All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
//September
30 09, 2020

New Research Suggests Sabre-toothed Predators Evolved Different Hunting Styles

By | September 30th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page|0 Comments

Sabre-toothed Predators Evolved Different Hunting Styles Over the Last 250 Million Years

New research suggests that sabre-toothed predators evolved an unknown diversity of hunting and killing methods over the last 250 million years or so.

Sabre-toothed cats are among the most iconic of all the prehistoric animals known to science.  However, not all the tetrapods that evolved long, knife-like canine teeth were members of the cat family (Felidae).  Some animals that evolved sabre-like teeth even predate the Dinosauria.

Sabre-toothed Predators

Enlarged canine teeth, some of which in some species reached sizes in excess of thirty centimetres in length, evolved independently in seven different evolutionary lines of carnivores.  Due to similar skull morphology and tooth shape, it had long been assumed that all these predators occupied very similar niches in ecosystems and hunted and killed prey in the same manner.

The Six Different Types of Sabre-toothed Tetrapod included in the Study

Skulls and life reconstructions of the 6 different sabre-tooth species used in the study.
Skulls and life reconstructions of the six different sabre-tooth species used in the study.

Picture credit: Stephan Lautenschlager, University of Birmingham

That assertion has been challenged and now refuted in a new study published today in the “Proceedings of the Royal Society B.”

Examining the Functional Capabilities of Teeth and Skulls

An international team of scientists from Spain, Germany and the UK, analysed over sixty different sabre-tooth species. Using computer models and simulations the researchers investigated the functional capabilities of the teeth and skulls, such as calculating bite forces, the stresses on the skull and bending strength.

Computer Simulations Assessed Bite Forces and Skull Stress in the Sabre-toothed Predators

Computer model and simulation results for three fossil sabretooth species compared to a modern lion showing maximum jaw gape and stress distribution in the lower jaw.
Computer simulation results for three fossil sabretooth species compared to a modern lion showing maximum jaw gape and stress distribution in the lower jaw.

Picture credit: Stephan Lautenschlager, University of Birmingham

Lead author of the scientific paper, Dr Stephan Lautenschlager (Lecturer for Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham), commented:

“It is fascinating to see that so many different species have evolved elongated canine teeth to subdue prey, but our results show that they used these sabre-like teeth differently to do so.”

Computer Simulations

The analysis of the skull material in combination with the computer simulations revealed that sabre-toothed predators may have looked superficially similar, but they used their canine teeth in different ways.  Some species specialised in hunting small prey using the canine teeth to inflict deep, debilitating wounds, whilst other species were probably pack hunters specialising in tackling larger prey.  Those species that were probably pack hunters specialising in hunting and killing larger prey had reinforced bone structures to help stabilise their jaws.

Dr Lautenschlager added:

“We know that different sabre-tooth species shared the same ecosystem.  Using computational methods, we can show that their specialisation on different prey allowed them co-exist and to avoid competition.”

A Sabre-Toothed Cat – An Iconic Animal from the Cenozoic

Mojo Smilodon prehistoric animal figure
A model of a Sabre-toothed cat. The Mojo Smilodon model is a replica of a sabre-toothed cat. The Smilodon model measures approximately 13 cm long. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a Mojo Fun Smilodon figure.

To view the range of Mojo Fun prehistoric animal models: Mojo Fun Prehistoric Animal Models.

To read a related article also co-authored by Stephan Lautenschlager (University of Birmingham), which proposed that Thylacosmilus atrox was primarily a scavenger: New Study Suggests Marsupial Sabre-tooth was a Scavenger.

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

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

29 09, 2020

New Species of Trilobite Named After Doctor Who Actor

By | September 29th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Gravicalymene bakeri – Trilobite Named After Actor Tom Baker

Two Australian scientists have named a new species of trilobite in honour of Tom Baker, the English actor, perhaps most famous for portraying the fourth incarnation of the long-running BBC television series Doctor Who.  The trilobite fossils, preserved in mudstone, come from Ordovician-aged strata in the Gunns Plains area of northern Tasmania.  The new species has been named Gravicalymene bakeri.

