Turntable Tuesday – CollectA Deluxe Microraptor Dinosaur Model
It’s “Turntable Tuesday” and it is time to put another prehistoric animal model on the Everything Dinosaur turntable and give it a spin. Today, we feature the awesome, new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Microraptor dinosaur model.
“Turntable Tuesday” The New for 2020 CollectA Deluxe Microraptor Dinosaur Model Goes for a Spin
Video credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Deluxe Microraptor is in stock at Everything Dinosaur, this fantastic, feathered dinosaur figure and the rest of the CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life collection can be found here: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.
The CollectA Deluxe Microraptor Dinosaur Model
First named and scientifically described twenty years ago, Microraptor has become one of the most studied of all the Chinese dinosaurs from Liaoning Province. It was the first dinosaur specimen found to demonstrate the presence of flight feathers on its hind legs as well as on its arms. Three species have been assigned to this genus, although there is some debate as to their validity as separate species. Microraptor fossils are the most abundant non-avialan dinosaur found in the Jiufotang Formation (Liaoning Province).
All the material comes from the same bedding plane – the Shangheshou Bed. It has been estimated that over three hundred specimens have been collected to date, although it is difficult to verify this figure as a large number of specimens are in the hands of private collectors who are reluctant to come forward due to the difficulties that might arise once these fossils come to the attention of the Chinese authorities.
The Stunning CollectA Deluxe 1:6 Scale Microraptor Dinosaur Model
The CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Microraptor dinosaur model. The iridescent feathers and the bifurcated tail are highlighted in the “turntable Tuesday” video.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Iridescent Feathers and a Bifurcated Tail
In 2012, a scientific paper was published in “Science”, the journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, that reported upon a study of fossilised pigment cells (melanosomes), preserved within a Microraptor fossil specimen (BMNHC PH881). The researchers compared the arrangements of the melanosomes to those of extant birds and concluded that although Microraptor feathers were black, the melanosomes were reminiscent of the melanosomes found in birds that have iridescent feathers.
The scientific paper that proposes iridescence in the plumage of Microraptor “Reconstruction of Microraptor and the Evolution of Iridescent Plumage” by Quanguo Li, Ke-Qin Gao, Qingjin Meng, Julia A. Clarke, Matthew D. Shawkey, Liliana D’Alba, Rui Pei, Mick Ellison, Mark A. Norell and Jakob Vinther published in the journal Science.
In Everything Dinosaur’s short “Turntable Tuesday” video, these iridescent feathers on the CollectA Microraptor are highlighted. In addition, the model also sports a bifurcated tailfan, as reflected in fossil discoveries. It has been suggested that this tailfan structure and the iridescent feathers were primarily used for display.
In the last few weeks, a number of scientific papers have been published detailing new pterosaur discoveries and fossil finds. We really do seem to be living in a “golden age” of flying reptile research. For example, researchers have identified the fragmentary fossil remains of three types of pterosaur from the famous Cretaceous Kem Kem beds of Morocco (Anhanguera, Coloborhynchus and Ornithocheirus). Even before the dust had settled on that publication, another scientific paper, published this week, describes Afrotapejara zouhrii, the newest member of the Tapejaridae, fossils of which also come from the enigmatic Kem Kem beds.
The “Golden Age” of Pterosaur Research – Illustration of Three of the New Pterosaur Types Described
The pterosaur Anhanguera soars over the skies of North Africa with Coloborhynchus and Ornithocheirus to keep it company.
The Kem Kem Formation is exposed in south-eastern Morocco and neighbouring Algeria. The extensive deposits represent an inter-tidal, estuarine environment with large, wide lagoons and a broad floodplain criss-crossed by numerous rivers. These sediments were laid down in the Albian to Cenomanian faunal stages of the Cretaceous, approximately 100 to 95 million years ago.
The terrestrial landscape was dominated by dinosaurs, surprisingly, there seems to have been an overabundance of big theropods present – Spinosaurus, Rugops (other abelisaurs), Sauroniops, Deltadromeus, Carcharodontosaurus, potential dromaeosaurids and a wealth of other fossil bones and isolated teeth that represent indeterminate species.
Trouble is, the transport of material due to river and tidal action has resulted in a mixing up of fossil material. Fossil beds contain a vast array of jumbled up, disarticulated material, much of which may also have been re-deposited from its original stratigraphic layer. These deposits have been colourfully described as representing fossils that have been put in a blender, such is their mixing and depositional status.
