All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
22 04, 2020

New Prehistoric Times Issue 133 Reviewed

By |2024-02-18T07:54:02+00:00April 22nd, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Spring Edition of Prehistoric Times Magazine Reviewed

The latest edition of the quarterly magazine for fans of dinosaurs and prehistoric animal figures has arrived at Everything Dinosaur.  The arrival of “Prehistoric Times” is very welcome, we note that with much of the world in lockdown (coronavirus), the demand for reading material has increased exponentially.  Collectors of prehistoric animal models and figures looking for an interesting and enjoyable diversion are advised to check out this excellent magazine, here is our review of issue 133.

“Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The Front Cover of “Prehistoric Times” Magazine – Spring 2020

Prehistoric Times magazine cover (spring 2020).
The front cover of Prehistoric Times magazine (spring 2020) issue 133.  Prehistoric animals featured in this edition include Triceratops and Tylosaurus – hence the front cover artwork by American artist Chuck Egnaczak.

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks

Triceratops and Tylosaurus

The latest instalment in the “Jurassic World” franchise may have stopped production as reported on this blog last month, but the presses at “Prehistoric Times” keep rolling and this edition is just crammed full lots of amazing stories, model reviews, interviews and features.  We see that our chum Andy and “Andy’s Dinosaur Reviews” gets a mention – well done Andy, keep up the good work on your YouTube channel.  Andy recently reviewed the Rebor Fallen Queen Triceratops and this leads us on to the Triceratops feature by Phil Hore.  It is a most interesting and informative read, a chronicle of the history of research into “three-horned face”.

Some splendid reader supplied art is included, special shout outs to Jason R Abdale, John Patterson and Aaron Marsh for their contributions.  Phil Hore also produced the piece on Tylosaurus – referred to as the “ram-headed mosasaur”.   This is another well-crafted article, with lots of imaginative reader submitted illustrations.  Honourable mentions to Mike Landry for his polar themed Tylosaurus illustration and to John Davies who depicts a Tylosaurus grappling with a giant squid.

Lots of Amazing Reader Submitted Artwork to Illustrate the Tylosaurus Article

Tylosaurus artwork and ilustrations.
Lots of fantastic reader submitted Tylosaurus artwork.

Picture credit: Prehistoric Times Magazine/John Davies/Russell J Hawley

Corythosaurus and Dinosaur Stamp Sets

The talented Tracy Lee Ford guides us through the differences between lambeosaurines and the Saurolophinae when it comes to illustrating the beaks of duck-billed dinosaurs.  His article culminates in a drawing of the head of “helmet lizard”.  Jon Noad presents the third part of his series on dinosaur themed stamps from around the world and John Lavas continues his long-running feature on the palaeo-artist Zdeněk Burian, this time the focus is on early birds, expect hesperornithiforms a plenty.  A special mention to all those who contributed artwork illustrating the recently described new species of Allosaurus (A. jimmadseni), here’s our blog story about this newest member of the Allosaurus genus: A New Species of Allosaurus.

In amongst the reader art, Randy Knol highlights what’s new in the world of prehistoric animal model figures and discusses his trips to the recent Nuremberg and New York Toy Fairs.  Whilst in Germany, Randy had time to catch up with Everything Dinosaur team members as well as to meet Stefan Klein who is creating the exciting range of replicas in the “Wild Past” line.  Stefan’s first model – Protoceratops andrewsi is discussed and later reviewed by editor Mike Fredericks as he updates readers on new model introductions from CollectA, Eofauna et al.

The Wild Past 1:35 Scale Protoceratops andrewsi Model

Wild Past Protoceratops dinosaur model.
The new for 2020 Wild Past Protoceratops dinosaur model in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  This photograph was used in issue 133 of “Prehistoric Times” to illustrate this exciting new line of figures (Wild Past). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Wild Past figures: Wild Past Figures and Models.

Robert Bakker Interview in “Prehistoric Times”

Look out for the interview with Robert Bakker conducted by Tony Campagna, an article on fake fossils by Allen Debus and the paleo-news section from editor Mike Fredericks along with the “Mesozoic Media” piece which provides details of another publication – “Fantastic Fossils” by prolific author Donald R. Prothero.

The spring issue of “Prehistoric Times” is jam-packed with fascinating features and amazing articles, there is even a piece on the Starlux model collection of yesteryear and a heady mixture of cowboys and theropods with a reconstruction of the iconic predator from the 1969 movie “The Valley of the Gwangi”.

For Andy’s Dinosaur Reviews on YouTube: Visit Andy’s Dinosaur Reviews.