Gravicalymene bakeri

This genus had never been found in Australia before, it is known from Europe and North America, so this discovery significantly raises the distribution of this genus.  The discovery reported in the “Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology”, raises the intriguing possibility that around 450 million years ago, oceanic currents could have somehow linked eastern and western hemispheres.

A Photograph of the Newly Described Gravicalymene bakeri with an Explanatory Line Drawing

Gravicalymene bakeri trilobite fossil.
Gravicalymene bakeri trilobite fossil with line drawing.  Note scale bar equals 1 cm.

Picture credit: Australian Museum

A Serendipitous Discovery

Co-author of the scientific paper Dr Malte Ebach of the University of New South Wales, explained that the first evidence of a new species of trilobite was found by chance.  Whilst driving through the Gunns Plains area, a “call of nature” break was required.  It was whilst on this “call of nature”, that a boulder was spotted that was covered in the remains of these ancient, marine invertebrates.

As for the species name, fellow co-author Dr Patrick Smith, (Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales), stated that both he and Dr Ebach wanted to honour Tom Baker as his stint as the fourth doctor had inspired them both to pursue a career in the sciences.

Dr Smith commented:

“I’m not old enough to remember Tom Baker’s episodes which were originally aired in 1974-81.  However, growing up as a teenager when the series re-aired in the early 2000’s, I followed the show religiously and became convinced that a career in science was guaranteed to improve the world.”

Fossil trilobites.
A collection of fossilised trilobites. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

For models and replicas of trilobites and other prehistoric creatures: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

Actor Tom Baker expressed his delight when he was told the news that he had been honoured by having a Tasmanian trilobite name after him.

The actor who has enjoyed a long career in film, television and radio commented:

“I am delighted to be entitled at last.  I hope the Who World will share my joy.  Will I be allowed to tack “Fossil” on official correspondence?  I hope the Who World will celebrate this fresh honour and will spread the news to those who live in remote places.  Happy days to all the Who fans everywhere.”

The Gravicalymene genus  is known from marine deposits associated with Avalonia, Baltica and Laurentia (Europe and North America) but this is the first time this genus has been reported from eastern Gondwana (Australasia).

The scientific paper: “A new Ordovician (Katian) calymenid, Gravicalymene bakeri sp. nov., from the Gordon Group, Tasmania, Australia” by Patrick M. Smith and Malte C. Ebach published in Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

28 09, 2020

Happy 160th Birthday to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

By | September 28th, 2020|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page, Photos, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Happy 160th Birthday to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

This year, one of our favourite museums is celebrating its 160th birthday.   The Oxford University Museum of Natural History was opened 160 years ago.  There would have been lots of events to commemorate this, but 2020 has proved to be an exceptionally challenging year for museums.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Museum Collections are Housed in a Stunning Example of Victorian Neo-gothic Architecture

The Oxford Museum of Natural History.
The imposing main entrance of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  The grassy area in front of the main entrance is home to a replica of a theropod dinosaur trackway.  Visitors can take the opportunity to “walk with a dinosaur”.

Picture credit: Oxford University Museum of Natural History

This museum was established back in 1860 to house the various scientific collections that had been built up at Oxford University.  Prior to all the collections being installed, it hosted one of the most significant scientific debates ever recorded, a clash of ideologies when Thomas Huxley debated the concept of natural selection as postulated by Charles Darwin, with the Bishop of Oxford Samuel Wilberforce.

Seven Million Items Including Important Dinosaur Fossils

Over 7 million items our housed in the spectacular Victorian neo-Gothic building with its vaulted arches and beautiful ironwork.  The collection continues to play a prominent role in on-going research with more than 6,000 specimen loans made annually.  It attracts around three-quarters of a million visitors each year, but 2020 has seen it suffering, like so many other institutions, from restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Megalosaurus bucklandi Display at the Museum

Megalosaurus fossil material on display.
The Megalosaurus display case (Oxford Museum of Natural History).  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

For models of Megalosaurus and other British dinosaurs: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Highlights of the collection include the world-renowned Oxford Dodo specimen, amazingly beautiful trilobite fossils and the remains of the first scientifically described dinosaur Megalosaurus bucklandi.  The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is back open again after the lockdown period.  Admission is free, but visits have to be booked on-line and once in the building social distancing measures have to be followed.