Typical Isolated and Fragmentary Vertebrate Fossil Remains from the Kem Kem Beds
Assorted vertebrate fossil remains from the Kem Kem beds of Morocco.
Pterosaurs as Piscivores
In the first scientific paper, researchers from the University of Portsmouth, Baylor University (Waco, Texas), the University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit), Leicester University, the Laboratoire Santé et Environnement (Morocco) and the University of Bath report on the discovery of fragmentary jaws and associated teeth that led to the identification of three new types of pterosaur.
The remains suggest three ornithocheirid pterosaurs, a second species of Coloborhynchus and an Ornithocheirus reminiscent of Ornithocheirus fossil material known from the Cambridge Greensand deposits of southern England. In addition, a portion of a lower jaw (mandibular symphysis), closely resembles that of the South American ornithocheirid Anhanguera piscator, fossils of which are known from the roughly contemporaneous Romualdo Member of the Santana Formation (Brazil).
An Illustration of Anhanguera (Ornithocheiridae Family)
A typical member of the Anhanguera genus. Note the large and very prominent, conical teeth in the jaw. All three newly described genera are believed to have been primarily fish-eating (piscivores).
Fossils from Morocco
As well as representing a turbulent depositional environment, the fossiliferous beds of south-eastern Morocco provide an additional challenge for scientists. Local residents mine the sedimentary rocks, often using only rudimentary tools and materials, so that they can sell their fossil finds to dealers and collectors. Fortunately, in this case, the fragments of jaw were acquired by scientists enabling a proper academic investigation to be carried out. The teeth of these pterosaurs suggest that they were probably piscivores, the largest of which probably had a wingspan in excess of four metres.
In the paper, the researchers conclude that the Kem Kem fossil assemblage includes at least nine species of pterosaur, of which the majority (five), are members of the Ornithocheiridae. These strata help to support the theory that toothed pterosaurs remained diverse throughout the late Early Cretaceous, before going into decline and eventually disappearing after the Cenomanian faunal stage.
And There’s More – Another Moroccan Pterosaur This Time a Tapejarid
New pterosaur discoveries are behaving a bit like buses at the moment (prior to the coronavirus pandemic), three come along and then shortly afterwards another one turns up. Many of the same scientists from the first academic paper, have published, albeit a little earlier than expected, another paper, this time naming a new species tapejarid pterosaur. Unlike the other three, this flying reptile was edentulous (no teeth in the jaws). The newly described tapejarid has been named Afrotapejara zouhrii, based on yet more fragmentary material including jaw elements.
A Typical Illustration of a Tapejarid Pterosaur
A scale drawing of the tapejarid Pterosaur Tupandactylus imperator. A typical tapejarid – a family of pterosaurs famed for their striking and often over-sized head crests. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Fossils of Pterosaurs from the Kem Kem Beds
Fossil jaws seem to be taphonomically selected for in the Kem Kem beds. Other pterosaur remains have been frequently reported from these deposits, but rarely are the fossils diagnostic. Isolated mandibular material had hinted at the present of tapejarids in northern Africa in the Early Cretaceous, but Afrotapejara is the first genus to be erected. It represents the fourth example of a toothless pterosaur taxon to have been described from the Kem Kem beds and it provides the first unambiguous evidence to support the presence of the Tapejaridae in Africa. The genus name translates as “African tapejarid”, whilst we suspect that the specific name honours Samir Zouhri, one of the authors of the first pterosaur paper reported upon in this blog post.
Based on this evidence, it seems that we really are living in a “golden age” of pterosaur research.
The first scientific paper: “New toothed pterosaurs (Pterosauria: Ornithocheiridae) from the middle Cretaceous Kem Kem beds of Morocco and implications for pterosaur palaeobiogeography and diversity” by Megan L. Jacobs, David M. Martill, David M. Unwin, Nizar Ibrahim, Samir Zouhri and Nicholas R. Longrich published in Cretaceous Research.
The second scientific paper: “A new tapejarid (Pterosauria, Azhdarchoidea) from the mid-Cretaceous Kem Kem beds of Takmout, southern Morocco” by David M. Martill, Roy Smith, David M. Unwin, Alexander Kao, James McPhee and Nizar Ibrahim published in Cretaceous Research.
CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus 1:40 Scale Dinosaur Model Reviewed
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been busy preparing a bespoke video studio so that they can provide more in-depth video reviews for customers and fans of dinosaur model collecting. The first full-length review of a dinosaur model has been published on the company’s YouTube channel. The dinosaur model reviewed is the beautiful, new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Fukuisaurus.
Everything Dinosaur’s Video Review of the New for 2020 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Fukuisaurus Dinosaur Model
In our short video we try to combine a little bit of the science behind the study of this Japanese dinosaur with comments about the CollectA Deluxe replica. For example, we discuss the model and its quadrupedal stance but in reality this herbivorous dinosaur probably spent the majority of its time in a bipedal posture (the forelimbs were much shorter than the hindlimbs). In addition, we comment on the beautifully painted mouth and beak of Fukuisaurus. The video then provides information about the unusual anatomical features associated with the skull of Fukuisaurus.
The Fukuisaurus Video Review Provides Plenty of Close-up Views of the Dinosaur Model
The Everything Dinosaur video review of the new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus dinosaur model (close-up views). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A 1/40th Scale Model?
The video also provides the opportunity for the Fukuisaurus to be measured. Viewers can see that the figure measures approximately 14 centimetres long. CollectA have included this model in their CollectA Deluxe range and it is described as being in 1:40 scale. However, team members at Everything Dinosaur advise collectors to take a more relaxed approach to stated scales when it comes to prehistoric animal models, especially dinosaurs. Most dinosaurs are known from relatively scrappy and incomplete skeletons, therefore, it is often very difficult to provide accurate information about the size and weight of the animal.
In the Everything Dinosaur Fukuisaurus fact sheet that accompanies sales of this model, we state that Fukuisaurus (F. tetoriensis), was approximately 4 to 4.5 metres in length. Based on these dimensions, we estimate that the model is in approximately 1:30 or 1:32 scale.
The CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus Dinosaur Model
The new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus dinosaur model 1:40 scale, or perhaps 1:32 scale? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Our video review permits us to explain a little more about the size and scale of this dinosaur model.
Fossils Found in Close Association with Fukuiraptor (F. kitadaniensis)
The bedding plane from where the fossils of Fukuisaurus were found (the lower portion of Bonebed I at the famous Kitadani Quarry on Honshu Island, Japan), also contain the fossilised remains of a theropod dinosaur. This dinosaur is the similar-sized Fukuiraptor, which was actually formally described some three years before Fukuisaurus. The phylogeny of Fukuiraptor remains open to debate, although numerous vertebrate palaeontologists support the idea that Fukuiraptor was a member of the enigmatic Megaraptora clade.
Fukuiraptor may have hunted Fukuisaurus. In the Everything Dinosaur video review, the narrator comments upon this possibility and discusses the lack of evidence to support this notion.
Sharing the Same Bonebed and Now Sharing the Same Video
The CollectA Fukuiraptor dinosaur model (left) and the CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The dinosaur model video review also provides the opportunity to discuss some of the unique anatomical traits associated with Fukuisaurus. Ornithopod skulls were remarkable examples of natural selection. These dinosaurs evolved the ability to chew their food. In order to process the tough stems of cycads, pine needles and horsetails, these dinosaurs evolved pleurokinetic skulls. To process food in their mouths, the lower jaw moved up and against the inner surface of the teeth in the upper jaw, to produce a scissor-like cutting action. To achieve this, the top part of the skull had to accommodate the movement of the lower jaw. The skull could flex slightly in several places allowing the skull to be hinged (pleurokinetic joints).
In our video review, we discuss this and point out that the maxilla (part of the upper jaw), was closely associated with a facial bone in the skull. This suggests that the skull of Fukuisaurus either could not flex, or that it was hinged in a different way to the skulls of related ornithopods.
Our YouTube Channel
The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel is jam-packed with lots of prehistoric animal model reviews and information, we also post up lots of hints and tips about dinosaur model collecting along with reading recommendations, new book reviews and we have introduced “turntable Tuesday”, our once-a-week short video review of a prehistoric animal figure.
