+00:00December 22nd, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members have been busy translating 14+ product safety information into different languages. These translations are part of our on-going commitment to assist our customers overseas. In addition, under the recently introduced General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), we understand that it is a role of the manufacturer to ensure that all safety information is in a language that the consumer can read. In the case of the European Union there are twenty-four official languages.

As an importer, it is our role to ensure all safety information is in the correct language. If the manufacturer does not do this, then, we as the importer can provide the translations and put them into any parcels that we despatch to our customers in those countries covered by GPSR.

Consumers affected by this new regulation are those that reside in countries in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. In addition, the three countries in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are also included.

Helpful 14+ Product Safety Information Translated

A large number of the prehistoric animal figures that we supply have a 14+ age restriction. To assist our customers, we have provided a translation of an appropriate safety warning concerning these models in the twenty-four official languages of the European Union.

The phrase we have translated is:

“Warning! Detailed scale model intended for collectors age 14 years and above. May contain small pieces, sharp edges and points. 14+ (A display piece, not a dinosaur toy).

General Product Safety Regulation translating safety information into 24 European languages.

As part of Everything Dinosaur’s compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2033/988 safety information has to be translated into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. This table deals with English, Bulgarian and eleven other languages. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation of the phrase associated with prehistoric animal replicas that have a 14+ age recommendation that Everything Dinosaur includes inside the parcel for customers located in the areas within the scope of GPSR. This information is included within parcels sent to customers in the European Union, the European Economic Area and Northern Ireland. The table shows the original English text proposed by Everything Dinosaur as the importer and its translation into twelve other languages.

General Product Safety Regulation translating safety information into 24 European languages (part 2).

Translating the safety information associated with a product that is designated 14+ so as to comply with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation in the other eleven official languages of the EU.

Everything Dinosaur Providing Translations

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that many manufacturers based outside the European Union were unfamiliar with the new regulation. As an importer, Everything Dinosaur works closely with factories and manufacturers. The company provides assistance and support and does what it can to help with compliance.

The spokesperson added:

“We have translated standard 14+ product safety information into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. This information will be included in the parcels we despatch to customers in the EU, the EEA as well as Northern Ireland.”

For further information and advice with regards to product safety associated with the items available on the Everything Dinosaur website: Email Everything Dinosaur.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

19 12, 2024

Providing Consumers with Helpful 3+ Product Safety Information

By Mike|2024-12-23T16:35:00+00:00December 19th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) 2023/988 provides a high level of consumer protection. It should give a level playing field for businesses, thus improving the way the European Union’s (EU) internal market works. The new GPSR replaces the current general product safety directive and food imitating product directive, which guarantee the safety of consumer goods. It amends the legislation to account for the increasing use of on-line marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Ebay and other websites.

The Purpose of the New GPSR

The new GPSR regulation applies to new, repaired, used and reconditioned consumer products placed on the European market (EU). In addition, this new regulation covers the European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) along with Northern Ireland.

It accommodates new product routes to market such as on-line sales. GPSR caters for new consumer buying trends such as upcycling and the growth in second-hand, pre-loved sales. It permits closer collaboration amongst the economic operators making up a product’s supply chain. Furthermore, it plugs the gaps in harmonised standards for many product categories. It should allow more efficient and effective product safety recalls. Moreover, it reduces the scope for regulatory divergence amongst EU countries.

A key component of the new GPSR regulation is to ensure that product safety information is provided in a language the consumer can easily understand. There are twenty-four official languages of the EU. Ensuring safety information is in the correct language is a role allocated to the manufacturer. However, many manufacturers based outside the EU are unaware of their obligations. As an importer, Everything Dinosaur is obliged to check that the safety information is in the correct language. In the absence of this provision from the manufacturer, we have undertaken to provide safety information is in the correct language.

Many of the items we sell into the European market are CE marked and comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. As such, these products carry the 3+ safety symbol. At Everything Dinosaur, we have provided translations for the phrase “not suitable for children under 3 years” in the twenty-four official languages of the EU.