To subscribe to the  quarterly magazine “Prehistoric Times”: Subscribe to Prehistoric Times Magazine.

Visit Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur.

21 04, 2020

Unique Paleo-Creatures Moschops “Turntable Tuesday”

By |2024-02-17T22:18:29+00:00April 21st, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Everything Dinosaur videos, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Paleo-Creatures Moschops “Turntable Tuesday”

It is time to pop into the Everything Dinosaur studio to produce another YouTube video.  This week, it is the Paleo-Creatures Moschops model that is being put through its paces for our “turntable Tuesday” feature.  This is the first time that we have made such a video involving one of the prehistoric animal replicas from the Paleo-Creatures range.

Paleo-Creatures Moschops Highlighted on “Turntable Tuesday”

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Paleo-Creatures Moschops Model

The Paleo-Creatures range features an array of incredible replicas, all designed and individually sculpted by Jesús Toledo, a very talented artist based in Spain. The Paleo-Creatures range includes dinosaurs and some of the more bizarre and astonishing animals from the fossil record, amazing creatures such as Moschops, a 1:20 scale figure of a therapsid, fossils of which come from the famous Karoo Basin of southern Africa.

A Paleo-Creatures Moschops Replica

Paleo-Creatures Moschops replica.
The Paleo-Creatures Moschops figure is in 1:20 scale.  It measures around 12 cm long and the model stands some 8 cm tall.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Paleo-Creatures Moschops figure is supplied with a display base, two plant accessories and a helpful bilingual data card (written in both English and Spanish).

An Exciting Range of Prehistoric Animal Figures

Each and every one of the figures in the Paleo-Creatures range has been individually hand-crafted.  Only a few of each type of model is produced at any time.  The beautifully detailed scale models represent a wide range of extinct creatures, including replicas from the Palaeozoic, such as the Late Permian Moschops, but also the likes of Aegirocassis, an Ordovician anomalocarid, the prehistoric shark Xenacanthus, the astonishing Tullimonstrum and the enormous arthropod Arthropleura.

To view the range of prehistoric animal figures and models available from Everything Dinosaur: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

The Paleo-Creatures Range of Prehistoric Animal Figures

The Paleo-Creatures range
An assortment of prehistoric animal replicas in the Paleo-Creatures range.  Examples of some of the amazing models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals within the extensive Paleo-Creatures range.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur on YouTube

The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel provides lots of helpful information on prehistoric animals including numerous reviews and “turntable Tuesday” videos.  It has already attracted thousands of subscribers, to view the rest of the “turntable Tuesday” series and all the other videos on the Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel: Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.

We recommend that dinosaur fans and collectors subscribe to Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.

Paleo-Creatures Moschops Model

The Paleo-Creatures Moschops model.
The Paleo-Creatures Moschops model comes complete with plant accessories and a display base.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“There are not that many figures of Late Permian therapsids available these days.  It is great to see that Paleo-Creatures have added a replica of Moschops to their already extensive model range.  We look forward to highlighting more models in the Paleo-Creatures range in the very near future on Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube channel.”

The Paleo-Creatures Moschops Replica on the Turntable Ready for “Turntable Tuesday” at Everything Dinosaur

The Paleo-Creatures Moschops model features on "turntable Tuesday".
Examining the Paleo-Creatures 1:20 sale Moschops model thanks to Everything Dinosaur’s “turntable Tuesday”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

20 04, 2020

New Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe with Articulated Jaw

By |2024-02-17T20:46:56+00:00April 20th, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Reviewing the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe

The current difficulties we are all experiencing (coronavirus outbreak), are having a significant impact on all our lives.  At Everything Dinosaur, we are doing what we can to continue to work as normally as possible.  Whilst the mail order side of the company is still operating, we are hampered by delays in production both of existing and new for 2020 prehistoric animal models.  Take for example, the Mojo Fun Prehistoric Life model range. 

Mojo Fun Prehistoric Life Models

A lot of work had gone into revamping and extending the company’s range of dinosaur figures.  A total of sixteen new models/colour variants of existing models were due to be introduced this spring.  These have all been delayed due to coronavirus.  Everything Dinosaur is doing all it can to bring these new models into stock, we are optimistic that these figures will be available in a few weeks.

Sixteen New Dinosaur Models Including a Deluxe Tyrannosaurus rex, a Spinosaurus and a Troodontid Due to be Introduced

Lots of new dinosaur models due out soon from Mojo Fun.
The extended range of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models from Mojo Fun.

