Everything Dinosaur will be stocking the Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat Year of the Tiger limited-edition model. This figure is due to be in stock in June (2022). The sabre-tooth cat model with its tiger colouration is a 1/35th scale replica. Like the other Smilodon models introduced by Rebor, this figure has two interchangeable heads, permitting the big cat to be displayed either mouth closed or mouth open.
The Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat Year of the Tiger model.
The Year of the Tiger
The Rebor model commemorates the Chinese zodiac and the year of the tiger (2022). The tiger is known as the king of all beasts in Chinese folklore and astrological circles. As a zodiac sign the tiger is regarded as a symbol of strength and being brave.
The Rebor Smilodon populator model commemorates the Chinese Year of the Tiger.
Smilodon populator
Several species of Smilodon have been named and scientifically described. S. populator is regarded as the biggest. Some individuals had enormous upper canine teeth measuring more than 28 cm in length. This stocky and powerful predator roamed the southern portions of the American continent. With an estimated shoulder height of 1.2 metres, it would have dwarfed other Sabre-toothed cats that roamed the United States. S. populator was one of the largest members of the Felidae to have ever lived.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“The Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat Year of the Tiger limited-edition figure, should be in stock around June 2022. Another version, one painted like a Jaguar and named “Jungle” will be available later in the year. We expect to have more stock of the “Ice Age” colour variant available in a few weeks (late April 2022).”
Recently, Rebor introduced three Saurophaganax scale models under the moniker “Notorious Big”. Today, we at Everything Dinosaur take a look at one of the three colour variants – the Rebor Saurophaganax maximus in the “Badlands” colour scheme.
Rebor 1:35 Saurophaganax maximus Museum Class Replica “Notorious Big” in the “Badlands” colour scheme.
The “Badlands” Variant
Saurophaganax is the official state fossil of Oklahoma, where the first fossils that were ascribed to this genus were found (although originally named Saurophagus maximus, until it was discovered the genus name was preoccupied). The validity of the genus remains controversial. Fossils assigned to S. maximus, could represent exceptionally large examples of Allosaurus.
The “Badlands” colour variant with its purple hues and glossy appearance is a bit of a misnomer, no fossils ascribed to Saurophaganax have been found in areas referred to as “Badlands”, its fossils, as far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, are confined to sedimentary deposits associated with the vast Morrison Formation.
The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus “Notorious Big” in the “Badlands” colour scheme. One of a trio of Saurophagnax scale models introduced in the early spring of 2022. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The figure has articulated arms, a flexible tail and an articulated lower jaw. It has a declared scale of 1:35 the model measures around 41.5 cm long and has a head height of approximately 13 cm.
Saurophaganax was one of the largest, terrestrial predators of the Late Jurassic. Fossils are associated with Upper Kimmeridgian to Lower Tithonian aged deposits (155.7 to 145 million years ago). Several major dinosaur-fossil bearing geological formations have revealed that there were many contemporaneous large carnivorous theropods present in the ancient ecosystem. For example, Morrison Formation fossil material indicates the presence of Torvosaurus, Allosaurus, Saurophaganax, Ceratosaurus and Marshosaurus. The roughly contemporaneous Lourinhã Formation (Portugal) indicates a similar theropod biota – Lourinhanosaurus, Torvosaurus, Allosaurus, Ceratosaurus, plus possible megalosauroids and abelisaurids, although no material ascribed to the Saurophaganax genus has been found to date in Portugal.
The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus “Notorious Big” 1:35 scale dinosaur model shown in right lateral view. The model is in the “Badlands” colour scheme. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus has a flexible tail, movable arms and an articulated lower jaw. IThe “Badlands” colour variant is seen here in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Beautifully Detailed Dinosaur Model
Described by collectors as a beautifully detailed dinosaur model, the Rebor Saurophaganax maximus in the “Badlands” colour scheme is already proving to be a popular addition to the Rebor range of dinosaur models.
To view the range of Rebor prehistoric animal models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Models and Figures.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been busy making preparations for a free to enter Facebook competition to win a copy of the brilliant “Explorers of Deep Time” by the eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick.
The competition will be up on the company’s Facebook site in the very near future (March 2022).