General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 - translating safety information into 24 languages.

As part of Everything Dinosaur’s compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 safety information has to be translated into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

For further assistance and information, contact Everything Dinosaur team members: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

18 12, 2024

New Research Suggests Volcanism Not Responsible for Dinosaur Extinction

By Mike|2024-12-19T14:40:08+00:00December 18th, 2024|Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

Newly published research suggests that volcanism did not play a major part in the mass extinction event that marked the end of the Mesozoic. Enormous volcanic eruptions resulting in the formation of the Deccan Traps had been considered a primary trigger for the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K–Pg) mass extinction event. However, a new study suggests that the deposition of vast quantities of flood basalt did contribute to climate change but did not play a key role in the extinctions. For example, the primary driver of the non-avian dinosaur extinction was probably the Chicxulub impact event.

Titus the T. rex Skull and Jaws. Dinosaur extinction.

The extinction of iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex was not due to the deposition of the Deccan Traps according to new research. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Research Led by the University of Manchester

Researchers – led by the University of Manchester analysed ancient peats from Colorado and North Dakota. They were able to reconstruct the average annual air temperatures in the 100,000 years leading up to the extinction. The team included scientists from Utrecht University (Netherlands), the University of Plymouth and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (USA). Their data indicates that volcanic CO₂ emissions caused a slow global warming of about 3°C (Celsius) during this period. They also discovered that there was a short, cold “snap”, a cooling of about 5° Celsius that coincided with a major volcanic eruption approximately 30,000 years before the extinction event. This was likely due to volcanic sulphur emissions blocking out sunlight.

However, the team found that temperatures returned to pre-event values before the mass extinction, suggesting that, from the terrestrial perspective, volcanogenic climate change was not the primary cause of K–Pg mass extinction. In summary, the climate changes caused by the immense volcanic activity were not dramatic enough to cause the non-avian dinosaur extinction.

Commenting on the significance of the team’s findings, lead scientist Dr Lauren O’Connor (Utrecht University), stated:

These volcanic eruptions and associated CO2 emissions drove warming across the globe and the sulphur would have had drastic consequences for life on earth. But these events happened millennia before the extinction of the dinosaurs, and probably played only a small part in the extinction of dinosaurs.”

Volcanism Not Directly Linked to Dinosaur Extinction

Co-author Dr Rhodri Jerrett, (Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences, University of Manchester) explained:

“By comparison, the impact from the asteroid unleashed a chain of disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and an “impact winter” that blocked sunlight and devastated ecosystems. We believe that it was the asteroid that ultimately delivered the fatal blow.”

The ancient fossil peats that the research team analysed contain specialised cell-membrane molecules produced by bacteria. The structure of these molecules is dependent on the temperature of their environment. An analysis of the composition of these molecules enabled the scientists to reconstruct past temperatures. The team built a detailed “temperature timeline” for the years preceding the non-avian dinosaur extinction.

Dinosaur extinction not linked to climate change due to volcanic activity.

Research team members mapping one of the layers of fossil peat analysed in the study. Left-to-right, Greg Price, Rhodri Jerrett and Lauren O’Connor conducting fieldwork at West Bijou. Picture credit: Tyler Lyson.

Picture credit: Tyler Lyson

Fellow author, Dr Tyler Lyson (Denver Museum of Nature and Science) added:

“The field areas are ~ 750 km apart and both show nearly the same temperature trends, implying a global rather than local temperature signal. The trends match other temperature records from the same time period, further suggesting that the temperature patterns observed reflect broader global climate shifts.”

Implications for Climate Change Researchers

This study helps scientists to understand how our planet responds to major disruptions. This type of research can provide fascinating information about past events, but also could help find ways to prepare for future climate changes or natural disasters.