The Spectacular Interior of the Museum

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History (interior).
The spectacular Victorian ironwork of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Happy birthday to the Museum, many happy returns.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

27 09, 2020

Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction

By | September 27th, 2020|Animal News Stories, Educational Activities, Main Page, Photos, Press Releases, Teaching|0 Comments

Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (July to 3rd January 2022)

We might be living in a world of track and trace, where everywhere we go and who we meet can be uploaded into a gargantuan database, but there is a part of our planet that remains relatively unknown even in today’s digitally dominated environment.  The deep, dark depths of our oceans harbour some of the most bizarre and amazing creatures to have ever evolved and a recently re-opened exhibition at the National Maritime Museum (Falmouth, Cornwall), permits visitors to meet up with some of nature’s most curious creatures as well as plunging into the depths of our own imagination to explore legendary sea monsters – all without getting our feet wet.

Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction

Monsters of the Deep exhibition.
Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction at the National Maritime Museum (Cornwall).  Take the plunge!  Encounter myths, legends and real sea monsters. 

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

Monsters of the Deep Real and Imagined

Running until January 2022, this carefully crafted exhibition takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from Medieval folklore through cryptozoology and the modern-day monster hunters employing the very latest maritime technology used to explore those parts of planet Earth furthest from our sun.

A Collection of Ocean-dwelling Curiosities

Giant Isopods on display.
Curious crustaceans such as giant isopods with their huge compound eyes stare back at you.  The exhibition permits visitors to closely examine some of the most amazing ocean-dwelling creatures known to science.

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

A Collaboration Between Leading Institutions

World class scientific collections from such august bodies as the British Museum, the National Oceanography Centre, the Science Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich and Cambridge University Library have been plundered by modern day buccaneers on a mission to inform, educate and entertain.  Rarely seen specimens, artwork and artefacts all housed under one roof including a large scale reproduction of the Carta Marina, the world’s most famous medieval map of the sea, complete with fanciful monsters and mermaids.

The exhibition highlights the myths associated with early exploration and showcases exquisite illustrations of sea monsters including the strange “mirror creatures”, denizens of the deep that haunted the nightmares of many a seafarer in the age of sail.

In the meantime, visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Early Explorers Brought Home Tales of Encounters with Fantastic Sea Creatures

Explorers and sea monsters.
Early explorers brought back fanciful tales of sea serpents, mermaids and monsters.

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

As Real as Elephants and Giraffes

Prior to the Age of Enlightenment which hastened a revolution in scientific thinking in the 17th century, little was known about the exotic fauna that inhabited our world.  On display at this exhibition is the Hortus sanitatis, the first ever natural history encyclopaedia.  Originally printed in 1491, the year before Christopher Columbus set out on his voyage that led to the discovery of the New World, it represents a significant landmark in our attempts to document and understand the natural world with unicorns and mermaids considered just as real as elephants and giraffes.

A Collection of Books on Cryptozoology on Display

Books about Sea Monsters on Display
A large number of books documenting our fascination with monsters of the deep are on display.

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Guest Curators and Leading Specialists

Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction has been developed in co-operation with leading specialists and guest curators, including Viktor Wynd, the custodian of the “UnNatural History Museum”, bringing together a collection of curiosities including a mummified feegee mermaid and a skeleton of a unicorn!  This section of the exhibition is dedicated to exploring ideas about what is real and what can be falsified or faked.

A Rearing “Unicorn” on Display at the National Maritime Museum

A rearing unicorn skeleton.
An exhibit from the “UnNatural History Museum” – a rearing unicorn skeleton.

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

As well as exploring the theme of sea monsters in popular culture, the exhibition provides an insight into some of the very latest cutting-edge technical developments that have allowed marine biologists rare glimpses of the natural wonders that still exist in the largely unexplored regions of our planet such as the vast abyssal plain.