By Mike|2024-01-20T12:57:18+00:00March 28th, 2020|General Teaching, Key Stage 3/4|Comments Off on Rare Fossil Skull Reveals Origin of Modern Birds
“Wonderchicken” Fossil Reveals Origin of Modern Birds
The oldest fossil of a modern bird yet found, dating from the very end of the Cretaceous, has been identified by an international team of palaeontologists led by researchers from the University of Cambridge. Sophisticated CT scans (computerised tomography), of a limestone rock, not much bigger than a pack of cards, revealed the exquisitely preserved fossil skull. Fragments of bone exposed on the rock’s surface suggested that there were more bones buried deep in the rock, but the scientists were not expecting to find the near perfect fossilised skull of a modern bird (neornithine), once the CT scans had been completed.
Fossil Skull Study
The bird has been nicknamed “wonderchicken” as its skull shows characteristics found in modern ducks and chickens. This suggests it is close to the last common ancestor of these types of birds.
An Early Bird in the Hand – Confuciusornis Model
“A bird in the hand”, the Confuciusornis model from PNSO. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows a PNSO early bird model (Confuciusornis).
The fossil comes from a limestone quarry on the Netherlands-Belgium border, making it the first modern bird from the age of dinosaurs to have been found in the Northern Hemisphere.
Named Asteriornis maastrichtensis, this quail-sized bird (to which it is distantly related), exhibits a previously undocumented combination of galliform-like (landfowl) and anseriform-like (waterfowl) anatomical traits. Its presence alongside a previously reported Ichthyornis-like bird from the same quarry provides direct evidence of the co-occurrence of crown birds and avialan stem birds.
Small Size Could Have Saved Modern Birds from Extinction
Asteriornis was quite small, certainly much smaller than the pterosaurs that it shared the skies with. The fossil has been dated to 66.8-66.7 million years ago, a few hundred thousand years before the dinosaurs and lots of other animals including many types of bird, died out.
The authors of the scientific paper (published in the journal Nature), speculate that as it was small and it lived by the sea, this way of life, fitting a particular niche in the Late Cretaceous ecosystem, may have helped the ancestors of today’s birds to survive the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
New for 2020 CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models in Stock
The first batch of new for 2020 prehistoric animal models from CollectA are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The first six prehistoric animal figures are available from Everything Dinosaur. These figures are the 1:40 scale CollectA Deluxe Fukuisaurus, the CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus (also in 1:40 scale), the 1:6 scale Microraptor and the Protoceratops in the same scale. We also have the Baryonyx model along with the new rearing Diplodocus colour variant (grey).
Deluxe CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models
Six new CollectA Dinosaur Models are in Stock at Everything Dinosaur
Six new for 2020 CollectA dinosaur models. Top left, the new rearing Diplodocus colour variant, top right the CollectA Baryonyx. Middle row the 1:40 scale Bajadasaurus and the Fukuisaurus. Bottom row the 1:6 scale Protoceratops and the Microraptor.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Six of the Best!
CollectA intend to introduce a total of eighteen prehistoric animal figures in 2020. Due to coronavirus production plans have been interrupted, but Everything Dinosaur has been able to receive stocks of the first six models to be released. These six new dinosaur figures help to demonstrate the great variety of body plans within the Dinosauria. As for the models, we could say that they represent “six of the best”.
The Beautiful 1:40 Scale Fukuisaurus Dinosaur Model (CollectA Deluxe)
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Fukuisaurus dinosaur model. A wonderful model of an ornithopod from the Early Cretaceous of Japan. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Prehistoric Life Baryonyx Dinosaur Model
The new for 2020 CollectA Prehistoric Life Baryonyx dinosaur model. The figure has been placed on a display base so that the feet can be kept in proportion with the rest of the dinosaur’s body.
New CollectA Figures
The Rearing Diplodocus – New Colour Variant (Grey)
New for 2020 CollectA rearing Diplodocus – grey. The model is the same sculpt as the rearing Diplodocus figure which was introduced in 2013. It is likely that the 2013 Diplodocus will now be retired, but at the time of writing, this had not been confirmed by CollectA.
CollectA Deluxe Scale Figures
Four of the newly arrived CollectA dinosaur models are scale figures. As well as the 1:40 scale Fukuisaurus (pictured earlier), there is a 1:40 scale replica of the recently described (2019), sauropod Bajadasaurus (B. pronuspinax).