Picture credit: Mojo Fun (Mojo Fun Prehistoric Life)

In the meantime, the delay has allowed us to get a little creative when it comes to highlighting this range.  With some production models and prototypes around the office, this gave us the opportunity for some collectors and dinosaur enthusiasts to get their hands on a replica long before anybody else.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Visit Everything Dinosaur.

The new for 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex with an articulated jaw was despatched to Thomas, a student with an ambition to study palaeontology at university, so that he could provide a review of a figure from an expert’s point of view.

Our thanks to Thomas, for his comments and for the excellent photographs he sent us.

Reviewing the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex with Articulated Jaw

The 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex is a great improvement upon their previous Red T. rex.  The new 2020 figure is a large figure at around 30 cm or 1 foot long and over 10 cm tall (10.8 cm tall roughly).  The model’s dynamic walking posture can be interpreted in many different ways allowing for several creative scenarios to be made, such as stalking prey, exploring territory, a general walking motion or even pursuing a fleeing prey item.

Stalking Prey or Exploring a Territory – The New for 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe

Mojo Fun Prehistoric Life T. rex Deluxe (2020)
The dynamic walking posture of the new T. rex figure.

Picture credit: Thomas

An Attractive Choice of Colouration

The figure is sturdy and stands well but can have difficulty standing on softer ground (grass) and uneven surfaces such as gravel.  The rusty orange to copper colouration chosen for the figure is an interesting and attractive choice which helps to make the model stand out more amongst other figures and perhaps more appealing to younger minds.

The Texture of the T. rex Replica is Highlighted

Interesting texture on the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe.
The texture of the new for 2020 T. rex is rough with multiple bumpy ridges along the top of the neck, back and halfway down the tail.

Picture credit: Thomas

Ridges Along the Neck, Back and Halfway Down the Tail

The texture of the figure is rough with multiple bumpy ridges along the top of the neck, back and halfway down the tail.  The model is quite firm in hand and has a nice weight to it.  On top of this, the figure is also fairly robust and can endure rough play but the paint job in certain areas of the body can be chipped easily, though, in the case of imaginative play this may give the figure further character as the scrapes can be interpreted as battle scarring.

The Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex has an Articulated Jaw

The Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe has an articualted lower jaw.
The new for 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe has an articulated jaw.

Picture credit: Thomas

Eye-catching Colouration

Its eye-catching colouration gives the impression of a fierce animal, something many people might find appealing about this figure.  The articulated jaw feature allows for further creative and imaginative play though it can be a bit loose at times and has a somewhat limited degree of movement.  The overall sculpt of the figure gives off some “Jurassic Park” vibes adding to the figure’s appeal for creative play.  The hands of the figure are not pronated which is a plus.

Plenty of Detail to Admire in the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe

Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe with an articulated jaw.
Eye-catching detail of the model with its articulated jaw.

Picture credit: Thomas

Concluding Comments

In conclusion, the 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex figure is great for imaginative and creative play and is quite durable and robust.  Its relatively high sturdiness also means that on hard surfaces it is unlikely to fall over very easily, an issue that a lot of older theropod figures have, this is achieved by an increase in foot size and a well-balanced figure opting for a more dense plastic allowing for the figure to stand firmly.

Ideal for Imaginative and Creative Play

Great for robust, imaginative play the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe.
Ideal for robust, imaginative play the new for 2020 Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe.

Picture credit: Thomas

I would like to thank Everything Dinosaur for providing me with the opportunity to a write a review on this great figure.

Providing a View on the Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Dinosaur Model

Mojo Fun Tyrannosaurus rex Deluxe reviewed.
A review of Tyrannosaurus rex from top to tail.

Picture credit: Thomas

Our thanks to Thomas for his review and for sending the splendid photographs.

Stock Expected Soon

All sixteen of the new for 2020 Mojo Fun dinosaur models are expected to be in stock soon at Everything Dinosaur.  Naturally, we will do all that we can to keep dinosaur fans and collectors informed about deliveries.

In the meantime, to view the existing range of Mojo Fun Prehistoric Life models: Mojo Fun Prehistoric and Extinct models.

20 04, 2020

Thousands of Helpful and Informative Blog Posts

By |2024-02-17T20:38:49+00:00April 20th, 2020|General Teaching|Comments Off on Thousands of Helpful and Informative Blog Posts

4,750 Blog Posts to Help Teachers and those Home Schooling

Today, (April 20th, 2020), for many schools would have been the first day of the summer term.  However, in these extraordinary times (COVID-19), most of the schools in the UK and elsewhere in the world remain closed.  Teachers and teaching assistants and doing all they can to help with home schooling.  Parents and guardians too are in the unusual position of having to organise and manage the home schooling of children.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur have already supplied hundreds of helpful resources with a dinosaur or fossil theme to support science teaching.