Combining Myth and Fantasy with Scientific Endeavour and Research

Meet Boaty McBoatface.
The exhibition highlights state-of-the-art technology such as the latest mini submersibles that are transforming our understanding of the world’s oceans.

Picture credit: Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all visitors and staff, the Museum has implemented a number of new health and safety measures, in line with the latest government advice including timed arrival slots, social distancing measures and on-line only booking.

As half-term approaches, escape your bubble and take the plunge!  Immerse yourself in a world of folklore, fun, facts and fantasy.

Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact and Fiction at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (July to 3rd January 2022).  For further details: The National Maritime Museum.

26 09, 2020

Rebor “Bites the Dust” and New Fossil Skulls

By | September 26th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Newsletters, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

Rebor “Bites the Dust” and Oddities Fossil Studies Skulls

Everything Dinosaur despatched a special newsletter to its subscribers earlier this month announcing the arrival of the two T. rex carcasses in the Rebor “Bites the Dust” model line.  In addition, the newsletter announced that pre-orders were being taken for the exciting Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Skulls (Wave 1).  All three, beautiful theropod skulls, Yutyrannus huali, Ceratosaurus dentisulcatus and Carnotaurus sastrei were available to pre-order from Everything Dinosaur at very special prices.

The offers don’t just stop there, the newsletter included a special offer on the duo of dead dinosaurs too!

The Rebor “Bites the Dust” Tyrannosaur Carcasses (Plain and Jungle)

Rebor T. rex carcasses "Bites the Dust" plain and jungle colour variants.
The Rebor T. rex carcasses “Bites the Dust” provide the headlines for the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter.  Buy the pair at a special discounted price courtesy of Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Rebor “Bites the Dust” T. rex Didn’t Always Win!

The Rebor “Bites the Dust” figures are available in two colour schemes.  Firstly, there is a brown dominated model called “plain”, there is a second model “jungle” with more of a greenish hue.  These carefully constructed carcasses are in 1:35 scale and reflect the fact that tyrannosaurs like most predatory dinosaurs had very tough, short lives.

Most dinosaurs did not make it to adulthood and for tyrannosaurs such as T. rex, life at the top of the food chain was particularly hard.  It was a question of kill or be killed, not only did these theropods have to battle horned dinosaurs and hadrosaurs, they also had to contend with attacks from their own kind as well.  The fossil record provides evidence of tyrannosaurs biting other tyrannosaurs, for example, in 2010, a paper was published in PLOS One entitled “Cannibalism in Tyrannosaurus rex”.  The eminent authors, Longrich, Horner, Erickson and Currie identified four T. rex specimens that preserved potential T. rex bites on their bones.

The Two T. rex Bites the Dust Carcass Models (Plain and Jungle)

The two Rebor "Bites the Dust" T. rex carcasses.
The Rebor T. rex carcass plain (left) and the Rebor T. rex carcass jungle (right) two beautiful 1:35 scale replicas of a deceased Tyrannosaurus rex. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The scientists concluded that Tyrannosaurus rex routinely hunting full-grown members of its own species was unlikely, however, it is possible that intraspecific combat led to casualties, with the dead becoming a convenient source of food for the victorious T. rex.  These figures show bite marks from another very large predator, since T. rex is the only enormous terrestrial carnivore known from the latest Upper Cretaceous deposits of North America, it can be inferred that these two Rebor models show the result of an intraspecific combat.

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Skulls

The newsletter also provided subscribers with details of the forthcoming Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies skulls, a set of three amazing theropod skulls, namely, C. sastrei, Y. huali and C. dentisulcatus.  These museum quality replicas are available to pre-order from Everything Dinosaur.

The Rebor Ceratosaurus dentisulcatus and Yutyrannus huali Fossil Skulls

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Skulls (Ceratosaurus and Yutyrannus).
The Rebor Oddities Fossil Skull Ceratosaurus dentisulcatus (left) with the Rebor Oddities Fossil Skull Yutyrannus huali. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Buy All Three Models

The three fossil skulls, regarded as the first wave in an intended series of skull models are likely to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in November (2020).  Customers have the opportunity to pre-order the replicas and to take advantage of a special offer to purchase all three Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies models.