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
Picture credit: Columbia University Press
A YouTube Video Linking the Facebook Competition
The plan is to produce a video outlining the details of the book competition on Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube channel. The video can provide a short review of “Explorers of Deep Time” and give details on how to enter the contest to win a copy of the book.
A still from Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube video reviewing “Explorers of Deep Time” and explains the free to enter competition. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A script has been written for that part of the video that reviews “Explorers of Deep Time” by Roy Plotnick.
Here are the details:
Dedicated to Arnold and Mildred who we suspect were the author’s parents, the book is divided into four, carefully crafted general sections, each one exploring an element of what it is like to work in the Earth sciences.
For example, there is a chapter on working in the field, liberally sprinkled with contributions from an eclectic range of scientists and researchers at all stages of their careers who describe their own field work experiences. Roy’s enthusiasm for field work is skilfully reflected in his writing, after all, the chapter is entitled “Attending Marvels”.
Although there are black and white photos of fossils, this book is not about the fossils themselves but about the lives and careers of the people who collect them.
Chapter six entitled “Cool Toys” looks at the vast number of new research techniques and methodologies now used in palaeontology. Don’t expect numerous pictures, tables and diagrams, but interwoven into the narrative are lots of anecdotes from real scientists who discuss their experiences, their trials and triumphs as they pursue their careers.
Roy Plotnick concludes “Explorers of Deep Time” with a chapter headed “Last Thoughts”. In it he provides a S.W.O.T. analysis that looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with pursuing a career path in palaeontology. An excellent ready reckoner for anyone considering working in the Earth sciences.
The author describing himself as an OWM (old, white male) writes about the need to encourage greater diversity in the Earth Sciences with increased access and appropriate support for women, minorities, the disabled and other groups that may feel excluded. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).
Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois)
Roy, who describes himself as an “Old, White Male” champions diversity and he ardently supports greater inclusiveness in science disciplines.
The book has been very well received amongst fellow academics, as demonstrated by the glowing reviews, some of which are featured on the back cover. Including one from the very talented Victoria Arbour, a world-renowned authority on armoured dinosaurs.
Explorers of Deep Time gets a big thumbs up from Everything Dinosaur.
Today, Tuesday the 8th of March is International Women’s Day, a day that is celebrated across the world, recognising the achievements of women in business, the arts, politics and of course in the sciences. A movement that began in the early years of the 20th century has expanded to encompass all aspects of gender equality.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is “breaking the bias”.
A collection of women scientists part of a poster montage spotted during a school visit. Celebrating International Women’s Day. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
#BreakTheBias
Using the hashtag #BreaktheBias the official website states that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists is not enough. Action is needed to level the playing field. Many academic institutions, museums and educational bodies are working to improve opportunities and to support gender equality.
Imagine a world with gender equality, collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus dinosaur models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This trio of terrific 1:35 scale dinosaur figures – “Jungle”, “Badlands” and “Volcanic Cavern” have arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse. Each figure has an articulated lower jaw, moveable arms and a flexible tail. The S. maximus replicas are supplied with a data card and an Everything Dinosaur Saurophaganax fact sheet.
The Rebor Saurophaganax maximus dinosaur model comes in three colour variants “Jungle” (left), “Badlands” centre and “Volcanic Cavern” (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Trio of Colourful Theropods
These Rebor replicas represent one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs known from the Late Jurassic. Size estimates vary, but Saurophaganax maximus is regarded as the biggest carnivore described to date from fossil material associated with the famous Morrison Formation. Some palaeontologists have suggested that this dinosaur could have reached 13 metres or more in length. The discovery of a femur (thigh bone) in New Mexico, which is more than a metre long and isolated teeth measuring in excess of 12 cm indicate that this member of the Allosauridae family was a formidable, super-sized predator.