The research team hope to be able to apply this novel research method to reconstruct past climates at other crucial times in our planet’s history.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Manchester in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Terrestrial evidence for volcanogenic sulfate-driven cooling event ~30 kyr before the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction” by Lauren K. O’Connor, Rhodri M. Jerrett, Gregory D. Price, Tyler R. Lyson, Sabine K. Lengger, Francien Peterse and Bart E. van Dongen published in Science Advances.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.

17 12, 2024

Beautiful Prehistoric Animal Mugs

By Mike|2024-12-17T21:50:30+00:00December 17th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members Mike and Sue got sent two, beautiful prehistoric animal mugs by a customer. Thank you Tom, for sending us such a kind, thoughtful gift. These mugs will come in very handy as they make hot drinks to keep them going as they work long hours picking and packing orders for customers.

The “Let’s talk about Trilobites” and the “Dinosaurs are Awesome” mugs. A very kind gift to Everything Dinosaur from a customer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Prehistoric Animal Mugs

One of the prehistoric animal mugs features an image of a trilobite and the text “Let’s talk about Trilobites”. Most vertebrate palaeontologists have a soft spot for the Trilobita. The second drinking vessel features a drawing of the skull of a tyrannosaur. On the other side is the text “Dinosaurs are Awesome”. This is such a thoughtful gesture. It certainly brightened their day.

The reserve side of the two prehistoric animal mugs sent as a gift to Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

At Everything Dinosaur, we cherish the connections we build with our customers. Gifts like these remind us of the passion we all share for prehistoric creatures and the joy they bring to our lives. We appreciate the kindness and generosity, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the same enthusiasm and dedication that you show us.

Thank you once again for your thoughtful gift! It’s moments like these that make our model collecting community so special.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

16 12, 2024

The Impact of the New General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

By Mike|2024-12-22T11:50:36+00:00December 16th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

The General Product Safety Regulation came into force on the 13th of December (2024). This new regulation places new responsibilities onto businesses that export into the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland (NI) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Economic Area (EEA):
The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the European Union’s single market.

Everything Dinosaur has been learning about the General Product Safety Regulation. Furthermore, as a member of the British Chamber of Commerce, we have been helping advisors as well as other businesses to understand their obligations. In addition, we note that William Bain, the British Chamber of Commerce Head of Trade Policy has published helpful guidance.

Everything Dinosaur’s South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (SCCCI) membership badge. The company has been a member for more than ten years.

What is the Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation?

William Bain stated that larger businesses are likely to be compliant with the new regulation without too much adjustment. For example, larger manufacturers and suppliers may already have a responsible person nominated for other regulatory purposes. For instance, under 2019/1020 market surveillance regulations. Indeed, bigger manufacturers and economic operators in the supply chain may be registered in or located within the European Union.

The Head of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Policy added:

“For smaller firms or sole traders, the new obligations will be a big change and will incur additional costs or compliance burdens. They will have to hire a service provider willing to act as a responsible economic operator (Authorised Representative) on their behalf in these markets.”

For some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders, the new rules will act as an additional barrier to sending goods to Northern Ireland, the EU and the EEA.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier article about the General Product Safety Regulation: New Consumer Safety Regulations (GPSR).

What are the Solutions?

In an article published today, (16th of December, 2024) William Bain outlined some of the ways in which the UK Government could help businesses. Even if the UK government aligned its legislation with that of the EU, the fact that there are separate market surveillance and enforcement regimes means the issues would still exist.

How can the UK Government help? Here are some steps that were recommended:

Guidance needs to be simpler, more easily understandable, and better directed at small business needs.
The UK Government must issue guidance earlier and be more effective in communicating with small businesses about changes to allow them to prepare.
Businesses must be informed at an earlier stage about how to ensure compliance and mitigate the costs of regulatory change.
Support is required from UK Government to enable compliance and to mitigate the financial impact on businesses.

In summarising the new General Product Safety Regulation and its impact, William Bain commented:

“This speaks to the need for a step change on regulatory cooperation between the EU and UK, with business interests at its heart.”

Everything Dinosaur is an award-winning member of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. The company has been a member for more than a decade.