A Trio of Amazing Fossil Skulls

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies skulls.
The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Carnotaurus sastrei model (left) and the opportunity to pre-order all three skulls at a special discounted price (right).

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Rebor “Bites the Dust” T. rex carcasses and the pre-order options for the fossil skulls can be found here: Rebor Models and Figures.

To subscribe to Everything Dinosaur’s newsletter, simply email the company and request a subscription: Email Everything Dinosaur to Subscribe to Newsletters.

25 09, 2020

New Rebor Titanoboa Models Ready to Pre-order

By | September 25th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

New Rebor Titanoboa Models Ready to Pre-order

The stunning Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent and the Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus are available to pre-order at Everything Dinosaur.  These amazing models of a Titanoboa (T. cerrejonensis) swallowing a crocodilian are going into production in the next few months and both replicas are expected in stock at Everything Dinosaur sometime around quarter two of 2021.

The New for 2021 Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent Figure

Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent.  A stunning replica of the largest snake known to science – Titanoboa cerrejonensis complete with its unfortunate crocodilian victim which is in the process of being swallowed whole.

Rebor Titanoboa – Hot on the Heels of Monty

This year (2020), saw the release of the limited edition Rebor Titanoboa figure “Monty”, this beautiful replica of the largest snake described to date, sold out very quickly.  Aware of how popular this prehistoric animal is Rebor have plans to introduce two more Titanoboa replicas.  Each one “Monty Resurgent” and “Brian Diccus”, will have a single production run and they are going to be made in a few months’ time.  Customers of Everything Dinosaur have the chance to secure their figures early.

The New for 2021 Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus Replica

Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus.  Each model has a different colour scheme and this extends to the crocodilian prey as well with the “Monty” Titanoboa having a brown crocodilian victim, whilst Brian Diccus has a green crocodilian prey item.

Pre-order Available from Everything Dinosaur

Both colour variants are available for pre-order.  Customers can choose which figure they want and then add it to their shopping cart and go through the checkout process as per usual.  However, with Everything Dinosaur, there are no fees to pay, no upfront costs, no surcharges, no deposit required.

Customers also need to note that due to the complexity of the pre-order checkout process, an order may contain only a single pre-order Titanoboa product, and no other products, pre-order or otherwise.  If a customer adds a pre-order product to a non-empty cart, the cart will be automatically emptied and the pre-order product will be added. This means that if you want both Titanoboa colour variants, customers will have to place two pre-orders (one for each prehistoric snake figure).

The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus

Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus.

Rebor Titanoboa is Praised

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“These are two beautifully crafted figures.  Each replica shows the anterior portions of the giant snake emerging out of the water as it gulps down its unfortunate victim.  We look forward to bringing these products into our warehouse sometime around the early summer of 2021.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Swallowed Whole the Rebor Monty Resurgent Titanoboa Makes Short Work of a Large Crocodile

Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent.

The two Rebor Titanoboa figures can be found on this part of Everything Dinosaur’s website: Rebor Models and Figures.

24 09, 2020

“Dung and Dusted” – A Scatological Approach to Archaeology

By | September 24th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

Did Ancient Potters use Sheep Dung to Fire their Clay Pots?

A project is underway to provide “hands-on” information about how ancient Britons could have fired clay pots before the invention of kiln technology.  By undertaking practical experiments trying different sorts of fuel to fire clay vessels, archaeologists hope to find out more about the way our ancestors lived their lives.

Ancient Potters and Sheep Dung

A new study, with the catchy title “Dung and Dusted”, aims to do just that, specifically by examining whether sheep dung could have been used to fire pots before the widespread use of kilns.  Dr Michael Copper, from the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences in the Faculty of Life Sciences (University of Bradford), hopes that these practical experiments will help researchers to gain a better understanding of how different, ancient communities were organised.

Dr Mike Copper – Part of the “Dung and Dusted” Project

Dr Mike Copper who will be part of the "Dung and Dusted" project.
Doctor Mike Copper on location in Orkney. The project aims to uncover the secrets of ancient potters.