The Everything Dinosaur blog has just passed the landmark of 4,750 articles.  These are on-line and free to access providing helpful information about fossil discoveries, research and prehistoric animals.

Celebrating 4,750 Articles on the Everything Dinosaur Weblog

Everything Dinosaur celebrating 4,750 blog posts.
Celebrating 4,750 blog posts. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur Publishes Blog Post Number 4,750

The Everything Dinosaur main blog site is crammed full with helpful information and of the 4,750 articles that have been posted up to date, there are 548 in the education category and a further 287 articles within the teaching category, providing yet more assistance and support as well as a wealth of information to permit the development of lesson plans.

The main blog site of Everything Dinosaur can be found here: Everything Dinosaur’s Main Blog Site.

There is no paywall, there are no fees to pay, each and every day a team member from Everything Dinosaur ensures that there is an article or feature posted up onto the site.  These are all free and available to be used to help support teaching work, lesson plans, subjects and topics.  Readers can use as many of these articles and features as they like.

Easy to Read, Informative and Helpful Articles

The blog certainly covers a wide range of dinosaur and fossil themed subjects.  For example, in the last week team members have produced posts explaining how aeronautical engineers are looking at the fossilised remains of flying reptiles to provide inspirational ideas on drone designs, a study of insect wing cases found in Switzerland has helped answer the question why are some insects iridescent?  Furthermore, the site has looked at Woolly Mammoths, Caribbean frogs, the origins and evolution of hominins and even provided a free crossword to download.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“As well as covering information about our business, the blog has been designed to provide a resource for teachers and the general public to help them learn more about the Earth sciences.  In these challenging times, this is a free-to-use resource that can help support teachers, academics and those people responsible for home schooling.”

With 4,750 articles it certainly is a large site providing support and assistance in these difficult times. We promise to keep posting up more articles.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.

19 04, 2020

Wood You Believe It? Mahogany Dates Back to the Dinosaurs

By |2024-02-17T18:43:09+00:00April 19th, 2020|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Canadian Fossil Proves Origins of Mahogany Earlier Than Previously Thought

A fossilised fruit found on a beach in Canada has been identified as having come from a member of the mahogany tree family (Meliaceae).  This suggests that this commercially important hardwood evolved in the Cretaceous.   The fossil is some 15-20 million years older than any other fossil found that has been ascribed to the Meliaceae.  This type of tree would have been familiar to the dinosaurs.  Indigenous to the tropics of the Americas, the discovery of this fossil which dates between 79-72 million years ago (Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous), will support palaeoclimate studies of high latitudes and permit palaeobotanists to better understand how modern tropical, angiosperm dominated ecosystems developed.

Manchestercarpa vancouverensis

The new species of Cretaceous-aged tree has been named Manchestercarpa vancouverensis.

Views of the Fossilised Mahogany Fruit (Manchestercarpa vancouverensis)

Fossil maghogany fruit - holotype material.
Fossil mahogany fruit (Manchestercarpa vancouverensis).  Holotype SH790 scale bars A-C equal 1 cm, scale bar in D equals 0.5 cm.

Picture credit: Brian Atkinson (University of Kansas)

The picture (above), shows cross-sectional views of the fruit and seeds of the newly described species of Cretaceous mahogany (Manchestercarpa vancouverensis).   The thick-walled outer skin of the fruit (endocarp) is identified along with the middle portion, the flesh of the fruit (mesocarp).  Evidence of seeds inside the fruit has also been found.

A Significant Fossil Discovery

Today, mahogany is a commercially very important hardwood, valued for its strength and beauty.  It is used in cabinet making, furniture and for creating musical instruments.  In the days of sailing ships, mahogany was much prized as this tough wood did not splinter as much as European timber when struck by a cannonball.  The UK is the world’s second largest importer of mahogany, after the United States.  To a palaeobotanist, finding a fossil that is reminiscent of fruit associated with these trees, lets them know that tropical forests similar to the ones we know today were in existence at the time of the dinosaurs.

Prior to this discovery, the oldest fossils attributed to the Meliaceae family date from the Palaeogene and Eocene such as those specimens found in the Green River Formation of Colorado.  However, the earliest previously recorded fossils associated with Melia are leaves and scientists have been reluctant to assign these fossils taxonomically.  The most diagnostic material are fossil fruits and these fossils have been found in several, geographically dispersed Eocene-aged deposits such as the London Clay and the Nanjemoy Formation of North America.