The 1:40 Scale CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus Dinosaur Model
The new for 2020 CollectA Bajadasaurus dinosaur model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur. That’s a very impressive set of spikes on the neck of this herbivorous dinosaur.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
CollectA 1:6 Scale Protoceratops Dinosaur Model
The new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe Protoceratops dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Deluxe 1:6 Scale Microraptor Model
The CollectA Deluxe Microraptor model (1:6 scale).
The award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.
The new CollectA Baryonyx and the rearing Diplodocus can be found at this section of the Everything Dinosaur website: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.
Recommended Reading – “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries”
With an estimated one quarter of the world’s population currently in lockdown and not able to get out and about, team members at Everything Dinosaur have been providing lots of support and assistance. As we are unable to visit schools or to work in museums, we have ensured that our huge range of dinosaur and fossil teaching materials remain accessible to all those teachers, parents and guardians attempting to home educate.
However, we have also been asked to recommend suitable prehistoric animal themed reading materials. So, in this spirit, the first publication we shall highlight is the excellent “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries”, written by the highly talented American palaeontologist and geologist Donald R. Prothero, adjunct professor of geological sciences at California State Polytechnic University (Pomona, California).
The Front Cover of “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries”
Front cover of the new book by Professor Donald R. Prothero “The Story of the Dinosaurs in 25 Discoveries”.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Our Book Review – All About Dinosaurs
Team members were lucky enough to be sent an advance copy of this new book. Having read it, we produced a review and put this on our blog site in December (2019).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“This book tells the fascinating story of how our understanding of the Dinosauria has changed and evolved from the early days of the science of palaeontology through to some of the latest research involving dinosaur colouration and inferred social behaviours. Dinosaur fans will be delighted with this latest offering from Columbia University Press and Everything Dinosaur highly recommends this new publication.”
This book can be acquired from the Columbia University Press website: Columbia University Press. The search function on the Columbia University Press website can be used to find other books authored by Donald R. Prothero.
Whilst much of the world is in lockdown, it might be prudent and indeed opportune to catch up with some reading.
Dineobellator notohesperus – A Velociraptorine with Extra Attitude!
Scientists have described a new species of “raptor” from the Late Cretaceous of New Mexico. Described from fragmentary remains, this two-metre-long carnivore was related to Velociraptor. It may have been roughly the same size as the Mongolian genus, but it probably was even more agile with a stronger grip. Its discovery suggests that the dromaeosaurids were diversifying right up to the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.
Life Reconstruction Dineobellator notohesperus (Maastrichtian of New Mexico)
A trio of the newly described dromaeosaurid from the Late Cretaceous of New Mexico (Dineobellator) gather at a waterhole. The titanosaur Alamosaurus passes by in the background and in the distance a tyrannosaur is approaching.
Picture credit: Sergey Krasovskiy
Dineobellator notohesperus
Writing in the academic journal “Scientific Reports”, the researchers from The University of Pennsylvania and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, describe a partial, skeleton excavated from the Bisti/De-na-zin Wilderness of New Mexico, found within a few metres above the base of the Naashoibito Member. The coarse sandstone deposits are notoriously difficult to date, these sediments were deposited towards the end of the Cretaceous between 70 and 66.3 million years ago (Maastrichtian faunal stage).
Fossil material includes parts of the skull, elements from the jaws, fragments of vertebrae, tail bones (caudal vertebrae), one rib with other pieces of rib and limb bones including a nearly complete right upper arm bone (humerus) and a nearly complete right ulna (bone from the forearm). The first fossilised remains were found in 2008, subsequent field work carried out in 2009, 2015 and 2016 yielded more fossil material, mostly very fragmentary in nature. It is believed all the fossil material, including a claw from the right hand, represents the remains of a single dinosaur.
A Skeletal Reconstruction of Dineobellator notohesperus
A silhouette and postulated skeleton of Dineobellator (known fossil material in white).
Picture credit: Jasinski et al/Scientific Reports
A Small but Dangerous Dinosaur
Dineobellator notohesperus is the first dromaeosaurid to be described from the southern United States. It would have lived in the south of the Cretaceous landmass of Laramidia. Although no evidence of feathers has been found, the ulna shows evidence of a row of small rounded pits in the bone, interpreted as anchor points for large feathers on the arm (ulna papillae). Analysis of the forelimbs suggest that Dineobellator had stronger arms with a more powerful grip. A study of the tail bones suggest that the tail had greater movement which would have made this dinosaur adept at making sharp turns and agile changes of direction.