Picture credit: University of Bradford

Dr Copper explained:

“Despite considerable advances in our knowledge of how ancient pots were made and used, archaeologists still know remarkably little about how prehistoric pottery was fired before the introduction of the potter’s kiln, including what fuels were used.  One abundant and freely available fuel source in prehistory would have been animal dung.  Could it then have been the case that dried dung was used to fire pottery in prehistoric Britain and Ireland?”

A Six-month Project

The research project is funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation and is planned to last around six months.  A series of firings of hand-built replica prehistoric pots using sheep dung and other fuels are planned.  The vessels and firing sites will then be analysed to see whether residues left behind can be matched to ancient pottery or can be used to help archaeologists identify dung firing evidence at archaeological digs.

Dr Copper, a specialist in prehistoric pottery and ancient ceramic technology, added:

“In terms of why it is significant, experimental projects such as this provide an important way for archaeologists to understand how prehistoric people went about tasks such as pot firing using materials and techniques with which we are no longer familiar.  Pottery is one of the most important finds made on archaeological excavations.  Its varied forms help us to date sites and analysis of burnt food residues can tell us about what the inhabitants ate.  If we find that animal dung was used to fire the pots then it could be that people were managing animals with one eye on using dung as a product.”

Dr Mike Copper Examining an Ancient Clay Pot

Dr Mike Cooper examines a prehistoric clay pot.
Dr Mike Copper, inspecting a prehistoric clay pot.

Picture credit: University of Bradford

Learning the Secrets of Ancient Potters Through Experimentation

The researchers, which include Dr Cathy Batt, an expert in magnetic studies with extensive experience of investigating ancient firing sites and Dr Gregg Griffin, a recent PhD graduate who looked at ways to identify fuels from residues discovered on archaeological excavations, hope to gain an understanding of how ancient societies were organised with pot-making and firing a central part of the community.  Variations in the use of technology, such as choice of fuel for pottery making, are passed down from one generation to another.  This can provide archaeologists with a lot of additional information about how a community organised itself.

We look forward to hearing more as this project concludes and we wonder whether the sheep will be cited in the subsequent paper as contributors…

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a press release from the University of Bradford in the compilation of this article.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures, Toys and Gifts.

23 09, 2020

New Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Dinosaur Skulls

By | September 23rd, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Dinosaur Skulls

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies dinosaur skulls, a set of three, amazing museum quality theropod skull models are available to pre-order from Everything Dinosaur.  The set referred to as “wave 1”, suggesting that more skull models are likely to be added to this range in the future, consists of replicas of the skulls of Carnotaurus (C. sastrei), Ceratosaurus (C. dentisulcatus) and Yutyrannus (Y. huali).  Each replica has been carefully crafted and give the impression that a complete skull has been lifted from the surrounding rock matrix.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Yutyrannus huali Skull Replica

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Y. hauli skull model.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Yutyrannus huali museum quality skull model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Tyrannosauroids, Abelisaurids and a Member of the Basal Ceratosauria Clade

Although each amazing figure represents a carnivorous theropod dinosaur, these three animals were very distantly related to each other. For example, Ceratosaurus dentisulcatus, regarded as one of the largest of the Ceratosaurus species, like all ceratosaurs, is part of a clade that diverged from the Coelurosauria Theropoda lineage that was ultimately to lead to the evolution of birds, during the Jurassic.  Carnotaurus (C. sastrei) is a Late Cretaceous representative of the Abelisauridae, a family of predatory dinosaurs mostly associated with Africa, South America, India and the island of Madagascar.  Although part of the Ceratosauria clade, Carnotaurus is both geographically and temporally very distant from Ceratosaurus.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Ceratosaurus Skull (C. dentisulcatus) Replica