Geographically Widespread

It seems that in the past, these types of trees and therefore tropical forests were much more widespread than they are today.

Author of the scientific paper, published in the American Journal of Botany, University of Kansas researcher Brian Atkinson stated:

“For understanding when many of the different branches of the tree of life evolved, we’re primarily dependent on the fossil record.  In this case, Meliaceae, the mahogany family, is an ecologically and economically important group of trees.  A lot of researchers have used this group as a study system to better understand the evolution of tropical rainforests.  This work is the first definitive evidence that the tropically important trees were around during the Cretaceous period, when we first start to see the modernisation of ecosystems and modern groups of plants.”

The rock containing the fossilised fruit was found on a beach at Shelter Point, Vancouver (British Columbia), by fossil collector Graham Beard, the director of the Qualicum Beach Museum of Natural History.  The matrix in which the fossil was found is associated with the Spray Formation (Campanian faunal stage).   The genus name honours palaeobotanist Steve Manchester (University of Florida Museum of Natural History).  The species name honours the location of the fossil find.

Fossil Confirms a Cretaceous Origin for the Meliaceae

This paper clearly confirms a Cretaceous origin for Meliaceae and that important tropical families were present prior to the development of modern tropical ecosystems in the Cenozoic.

Graham Beard’s fossil hunting exploits have been featured in this blog before.  In 2011, Everything Dinosaur reported upon a paper that had been published naming a new species of Canadian pterosaur (Gwawinapterus beardi), that had been named in his honour.  A subsequent study published a year later, confirmed that the fossilised remains attributed to a late-surviving istiodactylid pterosaur actually represented the remains of a fish.  To the consternation of the academics associated with this study, it also turned out the Graham had been wrongly accredited with finding the fossil specimen.

To read more: Flying Reptile with “Piranha-like” Jaws the original article.

A second piece correcting the identity of the discoverer:  Mistake in Naming Pterosaur Fossil Discoverer.

The scientific paper: “Fossil evidence for a Cretaceous rise of the mahogany family” by Brian A. Atkinson published in the American Journal of Botany.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

18 04, 2020

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth Models

By |2024-02-17T18:37:52+00:00April 18th, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth Models

As team members at Everything Dinosaur eagerly await the arrival of the new figures in the Mojo Fun Prehistoric and Extinct range, we thought it would be an opportune moment to reflect on some of the current figures in this extensive range of prehistoric animals.  As well as lots of different dinosaurs, the Mojo Fun series also includes numerous prehistoric mammals (and not so prehistoric in the case of the Thylacine and the Quagga, as both are only recently extinct).

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth Models

The Mojo Fun model range includes a splendid Brontotherium replica inspired, no doubt, by the 19th century fossil discoveries, along with a sturdy Deinotherium and three extinct mammalian carnivores, namely Daeodon, Hyaenodon gigas and a Smilodon replica, a staple in most model ranges these days.

Naturally, the Mojo Fun range also features a Woolly Mammoth, a pair to be precise, an adult and a calf.

The Mojo Fun Prehistoric and Extinct Woolly Mammoth Models

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth models.
Woolly Mammoth adult and juvenile models (Mojo Fun).

Picture credit: Mojo Fun/Everything Dinosaur

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoths

Just as with the Smilodon, Woolly Mammoth models (Mammuthus primigenius), tend to be somewhat ubiquitous today and these two excellent Mojo Fun figures can be easily overlooked.  However, we urge collectors to consider adding these two delightful figures to their Ice Age animal collection.  The adult animal model has a beautifully detailed, long, shaggy coat and the paintwork around the eye is very well done.  The adult Woolly Mammoth figure is around ten centimetres high at the shoulders, it makes an ideal and cost effective 1:20 scale figure for use in dioramas.

The juvenile model works well with the adult, it has a slightly lighter coat and the model has been sculpted in fine detail.  The mouth is open and the trunk raised given the impression of movement.

The Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth Models

Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth models.
The Mojo Fun Woolly Mammoth models (adult and calf).  The adult figure measures 17 cm long and the head height is approximately 13 cm (height of shoulders around 10 cm).  The Woolly Mammoth calf model is about 10 centimetres long and the tip of the trunk is raised some 8 cm in the air. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the full range of the Mojo Fun Prehistoric and Extinct models available from Everything Dinosaur: Mojo Fun Prehistoric Animal Models.