The researchers suggest these anatomical traits provide an insight into how this small theropod hunted and behaved.
The researchers, which include Dr Steven Jasinski (Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania), postulate that Dineobellator was an active predator that occupied a discrete ecological niche in the food chain whilst living in the shadow of Tyrannosaurus rex.
The newest North American “raptor” Dineobellator notohesperus is pronounced dih-nay-oh-bell-ah-tor noh-toh-hes-per-us and the genus name comes from the native Navajo word “Diné”, a reference to the Navajo Nation and the Latin word “bellator” which means warrior. The trivial name has been erected to acknowledge the location of the fossil find. The word “noto” is from the Greek meaning southern and “hesper” the Greek for western. This is an acknowledgement that Dineobellator roamed the south-western part of the United States. In addition, Hesperus is a reference to a Greek god, the personification of the evening star (Venus) and by extension “western”.
Dr Jasinski has already had a considerable impact on the Dromaeosauridae family. Back in 2015, Everything Dinosaur reported on the formal description of Saurornitholestes sullivani, a dinosaur named by Steven Jasinski whilst a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania. To read more about S. sullivani: Sniffing Out a New Dinosaur Species.
An Illustration of Saurornitholestes sullivani
An agile dinosaur, an illustration of Saurornitholestes sullivani. Although the fossil material associated with this species was found in New Mexico, S. sullivani lived several million years earlier than Dineobellator notohesperus.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Tough Life for a Tough Dinosaur
A phylogenetic analysis undertaken by the research team places Dineobellator within the Velociraptorinae subfamily of the Dromaeosauridae. Other Maastrichtian “raptors” known from North America are few and far between (Acheroraptor and Dakotaraptor – both from the Hell Creek Formation). The discovery of Dineobellator suggests that dromaeosaurids were still diversifying at the end of the Cretaceous and as an velociraptorine, its fossils lend further weight to the idea that faunal interchange between Asian and North American dinosaurs took place sometime during the Campanian/Maastrichtian.
It is not known whether Dineobellator notohesperus was a pack hunter. The fossilised remains do indicate that this was one very tough dinosaur but it did not have everything its own way. A rib shows a deformity, suggesting that this bone was broken, but the animal suffered this trauma a while before it died as the break is healed. Intriguingly, the scientists identified a prominent gouge mark preserved on the hand claw (manual ungual). This gouge mark, which measures nearly a centimetre long, terminates in a small depression.
The scientists suggest that this damage was not caused by disease or by any process associated with the preservation of the fossil bones. The team suggest that this was an injury that occurred close to, or at the time of this dinosaur’s demise.
Injured in a Fight?
The researchers speculate that this Dineobellator received an injury in a fight with another Dineobellator or perhaps this damage to its hand claw was inflicted upon it by another type of predatory theropod.
Views of the Hand Claw of Dineobellator notohesperus Showing Damage Interpreted as a Wound Inflicted by Another Theropod Dinosaur
Views of the hand claw of Dineobellator. The right manual ungual of Dineobellator notohesperus (I) lateral view, with (J) a silhouette of the transverse plane of the right manual ungual near the distal end. Image (K) shows the claw in media view with the dashed area highlighted in (K) showing the gouge mark (L). The red arrow indicates the pathology. Scale bars equal 1 mm, please note (L) is not to scale.
Picture credit: Jasinski et al/Scientific Reports with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur
The scientific paper: “New Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur (Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from New Mexico and Biodiversity of Dromaeosaurids at the end of the Cretaceous” by Steven E. Jasinski, Robert M. Sullivan and Peter Dodson published in Scientific Reports.
By Mike|2024-01-20T12:40:13+00:00March 26th, 2020|General Teaching|Comments Off on Spotting a Super Diplodocus on Display
A Wild Safari Prehistoric World Diplodocus Dinosaur Model Spotted at an Exhibition
Whilst working at a library supporting the “Dippy the Diplodocus” nationwide tour, an eagle-eyed Everything Dinosaur team member spotted a Wild Safari Prehistoric World Diplodocus dinosaur model that was being used to help demonstrate what scientists think Diplodocus looked like when it roamed the Late Jurassic of western North America.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Diplodocus Dinosaur Model
Safari Ltd will introduced a counter shaded Diplodocus model in 2017.