We acknowledge the assistance of an article published by the British Chamber of Commerce in the compilation of this article.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

13 12, 2024

New Consumer Safety Regulations (GPSR)

By Mike|2024-12-22T11:20:06+00:00December 13th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Suppliers of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models have some new consumer safety regulations to comply with. From today, the 13th of December the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) comes into force. This new regulation places new responsibilities on companies exporting to the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA). As far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, the regulation covers all CE marked prehistoric animal figures and all other models and figures including resin replicas as well. All toys are covered by this new regulation.

The new rules will apply in principle to all products, but there are some exclusions. For example, products of animal origin (POAO), food, feed, medicines for human use, live plants and animals, aircraft involving low safety risks and antiques. Furthermore, we believe second-hand and pre-loved items are impacted by GPSR.

Irrespective of whether or not a prehistoric animal model is CE marked it should come under the new GPSR regulation, and anyone involved in the distribution chain (economic operator) is expected to understand their obligations under GPSR.

What Does the General Product Safety Regulation Do?

The General Product Safety Regulation has been set up by the European Commission. It addresses safety concerns regarding products entering the EU, Northern Ireland and the EEA. Whilst it covers virtually all trade, it has specific implications for goods sold on-line or by other means of distance selling.

A precautionary principle runs throughout the new obligations and processes introduced by GPSR. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the traceability of products. The legislation was first consulted upon four years ago.

Manufacturers or importers placing goods on the market from outside the EU, EEA or NI must have a responsible economic operator appointed within these areas. Normally, this would be the manufacturer. However, as an importer Everything Dinosaur has appointed an Authorised Representative. We have been working with an Authorised Representative in the EU for several years. This relationship was set up when the EU 2019/1020 Market Surveillance Regulation came into force.

To read more about the EU 2019/1020 Regulation: New Market Surveillance Regulations Come into Force.

If a manufacture does not appoint an Authorised Representative in the EU, or establish themselves within the EU, then Everything Dinosaur as the importer will take on this role. However, please note, in the absence of any action by the manufacturer it is the responsibility of other sellers of that manufacturer’s products who are also outside the EU to take steps to ensure that they are also compliant.

The Impact of GPSR

There are some notable impacts of GPSR. This regulation affects all prehistoric animal model manufacturers according to our interpretation of the rules. We are changing our product labelling for items sold to the EU, the EEA and Northern Ireland. These new EU rules will apply to Northern Ireland under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

Product labelling requirements:

The name, address and electronic address of the manufacturer.
The name, address and electronic address of an authorised economic operator if the manufacturer is not in the EU/EEA/Northern Ireland.
Pictures of the product and details on the product type.
Warnings and safety notifications in a language the purchasing consumer can understand.
These must also be attached to the product or on a document packaged with or accompanying the product. QR codes can be used but they do not replace the need for written safety instructions and warnings (latest advice received as of December 2024).

Additional Requirements for On-line Marketplaces

The General Product Safety Regulations have been designed to encompass on-line sales. This reflects the increasing trend for on-line shopping. On-line marketplaces are not just platforms like Amazon, Ebay and Etsy, if you sell into Europe or Northern Ireland via a website, you need to comply as well.

Additional requirements:

Subscribe to the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products and receive weekly reports (we get ours every Friday).
Register your business/website on the EU Safety Business Gateway and report and issues regarding the items that you sell.

The EU Product Safety Gateway (General Product Safety Regulations).

Everything Dinosaur is registered on the EU Product Safety Gateway. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

Have a single point of contact for market surveillance authorities and enquiries.
Keep a record of customer and product information (helpful in case of a product recall).
Work with market surveillance authorities and other operators.
Have internal compliance procedures.

The logo of the European Commission Safety Gate which relates to the General Product Safety Regulation. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

New Guidelines Being Published

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) produced guidance in relation to the implications of the Regulations on placing goods on the market in Northern Ireland, but these were only issued just before implementation (December 3rd).