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies C. dentisulcatus museum quality skull model.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Ceratosaurus dentisulcatus museum quality skull model.  The characteristic nasal horn associated with this genus is prominent in the Rebor figure.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Yutyrannus huali is known from the Liaoning Province of north-eastern China (Yixian Formation).  It lived during the Early Cretaceous, approximately 125 million years ago.  Many palaeontologists classify Yutyrannus as a member of the Proceratosauridae family and as such a member of the Tyrannosauroidea.  The proceratosaurs, despite their name, which translates as “before ceratosaurs”, are not members of the Ceratosauria.  The confusion arises due to the naming and description of Proceratosaurus bradleyi from a partial skull with a distinctive nasal horn associated with the Middle Jurassic Forest Marble Formation of Gloucestershire, England.  When Proceratosaurus was named in 1910, it was proposed that it was an ancestor of Ceratosaurus.  Research carried out some seventy years later demonstrated that this was incorrect and that Proceratosaurus is in fact a very early representative of that lineage of theropods that was to eventually lead to the evolution of the tyrannosaurs and that most famous dinosaur of all T. rex.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Carnotaurus sastrei Replica

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies C. sastrei museum quality skull model.

The Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies Carnotaurus sastrei museum quality skull model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Although these three figures represent very different theropod dinosaurs, they all reflect the same high quality standards we have come to expect from Rebor.”

Pre-order with Everything Dinosaur

All three Rebor skull models are now available for pre-order from Everything Dinosaur.

  • No prepayment fees
  • No money up front
  • No deposit required
  • No payment required until the item is available for despatch
  • Orders can be cancelled at any time prior to payment becoming due on the release date

We are expecting these figures to be in stock around week commencing 2nd of November (2020)

Everything Dinosaur is also offering the set of three skulls at a special discount (whilst stocks last).

Buy All Three Rebor Skull Replicas Together!

A special offer on a set of Rebor fossil skulls.

Buy all three Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies museum class fossil skulls (whilst stocks last).

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

To find the Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies skulls visit this section of Everything Dinosaur’s website: Rebor Models and Figures.

22 09, 2020

A New Book Review “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

By | September 22nd, 2020|Adobe CS5, Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been re-reading the second edition of the excellent dinosaur book “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”.  We reviewed this publication in the early summer, but as the autumn darkness descends we have been visiting once again its chapters on the dinosaur family tree and dinosaur biology, ecology and behaviour.  This really is an excellent and most informative dinosaur book.

A Book and One Model but Two Tianyulongs

Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved and a dinosaur model.
The front cover of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” features an illustration of the Jurassic dinosaur Tianyulong so we included a model of a Tianyulong in our photograph. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”

The front cover of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” features an illustration of the Jurassic heterodontosaurid Tianyulong munching on some ginkgo leaves.  This illustration was created by the very talented Bob Nicholls.  As this bizarre Chinese dinosaur is featured on the cover we included a model of a Tianyulong (PNSO) in our photograph.  The authors of this wonderful dinosaur book, much updated and revised from the first edition, are to be congratulated for compiling such a well-crafted book on the Dinosauria.

“Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” is crammed full of fascinating facts and amazing information, all presented in a writing style that makes it easy for the general reader to follow.  The myriad of drawings, charts, maps, diagrams and prehistoric animal themed artwork help to illustrate key points in the story of the Dinosauria.

This book is highly recommended and would make an excellent gift for the festive season.

Co-author Darren Naish now sells copies of his books here (subject to availability), ask him nicely and he might include a special customised dinosaur illustration for you.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved” by Darren Naish and Paul M. Barrett: Everything Dinosaur Reviews “Dinosaurs How They Lived and Evolved”.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

21 09, 2020

Euparkeria Steps Out After New Research

By | September 21st, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Euparkeria Study Provides Important Step in Evolution of Archosaur Posture

Fossils of the stem-archosaur Euparkeria (pronounced Yoo-park-air-ree-ah), have been studied by scientists from the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College in a bid to better understand the evolution of different gaits and locomotion within archosaurs.  Three-dimensional modelling based on high resolution CT scans of the hindlimb of the small, agile Euparkeria (E. capensis), has revealed that it had a “mosaic” of functions associated with locomotion.

Euparkeria, which roamed southern Africa around 245 million years ago, is believed to be a close relative of the last common ancestor of both crocodilians and the dinosaur/bird branch of the Archosauria family tree, as such, a study of its fossil bones can provide important insights into the evolution of the archosaurs.