As for the new for 2020 Mojo figures, they have been delayed but Everything Dinosaur hopes to have them in stock in a few weeks.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

17 04, 2020

New Research Explains Why Some Insects are Iridescent

By |2024-02-17T18:34:00+00:00April 17th, 2020|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Researchers Study Weevils from the Pleistocene

Scientists have been studying the preserved wing cases of ancient weevils to help them to better understand how the huge colour palette associated with insects evolved.  Writing in the academic, open-access journal “Biology Letters”, the researchers from University College Cork (Ireland), in collaboration with colleagues from Yale-NUS College in Singapore, subjected the preserved elytra of weevils found in Switzerland to powerful electron microscopy to analyse miniscule photonic nanostructures housed within the cuticular scales of the wing case.

Studying Weevil Fossils

The researchers conclude that the vibrant colours produced may have evolved as a form of crypsis (camouflage).

Pleistocene Weevil Scales Reveal Three-dimensional Photonic Nanostructures

Weevil scales from the Pleistocene reveal their secrets.
Pleistocene subfossil weevil scales from specimens L150D-L (a–d) and L150D-N (e–h) imaged using light microscopy (a, b, e, f) and SEM (c, d, g, h).  Light micrographs show the preservation of scales preserving bright blue, green and yellow hues, while electron micrographs reveal three-dimensional photonic nanostructures (b, d, f, h).  Regions bounded by white boxes in (a, c, e, g; a, e rotated 90° clockwise), respectively.

Picture credit: McDonald et al published in Biology Letters

Three-dimensional Photonic Nanostructures Housed within Scales

With only the preserved elytra (wing cases), to study the researchers could not pin down the exact genus, but the vibrant greens, yellows and blues produced by the light reflecting structures (photonic nanostructures), identified in the cuticular scales are reminiscent of the living weevil genera Polydrusus or Phyllobius.  Although the optical properties of these miniscule structures are well understood, their evolutionary history remains somewhat opaque.

The specimens, believed to be around ten to sixteen thousand years old, were subjected to scanning electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques that revealed that the elytra possess a single-diamond photonic crystal nanostructure.  These “diamonds” are one of numerous types of crystal-like nanostructure found in nature that interacts with light to produce vivid colours, often with an iridescent, metallic hue.

A Life Reconstruction of One of the Pleistocene Weevils

Ancient weevil life reconstruction.
A life reconstruction based on the Swiss Pleistocene subfossil.

Picture credit: James Mckay

Rarely Preserved in the Fossil Record

The preservation of three-dimensional nanostructures within the fossil record of the Insecta is extremely rare.  This study represents the second time such nanostructures have been found, the only other instance of such structures being recorded was discovered in another fossil weevil by two of the authors of this scientific paper Dr McNamara (University College Cork) and Assistant Professor Vinodkumar Saranathan (Yale-NUS College).

The team suggest that these hues evolved to allow the insects to blend into their background.  These substrate-matching green colours have been maintained over hundreds of thousands of generations suggesting that the same selective pressures for camouflage have been acting on these weevils over millennia.  This supports the idea that this type of colouration originally evolved to provide crypsis to prevent these small creatures being seen by potential predators.

The researchers suggest that the fossil record of insects, although sparse, could provide further evidence regarding the evolutionary history of colouration within the Insecta.

The scientific paper: “Brilliant angle-independent structural colours preserved in weevil scales from the Swiss Pleistocene” by Luke T. McDonald, Suresh Narayanan, Alec Sandy, Vinodkumar Saranathan and Maria E. McNamara published in Biology Letters.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

16 04, 2020

Amazing Fossils Inspire Aeronautical Engineers

By |2024-02-17T18:28:23+00:00April 16th, 2020|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Fossils Influence Mechanical Designs in the Aeronautical Industry

In vertebrates, powered flight has evolved independently in several groups, within the mammals there are the bats and within the Archosauria clade, other types of animal have evolved the ability to take to the air and to keep themselves airborne.  We have the birds, but also their close cousins the non-avian dinosaurs, as palaeontologists have discovered numerous examples of volant dinosaurs (Microraptor, Ambopteryx and Yi qi for instance).

There are also the pterosaurs, some of which were the largest flying animals to have ever existed with wingspans measuring more than ten metres across.  Engineers are now taking a serious look at some of the different types of wing morphology that have evolved.  The fossil record is helping to inspire new thinking in mechanical design.

The Recently Described Giant Azhdarchid Pterosaur Cryodrakon boreas Helping to Inspire New Ideas in Mechanical Design

The Canadian azhdarchid pterosaur C. boreas.
A life reconstruction of the Canadian pterosaur Cryodrakon boreas.  A giant Late Cretaceous pterosaur with a wingspan in excess of ten metres.