Ironically, the General Product Safety Regulation does not apply to goods coming from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. In addition, this legislation does not apply to products placed on the relevant market before 13th of December 2024 (Article 51 exemption).

Practical Steps Regarding General Product Safety Regulation Taken by Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members have taken practical steps to help them comply with the new regulation. We put consumer safety at the very heart of our business.

We have appointed an Authorised Representative in the European Union.
Everything Dinosaur is a subscriber to the EU rapid alert system.
We have registered on business and website on the EU Product Safety Gateway (we were amongst the very first businesses in Great Britain to do so).
Authorised Representative contact details including an email address is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
Everything Dinosaur contact information is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
Maintain technical files on products affected including details of CE tests and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) as part of an internal risk analysis.
Ensure affected products are despatched with contact information in twenty-four languages.
Add GPSR contact details to the Everything Dinosaur website.
Prepare a standard product recall notice (EU template expected in the near future).
Set in motion plans to let any affected consumers know directly with regards to a safety alert or product recall.
Discussed plans to ensure consumer data is held safely and securely to ensure rapid traceability in terms of a product recall.
Prepare safety information in the twenty-four languages of the European Union.
If a product recall is enacted to ensure consumers do not have to cover the cost of any replacement or refund mechanism.
Everything Dinosaur has joined a community of businesses to help prepare for future compliance issues – GTD (Global Trade Department).

For reference the European Economic Area is defined as the EU, and the three European Free Trade Area states – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

12 12, 2024

New Haolonggood Horned Dinosaur Models in Stock

By Mike|2024-12-12T18:00:45+00:00December 12th, 2024|Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Four new for 2024 Haolonggood horned dinosaur models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The Triceratops and Xenoceratops figures have arrived. Team members have been busy contacting all those customers who wanted to be alerted when these dinosaur figures arrived. Both the Xenoceratops and Triceratops figures are in 1:35 scale. However, they represent different subfamilies of the Ceratopsia. For instance, Xenoceratops is a centrosaurine, whilst Triceratops is a member of the Chasmosaurinae subfamily.

Haolonggood horned dinosaur models. The two Haolonggood Triceratops figures.

Two spectacular Haolonggood horned dinosaur models. The two Triceratops figures (Qin Ming and Hu Yan Zhuo). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur exclaimed:

“We might struggle to pronounce the Chinese names of these new ornithischians, but we are delighted to see them arrive in stock. Customers have been keen to acquire these models, and we have made sure that everyone who wanted to be alerted has been informed. These are four wonderful dinosaur figures.”

Haolonggood horned dinosaur models (Xenoceratops).

Two new Haolonggood horned dinosaur figures. The new Haolonggood Xenoceratops models (Yan Shun and the Yang Lin) figures. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Haolonggood Horned Dinosaur Models

Although these horned dinosaur models have the same declared scale, the Triceratops models are larger. The Triceratops taxon represents one of the largest horned dinosaurs known to science. Moreover, Triceratops lived several million years after Xenoceratops became extinct. The smaller Xenoceratops is geologically older than the Triceratops taxon. Xenoceratops (X. foremostensis) is known from the middle Campanian. It roamed Alberta (Canada) approximately seventy-eight million years ago. In contrast, Triceratops is known from the very last few million years of the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian faunal stage).

The Haolonggood Xenoceratops dinosaur model (Yang Lin).

The grey, 1:35 scale Xenoceratops figure (Yang Lin).

The picture (above) shows the new for 2024 Haolonggood grey Xenoceratops model. It is called Yang Lin. This horned dinosaur model measures around seventeen centimetres in length. Whereas, the green Triceratops model (Qin Ming) shown below measures twenty-three centimetres long and those horns are around fourteen centimetres off the ground.

The Haolonggood Triceratops dinosaur model (Qin Ming).