The Natural History Museum’s famous cast of this famous sauropod used to grace Hintze Hall at the Museum. In January 2017, the skeleton was dismantled (all 292 bones of it) to make space for a new Blue Whale exhibit “Hope”. This permitted the replica to go on a nationwide tour of the UK and Rochdale is just one of eight venues selected for this exhibition. To date, over 100,000 people have visited the skeleton in Rochdale. As well as the twenty-metre long replica itself, an exciting programme of events has been put together to help to inspire the next generation of young scientists.
A Famous Diplodocus
Everything Dinosaur staff members have been providing expertise and assistance and have enjoyed helping to organise the family-themed science activities.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur, in between delivering fossil hunting workshops for the Borough Council as part of a series of outreach activities commented:
“The aim of this tour and the exhibition programme is to help inspire and enthuse the next generation of scientists. The Diplodocus has also done a great deal to attract visitors to the area and to boost the local economy. It is wonderful to see such nationally-important exhibits like “Dippy the Diplodocus” visiting the northwest of England”.
“Dippy the Diplodocus” can be seen at the Number One Riverside, Rochdale venue until June 28th (2020), with numerous other dinosaur themed events taking place in the Rochdale area for the duration of the exhibition.
Rochdale Borough Council has been able to source a wide range of dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed items to help support this exhibition. Together with Everything Dinosaur team members the Council has been planning for the arrival of the famous sauropod for more than a year. All the hard work has certainly paid off with over 100,000 visitors recorded to date.
Dear Customers and Friends of Everything Dinosaur,
We are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has global implications, we would once again, like to convey our thoughts and sympathies to all those people who have been affected by this virus.
An Update from Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur would like to extend our well wishes to each and every one of our customers and friends. We want to pass on our thoughts and sympathies to all those people who have been affected by this outbreak. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We would like to briefly update you on the current situation at our company.
We are far from extinct! Whilst we are constantly reviewing advice received from the UK Government, the Chamber of Commerce and our Dept of Trade and Industry account manager, for the time being at least, our mail order business is operating as normal.
Business as Usual for Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur has put in place a number of measures that means the company can operate the mail order business.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Customers Can Still Place Orders!
We are still operating! The plans we put in place weeks ago have put us in a reasonable position when it comes to our mail order business. Whilst we will always heed the advice of the Government and the Chamber of Commerce, we are still able to operate our mail order business. Customers can still place orders; we are still despatching and our customers are receiving their parcels.
We don’t have a crystal ball, but because we have lots of contacts in China and elsewhere in the world, team members at Everything Dinosaur quickly became aware of the potential implications if the disease spread outside of Hubei Province (China). Team members started to put plans in place back in January (2020), a rolling set of measures to support our staff, our customers, our suppliers and our local community.
Everything Dinosaur Putting Plans In Place to Manage in Difficult Times
Everything Dinosaur working hard to stay on top of the situation. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur Preparations and Plans
The United Kingdom and much of the world, may now be in lockdown. Everything Dinosaur began its preparations on a “just in case scenario” ten weeks ago.
These preparations included:
Cutting back on the amount of teaching work undertaken to permit more management time dedicated towards the mail order business.
Using stocks (purchased 2018 for outreach science programmes) of alcohol based hand sanitisers (some of which have already been donated to vulnerable members of the local community).
Deliberately building up stock of dinosaur models, figures and other items and ensuring that these could be packed and despatched from homes if needed.
Building up quantities of packaging supplies to help support the mail order operations.
Implementing stringent cleanliness regimes and social distancing.
Taking all essential steps to ensure the safety and protection of all Everything Dinosaur team members.
Switching shipment delivery addresses to permit stock to remain accessible to Everything Dinosaur team members.
Liaising closely with factories in order to put in place contingency plans to ensure continuity of stock.
Suspension of all but essential travel, suspension of all face-to-face meetings.
Postponement of outreach science programmes and dinosaur themed workshops.
In the last three weeks we have received a total of eighteen FEEFO reviews all of them rated Everything Dinosaur as a 5-star service provider.
We are still continuing to maintain the very highest levels of customer service.