Picture credit: David Maas

The Evolution of Different Solutions to the Problem of Sustained Powered Flight

Living birds and insects have been studied to help find solutions to aeronautical problems encountered when designing new planes, helicopters and unmanned aircraft such as drones.  However, a team of scientists including researchers from Bristol University, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and Queen Mary University (London), have examined what the fossil record can teach us about powered flight.

Lead author of a recently published paper in “Trends in Ecology & Evolution”, Dr Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone, explained that there were a select few pterosaur fossils that provide dramatic insights into the anatomy and morphology of wing membranes, which could influence the thinking of aeronautical engineers as they contemplate concepts such as vertical take-off and landing capabilities in drones.

The post-doctoral researcher commented:

“There are two or three absolutely amazingly preserved pterosaur fossils that let you see the different layers within the wing membrane, giving us insight into its fibrous components.  Also, some fossils are preserved enough to show the wing attachments beneath the hip.  While you don’t know exactly the shape of the wing, by knowing the membrane attachments you can model the effectiveness of different wing shapes and determine which would have performed best in natural conditions.”

Beautifully Preserved Pterosaur Fossil Remains Helping to Inspire Engineers

Jeholopterus pterosaur fossil.
Pterosaur fossil material.  This is a fossil specimen of the anurognathid pterosaur Jeholopterus ninchengensis.  Some exquisitely preserved pterosaur fossils are helping to inspire the design ideas of aeronautical engineers.

Picture credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences/Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology

Taking to the Air – A Big Leap Upwards

Taking to the air is a challenge in itself.  In the natural world, leaping or jumping to launch yourself into the air, using what is termed a ballistic launch is very common.  For larger birds, they require a running start in order to build up enough momentum before lift-off.

Pterosaurs, some of which weighed more than 250 kilograms and stood taller than a giraffe, may have developed a unique method of taking to the air from a stationary position.  For example, co-author Mike Habib (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County), postulates that the wing membrane and powerful, robust associated muscle attachment within the wings allowed these flying reptiles to generate a high-powered leap off their elbows and wrists – providing the drive to enable them to become airborne.

Studying Pterosaur Fossils

The unique physiology of the Pterosauria, exquisitely laid out in some beautifully preserved fossil specimens might help engineers to overcome some of the launch problems associated with drones.  In essence, future biomechanical studies of long extinct creatures may influence the next generation of manned and unmanned aeronautical vehicles.

A number of different types of maniraptoran dinosaur came up with novel solutions when it came to flight. Whether or not animals such as the bizarre scansoriopterygid Yi qi were gliders or were capable of powered flight remains open to debate, but these bizarre evolutionary dead ends (extinct leaving no modern descendants), could help to drive innovative solutions to some of today’s aeronautical conundrums.

A Model of the Bizarre Scansoriopterygid Yi qi

Yi qi dinosaur model (PNSO).
A model of the bizarre scansoriopterygid Yi qi, the name of this bizarre dinosaur translates as “strange wing”.

The picture (above) shows a scansoriopterygid from the PNSO model range.

To view this range: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

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

The scientific paper: “Volant Fossil Vertebrates: Potential for Bioinspired Flight Technology” by Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone, Michael B. Habib and David W.E. Hone published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

15 04, 2020

Stocking Up with Papo Prehistoric Animals

By |2024-02-17T18:19:04+00:00April 15th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur Bringing in More Stock of Papo Models

Things may be very difficult for all of us at the moment as the UK and much of the world for that matter, progresses through the fourth week of lockdown.  Everything Dinosaur’s work in schools has had to be postponed and all events and outreach activities cancelled but the company’s mail order operations continue to function.

Fortunately, team members became aware of the potential problems that a widespread outbreak of coronavirus might cause relatively early in the year, many weeks before the disease became a pandemic.  As a result, Everything Dinosaur was able to put in place a number of contingency measures to help the company to continue working.

Papo Prehistoric Animals

For example, making commitments to stock earlier than normal and putting in place plans to hold various products in readiness to bring them into the company’s warehouse.  These measures have helped Everything Dinosaur to maintain the availability of a number of ranges, such as the popular Papo prehistoric animals.  Yesterday, the first of the contingency stock was made available to customers.

Seventeen Different Prehistoric Animals in the Papo Range to Replenish Stock

Papo prehistoric animal models.
Some of the Papo prehistoric animal models brought in to replenish stock by Everything Dinosaur.  In total, Everything Dinosaur made arrangements to have stock of some seventeen different prehistoric animals in the Papo range available permitting a rapid re-stocking of diminished inventory. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Seventeen different types of prehistoric animal model from the Papo range were brought into stock.  All the individual prehistoric animals still available in the Papo range are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  The only out of stock items are the retired Tupuxuara, some gift boxes and the small tub of Papo dinosaur models.