The Haolonggood Triceratops dinosaur model in green (Qin Ming). This is a 1:35 scale dinosaur figure.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented that Haolonggood had introduced several beautiful horned dinosaur models in recent months. New figures include Chasmosaurus, Diabloceratops, Kosmoceratops, Sinoceratops and Pentaceratops. In addition, Haolonggood have also added Nasutoceratops and Pachyrhinosaurus figures.

He added:

“Such a lot of horned dinosaur figures from Haolonggood. Our congratulations to the design team.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

11 12, 2024

New Study Unlocks Jaw-dropping Evolution of Snakes and Lizards

By Mike|2024-12-11T14:01:53+00:00December 11th, 2024|Animal News Stories|0 Comments

Newly published research led by scientists at the University of Bristol has shed light on the remarkable evolution of the jaws of snakes and lizards. These animals are part of the order Squamata which in turn, is part of the Superorder Lepidosauria. The Lepidosauria includes the Squamata and also the Rhynchocephalia. The Rhynchocephalia is today, only represented by one living species the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). However, the fossil record demonstrates that the Rhynchocephalia were once extremely widespread and diverse.

The study focused on the evolution of remarkably varied jaw shapes within the Lepidosauria which drove their extraordinary success. For example, the snakes and lizards represent the most diverse and speciose of all tetrapods. Around twelve thousand species have been described.

A team of evolutionary biologists led the research, and it provides a new understanding of the intricate factors influencing the evolution of lower jaw morphology in the lepidosaurs. The paper has been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

An image of an anole (a species of “false chameleon”) crushing a snail with its jaws. Picture credit: Professor Anthony Herrel (co-author in the study).

Picture credit: Anthony Herrel (co-author of the study)

To read a related blog post about the discovery of a remarkable fossil in Germany that highlights the evolutionary links between the Squamata and the Rhynchocephalia: Tiny Fossil Sheds Light on Reptile Evolution.

The Jaw Shape of Snakes and Lizards

The scientists discovered that jaw shape evolution in lepidosaurs is influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond ecology, including phylogeny (evolutionary relatedness) and allometry (the scaling of shape with size). The study demonstrated that at least in terms of jaw shape, snakes are outliers. Snakes exhibit a unique jaw morphology. This is most likely due to their highly flexible skulls and their ability swallow prey many times larger than the width of their head.

Corresponding author for the study, Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral (School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol), commented:

“Interestingly, we found that jaw shape evolves particularly fast in ecologically specialised groups, such as in burrowing and aquatic species, and in herbivorous lizards, suggesting that evolutionary innovation in the lower jaw was key to achieve these unique ecologies. Our study shows how lizards and snakes evolved their disparate jaw shapes which adapted to their wide range of ecologies, diets, and habitats, driving their extraordinary diversity.”

Jaw evolution in snakes and lizards and wider lepidosaurs.

Diagram showing rates of evolution of lower jaw shape across the ‘family tree’ of lepidosaurs. Picture credit: Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral and colleagues.

Picture credit: Dr Antonio Ballell Mayoral and colleagues

The Lower Jaw is a Key Element in Ecological Adaptation

This research work underlines the critical role of morphological innovation in promoting the diversification of extremely biodiverse groups like the lepidosaurs. The lower jaw is a vital component of the vertebrate feeding apparatus, the researchers conclude it is a key element in driving ecological experimentation and adaptation.

As for any future research, the scientists would like to examine the morphology of the entire lepidosaur skull.

Dr Ballell Mayoral explained:

“Lower jaws are important, but they work together with the jaw closing muscles to support essential functions like feeding and defence. We are exploring the relationship between skull shape and the arrangement of the jaw closing musculature through evolution, and how it has impacted the diversification of feeding mechanics and habits.”