Helping Out at Home
Lots of our customers have been in touch, with many of our customers having to stay at home, they have been looking for products and projects to help get them through these uncertain times. We are should not overlook the mental health of those persons advised to self-isolate. A hobby like dinosaur model collecting, model making, replica painting, building dioramas and so forth can play a significant part in helping with well-being. We are also aware of the large numbers of children currently at home.
Keeping Children Occupied – Dinosaurs for Creative, Imaginative Play
Children playing with dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.
Free Resources, Downloads, Fact Sheets, Games and Teaching Materials
It has always been our philosophy to support teachers, teaching assistants and home educators. It is our belief that play is an essential part of childhood and the young people learn more whilst they are having fun. A new dinosaur is named and described every two weeks or so. There is always plenty to talk about when it comes to prehistoric animals. In the light of the current situation, our staff acknowledge that some of our customers have additional needs and we have rolled out a programme of extra support and assistance.
Ensuring that everyone, not just schools have access to our free, educational downloads: General Teaching Resources.
Reception, nursery and Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 3-6) dinosaur themed teaching resources to download: Early Years Downloads.
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (ages 6 to 12) dinosaur and fossil themed teaching resources to download: Key Stage 1 and 2 Downloads.
Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (ages 12 to 16) dinosaur and fossil themed teaching resources to download: Key Stage 3 and 4 Downloads.
The Everything Dinosaur website, lots of helpful dinosaur themed toys and gifts: Everything Dinosaur.
In addition, there is this blog site, with over 4, 750 articles and features about prehistoric animals and fossil discoveries.
Over the last ten days, Everything Dinosaur has initiated a programme of sending out every day to a lucky customer a free Mojo Fun golden model.
Support for our customers with additional needs have been rolled out including surprise free gifts, learning materials and free downloads.
Sending out personalised projects and providing one-to-one support for parents of children/young people with an interest in fossils and dinosaurs.
Supplying free puzzles, games, top trumps, crosswords as part of a programme to help support families in lockdown.
Supporting Families
Everything Dinosaur Has Launched a Programme of Supporting Families at Home
Everything Dinosaur providing lots of free resources to support families.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur remains committed to doing all it can to help in the current difficult situation. For the time being, we are able to operate our mail order business with the minimum of disruption. Everything Dinosaur is far from extinct!
Time to pop into our studio and to put the new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus dinosaur model through its paces for “turntable Tuesday”. Each week, Everything Dinosaur intends to feature a prehistoric animal on the company’s YouTube channel and today, it is the CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus going for a spin.
CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus
“Turntable Tuesday” – The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Bajadasaurus
Video credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur on YouTube
The YouTube channel of Everything Dinosaur features lots of videos of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animal figures. Our aim is to provide model reviews, hints and tips for collectors and to develop videos that provide a useful resource for our customers and for dinosaur fans of all ages.
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Bajadasaurus (B. pronuspinax)
Bajadasaurus was only formally named and scientifically described in February 2019 (although the fossils were found back in 2010), we congratulate the design team at CollectA for being so quick off the mark when it comes to bringing out a figure representing a dinosaur that was described a little over a year ago. It has been assigned to the Dicraeosauridae family of long-necked dinosaurs, although, these dinosaurs are characterised by their relatively short necks when compared to the related diplodocids such as Apatosaurus, Brontosaurus and Diplodocus.
The CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus with its Bizarre Neck Spines
The new for 2020 CollectA Deluxe1:40 scale Bajadasaurus dinosaur model. The neck spines (enlarged, paired neural spines) are forward facing and may have had a role in defence against theropod dinosaur attacks.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
If the fossil material has been interpreted correctly, then Bajadasaurus was one of the most bizarre of all the Dinosauria known to science. The model, and indeed the scientific illustrations of this prehistoric animal have been based on better-known dicraeosaurids. The huge neural spines, associated with the cervical vertebra assigned to position C5 in the neck of this dinosaur, gave rise to the idea that each neck bone had a pair of enormous, keratin-coated spines which would have acted as a formidable deterrent for any meat-eating dinosaur looking for a meal.
A Very Spiky Sauropod – The CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus Dinosaur Model
CollectA Bajadasaurus dinosaur model (1:40 scale). A view of the amazing neck spines of this South American dinosaur that lived approximately 14o million years ago.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the CollectA Deluxe Bajadasaurus and the rest of the prehistoric animals in the CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life model range: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.