A Life Reconstruction of Euparkeria capensis

Euparkeria life reconstruction
A life reconstruction of the basal archosauriform Euparkeria (E. capensis).  As the hindlimbs are longer than the front legs, many researchers believe that Euparkeria was capable of adopting a bipedal stance when it wanted to (facultative biped).

A Basal Archosauriform

This little reptile, that was formerly named and described in 1913, has recently been at the centre of another study which examined skull fossil material originally reported upon in 1965, but with the advance of scanning technology, scientists were able to provide much more information about the structure of Euparkeria’s skull: Little Euparkeria Steps into the Spotlight.

Euparkeria Provides Insight

Birds have an upright, erect bipedal posture, whilst extant crocodilians are quadrupedal and have a sprawling gait.  The ancestor of the birds and crocodiles once shared a common mode of locomotion and Euparkeria can provide vital information helping scientists to work out how these differences came about.

Life Reconstruction of Euparkeria capensis

Euparkeria life reconstruction.
A life reconstruction of Euparkeria highlighting the hip and ankle that were the focus of the study.  Note in this illustration the archosaur has been given a more sprawling, quadrupedal posture when compared to the first illustration of Euparkeria on this post.

Picture credit: Oliver Demuth

Writing in the academic journal “Scientific Reports”, the researchers which included John Hutchinson, Professor of Evolutionary Biomechanics at the Royal Veterinary College, explained how they reconstructed the hip structure of Euparkeria based on CT scans.  The complex and very detailed computer models these scans produced demonstrated that Euparkeria had a distinctive bony rim on the pelvis, called a supra-acetabular rim, covering the top of the hip joint.

This anatomical feature had only previously been found in later archosaurs on the crocodilian branch of the Archosauria.  As a result, a more erect posture had been inferred for these extinct crocodiles.  The supra-acetabular rim permitted the pelvis to cover the top of the femur (thigh bone) and support the body with the limbs in a more columnar arrangement – this type of joint is referred to as “pillar-erect”.

Identifying the Supra-acetabular Rim on the Hip Bone

Euparkeria hip bones.
The black arrow points to the supra-acetabular rim.  This projection of the hip bone above the hip joint permitted the tucking of the limbs under the body to support the body in a columnar arrangement.  This is so far the earliest occurrence of this structure in the archosaur family tree.

Picture credit: Demuth et al (Scientific Reports)

Euparkeria is the oldest known reptile that possessed such a joint, this raises the intriguing question as to whether it had a more erect dinosaur/bird-like posture rather than the more sprawling posture as seen in modern crocodilians.

Testing How the Hindlimbs Could Move

Computer simulations were created to test the range of movement in the hindlimbs.  The team estimated how far the femur could have rotated until it collided with the hip bones.  The computer models also examined how the ankle joint functioned as well.

The simulations suggested that while the femur could have been held in an erect posture, the foot could not have been placed steadily on the ground due to the way the foot rotates around the ankle joint, implying a more sprawling posture.  However, the supra-acetabular rim covering the hip joint restricted the movement of the thigh bone in a way that is not seen in any living tetrapod with a sprawling gait, this indicates that Euparkeria had a more upright posture.

Examining Three-dimensional Models of the Euparkeria Ankle to Assess Function

Modelling the ankle structure of Euparkeria.
The oblique ankle joint did not allow Euparkeria to assume a fully upright posture as the foot also turns medially when the ankle joint is extended.  An ankle joint allowing a more upright posture evolved later independent from the hip structure.

Picture credit: Demuth et al (Scientific Reports)

The researchers conclude that Euparkeria possessed a “mosaic” of locomotor functions.  It is the earliest reptile known with this peculiar hip anatomy and an ankle joint allowing a more erect posture did evolve in later Triassic archosaurs.

Professor Hutchinson stated:

“The mosaic of structures present in Euparkeria, then, can be seen as a central stepping-stone in the evolution of locomotion in archosaurs.”

The scientific paper: “3D hindlimb joint mobility of the stem-archosaur Euparkeria capensis with implications for the postural evolution within the Archosauria” by Oliver E. Demuth, Emily J. Rayfield and John R. Hutchinson published in Scientific Reports.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

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