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bristol in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Ecological drivers of jaw morphological evolution in lepidosaurs” by Antonio Ballell, Hugo Dutel, Matteo Fabbri, Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone, Aleksandra Kersley, Chrissy L. Hammond, Anthony Herrel and Emily J. Rayfield published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

9 12, 2024

A New Dinosaur Book “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior”

By Mike|2024-12-15T08:46:14+00:00December 9th, 2024|Book Reviews|0 Comments

You might think we know a lot about dinosaurs. In truth, our knowledge of the Dinosauria has been transformed over the last few decades. New fossil discoveries and the application of evermore sophisticated research techniques are providing palaeontologists with a wealth of new data. Some of this data is allowing scientists to get a better understanding of dinosaur behaviour. How these animals fed, communicated, chose mates, reproduced and formed social groups such as herds.

A new book written by Dr David Hone and illustrated by Gabriel Ugueto provides an up-to-date assessment of some of this research. The author skilfully guides the reader through the fundamentals of dinosaur biology and explains how pioneering research is shedding new light on dinosaurs and how they lived.

"Uncovering Dinosaur Behaviour" by Dr David Hone and illustrated by Gabriel Ugueto.

The front cover of the newly published dinosaur book “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior” by Dr David Hone. Book illustrations are provided by Gabriel Ugueto. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior”

Published by Princeton University Press (hence the Americanisation of the word “behavior”), this is a beautifully crafted book. The fossil record rarely captures evidence of activity. However, Dr Hone describes a wide range of behaviours and provides helpful scientific explanations.

Understanding dinosaur behaviour has traditionally faced challenges due to the scarcity of evidence preserved in the fossil record. Dr David Hone sets out what we can learn from remarkable trace fossils and other fossil material. He presents the latest findings on dinosaur behaviour while explaining how researchers interpret the often limited and conflicting data available. Moreover, the author highlights how pioneering research sheds new light on prehistoric life, offering insights like never before. He also discusses future research directions in this exciting and rapidly evolving area of palaeontology.

The book contains lots of photographs of fossils and helpful diagrams. The wide range of topics covered are beautifully illustrated by the extremely talented Gabriel Ugueto.

Book Details

Here is further information about this new dinosaur book:

Title: “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior – What They Did and How we Know”

Author: Dr David Hone

Illustrated by Gabriel Ugueto

ISBN: 9780691215914

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published on November 5th, 2024. It contains 248 pages. The book features 12 colour and 70 mono illustrations.

The publisher’s website: Princeton University Press.

Overall, “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior” is a must-read for anyone interested in the captivating world of dinosaurs. It not only informs but also inspires curiosity about how these ancient animals may have lived.

Highly recommended.

8 12, 2024

New “Prehistoric Times” Issue 151 Reviewed

By Mike|2024-12-08T16:38:23+00:00December 8th, 2024|Prehistoric Times|0 Comments

We have just finished reading the latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Issue 151 features the artwork of Esther van Hulsen on the front cover. Inside, readers will discover what inspired the artist to paint an adult and juvenile Hypacrosaurus. The beautiful illustration of this pair of duck-billed dinosaurs was commissioned to celebrate the arrival of the fossilised remains of a juvenile Hypacrosaurus at the Natural History Museum of Norway. Last year, an adult Hypacrosaurus specimen was acquired by the Museum. The adult will now be joined by the juvenile. They form part of an exhibit highlighting dinosaur nesting behaviour and ontogeny.

More details can be found in the extensive news section inside issue 151. In addition, the news section features the recently described ceratopsian Lokiceratops, and Fona herzogae, a Late Cretaceous ornithischian dinosaur that may have lived in burrows. This is an example of fossil specimens indicating that they represent an animal that may have been fossorial.

The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine highlights ornithischian parenting as illustrated by Esther van Hulsen. This is issue number 151 (autumn 2024). Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

The magazine also features news about a new duck-billed dinosaur from Mexico Coahuilasaurus lipani.

To read more about this remarkable discovery: A New Hadrosaur from Mexico is Described.