To see the range of Papo models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

Everything Dinosaur Comments

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“These are extremely challenging times.  Whilst we have had to suspend our work in schools, postpone events and all the outreach work that we had planned, we are still endeavouring to provide a degree of normality for our many thousands of customers all over the world.  We are still able to offer a mail-order service to those consumers wishing to purchase items.  We do appreciate the comments of many parents and grandparents that we have received who have been delighted that we are still able to provide them with the special dinosaur themed gifts for the birthday of loved ones.  Many collectors are self-isolating and we do understand how indulging a hobby or an interest can provide a welcome distraction and aid mental well-being.”

The spokesperson added:

“We have been happy to set items aside, keep items back until mail networks become more stable, reserve products for customers and provide updated advice on the potential availability for new for 2020 items.  Our team members have been doing all they can to advise and support customers.”

Popular Papo Prehistoric Animals

The Popular Papo Tyrannosaurus rex Model – One of Seventeen Different Types of Papo Model Brought In

Papo brown T. rex model.
The Papo brown T. rex dinosaur model is one of the figures that Everything Dinosaur had a contingency reserve of. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

14 04, 2020

New CollectA Rearing Diplodocus “Turntable Tuesday”

By |2024-02-17T18:12:05+00:00April 14th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Everything Dinosaur videos, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases, Product Reviews|0 Comments

CollectA Rearing Diplodocus “Turntable Tuesday”

Another week, another “Turntable Tuesday” experience for a prehistoric animal model.  This time, it’s the new for 2020 CollectA rearing Diplodocus model going for a spin on the Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel.  This figure is a new colour variant (elephantine grey), of the original rearing Diplodocus figure that was introduced in 2013.  The beautifully painted sauropod has certainly proved to be a big hit with collectors.

The CollectA Rearing Diplodocus (2020) “Turntable Tuesday”

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

CollectA Rearing Diplodocus

In this short video, (it lasts a little under ninety seconds), we show the model in its rearing pose as well as balanced on four legs.  The CollectA rearing Diplodocus has been beautifully sculpted and it is so well balanced that the model stands on four legs as well as in its rearing pose.  The video also shows how well painted the figure is.  When the 2013 figure was released, it had a very different colour scheme, this new colour variant depicts the colossal Diplodocus in a colour scheme we describe as “elephantine grey”. 

Many large terrestrial tetrapods such as elephants and rhinos tend to be a uniform grey in colour.  Whether large dinosaurs such as the sauropodomorphs shared this colour scheme is open to speculation, but the new 2020 rearing Diplodocus contrasts nicely with the earlier rearing Diplodocus figure.

The New for 2020 CollectA Rearing Diplodocus Model Compared to the 2013 CollectA Diplodocus Release

CollectA Diplodocus Figures
Comparing the new for 2020 grey Diplodocus with the original 2013 figure.  The new for 2020 Diplodocus model is on the left of the picture. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To make this point about the colour scheme chosen for this new model, the Everything Dinosaur “turntable Tuesday” video does feature an elephant!

CollectA Age of Dinosaurs “Prehistoric Life”

Suitable for dinosaur fans and collectors aged three years and over, the Diplodocus stands around twenty-three centimetres high and it is one of the larger models in the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs, popular “Prehistoric Life” range.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We intend to produce at least one new video for the Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel each week.  Our idea for “turntable Tuesday”, is to post up a short video, which is less than two minutes in length that permits collectors and model fans to get a really good look at a prehistoric animal figure.  The turntable allows us to show the animal in three hundred and sixty degrees.  It’s a dinosaur review in the round, providing an all-round perspective.”

A Photograph Showing the New for 2020 CollectA “Prehistoric Life” Rearing Diplodocus Dinosaur Model in Elephantine Grey

CollectA rearing Diplodocus (grey).
The new for 2020 CollectA rearing Diplodocus dinosaur model in the elephantine colour scheme. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel has over a hundred videos including several “turntable Tuesday” videos and lots of more in-depth prehistoric animal model video reviews.  To visit Everything Dinosaur and to subscribe to the YouTube channel: Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.

To purchase the new for 2020, CollectA rearing Diplodocus in the elephantine colour scheme and to see the rest of the dinosaur and prehistoric animal models available in the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs popular “Prehistoric Life” range: CollectA Prehistoric Life.

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