“Prehistoric Times” and Prehistoric Elephants

Recently published research (Hauffe, Cantalapiedra and Silvestro) suggests that the extinction rate of proboscideans was accelerated by the emergence of modern humans. More information about this study can be found inside “Prehistoric Times” magazine. This provides a neat segue into the latest article in the long-running series by John Lavas documenting the incredible artwork of Zdeněk Burian. Part thirty discusses the Czech artist’s work on basal proboscideans. Look out for some stunning oil paintings of early prehistoric elephants!

The intriguingly entitled “Paint Strokes in Time” re-imagines how prehistoric animals might have been depicted if great artists and sculptors of yesteryear had been able to access modern science. Today’s palaeontology informing their works and artificial intelligence being employed to create stunning art. Part two of Alain Omer Duranceau’s imaginative project will feature in issue 152.

Tracy Lee Ford embarks on a comprehensive review of feathers in his regular “How to Draw Dinosaurs” article. This is going to be a most informative series if part one is anything to go by. The author admits that some of the areas he intends to cover might be controversial. We look forward to reading more of his insights and observations.

Editor Mike Fredericks reviews ten books in the “Mesozoic Media” section. It is pleasing to see Michael Benton’s fifth edition of “Vertebrate Palaeontology” reviewed along with Dr David Hone’s “Uncovering Dinosaur Behavior”. Dr Hone has contributed an article to the magazine. He examines the tricky problem of estimating the size of dinosaurs. This topic has inevitably been an area of much debate and discussion amongst palaeontologists. Is the hypothetical maximum length for a Tyrannosaurus around fifteen metres?

Titus the T.rex exhibit. A T. rex skeleton on display.

The spectacular Titus the T. rex exhibit at Wollaton Hall. A theoretical size for Tyrannosaurus rex is proposed in an article written by Dr David Hone. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Maraapunisaurus – A Mysterious Giant

Regular contributor Phil Hore collaborates with American palaeontologist Kenneth Carpenter to tell the story of Maraapunisaurus fragillimus. They explain how the dinosaur originally known as Amphicoelias came to be scientifically described and highlight what it tells us about gigantism and dinosaur evolution.

Our congratulations to the readers whose artworks were used to illustrate this article. Samuel Pickens provided a close-up view of the head along with artwork showing the entire animal reconstructed. Tim Bollinger contributed an illustration and Eivind Bovor depicted a pair of these giant sauropods feeding on Araucaria. Moreover, Victoria Grabowsky portrays the size of Maraapunisaurus by including a trio of theropod dinosaurs harassing this leviathan. We appreciate all the illustrations that are submitted to the magazine. A special mention goes to M. Elliot Massion for submitting not one but two illustrations.

From a mysterious giant to a mysterious island. John F. Davies muses on the monsters portrayed in the 1961 movie “Mysterious Island”. The film, loosely based on the Jules Verne novel, provides plenty of scope for master animator Ray Harryhausen to showcase his skills. The mainly British cast have to contend with an enormous ammonite, killer crabs and a “Terror Bird”. All these fantastic creatures were brought to life by Ray Harryhausen and his stop-motion animation skills.

Sculptor Sean Cooper is interviewed and some of his spectacular creations are shown including a “Terror Bird” figure (Titanis). Randy Knoll updates us on new model introductions. He looks at new CollectA, TNG and figures aimed at the Japanese market. Editor Mike Fredericks reviews a new ichthyosaur exhibition in Reno (Nevada) and John Lavas steps away from his work documenting Burian to bring us an interview with Dr Darin Croft, an expert on South American megafauna.

Lungfish in “Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The Sarcopterygii take centre stage as Phil Hore highlights the evolutionary history of lungfish. He outlines the remarkable contribution made to science by Johann Ludwig Gerard Krefft, the Australian Museum siege notwithstanding. Congratulations to Russell J Hawley for his excellent illustrations, one of which reveals the chelicera of an eurypterid. Aaron Marsh depicts a pair of theropod dinosaurs encountering a lungfish and regular contributor Chuck Egnaczak portrays a lungfish during aestivation.

What a bumper edition issue 151 has turned out to be. Our congratulations to everyone involved in this superb magazine.

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