Three in a row! The three new for 2022 Rebor Saurophaganax maximus dinosaur models. Foreground “Jungle” colour scheme, middle “Badlands” and in the background “Volcanic Cavern”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Rebor has nicknamed their Saurophaganax “Notorious Big”, perhaps in recognition of this dinosaur’s estimated size. The genus was originally erected based on observed differences in the shape of the backbones (vertebrae). Palaeontologists remain uncertain as to the validity of this genus, the fossil material could represent large Allosaurus individuals, after all, Allosaurus itself has become something of a taxonomic wastebasket and revision of fossil material has led to erection of a third species Allosaurus jimmadseni: A New Species of Allosaurus A. jimmadseni.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“It is wonderful to see a scale replica of Saurophaganax introduced to the Rebor range. Several theropods have been named from fossils found in Morrison Formation deposits, megalosaurs such as Torvosaurus and Marshosaurus, numerous species of Ceratosaurus plus other ceratosaurs too and of course, allosauroids. Of all these fearsome predators associated with the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, Saurophaganax maximus is regarded by many palaeontologists as being the largest described to date.”
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a palaeontologist? Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in the Earth Sciences? Not sure where to begin? A new book written by an eminent American palaeontologist entitled “Explorers of Deep Time” is a great place to start.
Author Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois, Chicago), provides a behind the scenes guide to being a palaeontologist, the trials, triumphs and tribulations and as a self-confessed OWM (old, white male), he champions inclusiveness and diversity amongst the scientific community.
The front cover of “Explorers of Deep Time” by eminent American palaeontologist Roy Plotnick. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
Picture credit: Columbia University Press
Candid and Comprehensive
Roy has spent decades working as a palaeontologist. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA) and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society of America too. As such, he is exceedingly well-qualified to comment on how the study of ancient life has been revolutionised with the development of new research techniques.
The book is divided into four main chapters looking at various aspects of exploring deep, geological time. Starting with an overview in which the author addresses common misconceptions about palaeontologists, for instance, he is not Ross from “Friends” or Indiana Jones. Roy Plotnick guides the reader through the various and diverse routes to a job in the Earth sciences and explains what it is actually like to study palaeontology. If you have ever wondered about toilet facilities at dig sites, or how the increasing number of female scientists’ juggle starting a family with work commitments – then this book provides a practical and uncomplicated explanation.
Although the book has been written with an emphasis on the American education system and American academia, it outlines how palaeontology has developed and changed over the last forty years or so, explores new study techniques and places the science clearly in the context of helping to better understand how our world is changing today.
The author of “Explorers of Deep Time” Roy Plotnick (member of the Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society of America. Picture credit: Columbia University Press.
Picture credit: Columbia University Press
An “Old White Male” Encourages Diversity
One of the key themes of “Explorers of Deep Time”, is the author’s wish that more women and ethnic minorities are represented in Earth science disciplines. Roy Plotnick examines some of the barriers that existed in his early career leading to a preponderance of “old, white males” within palaeontology. Many of these obstacles restricting participation have been removed, but the author skilfully argues for greater participation and draws on the experience of other scientists to help support his views.
He introduces readers to the diverse group of people of all genders, races, and international backgrounds who make up the twenty-first-century palaeontology community. The book provides a sounding board for their views and a platform for their perspectives, helping readers to obtain a better understanding of career paths and opportunities.
There is even a chapter dedicated to outlining the importance of published research and the struggles scientists can face getting their work into print, or more often than not these days, on-line.
This behind the scenes guide to palaeontology, is not crammed with stunning photographs and illustrations, but it does outline the varied challenges facing this discipline and provides a rare insight on the profession to aspiring scientists of all ages.
Candid and at times frank, this is an excellent guide to the pros and cons of choosing palaeontology as a career.
The author describing himself as an OWM (old, white male) writes about the need to encourage greater diversity in the Earth Sciences with increased access and appropriate support for women, minorities, the disabled and other groups that may feel excluded. Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois).
Picture credit: Roy Plotnick (University of Illinois)
Palaeontology SWOT Analysis
Not sure if a job in the Earth sciences is for you? Roy Plotnick concludes by providing a SWOT analysis. He outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with working in the palaeontology profession. This analysis acts as a fitting summary to “Explorers of Deep Time”.
Published by Columbia University Press the hardcover book is priced at the time of writing at £28.00 GBP/$35.00 USD with the downloadable E-book priced at £28.00 GBP/$34.99 USD.
To purchase the book visit: Columbia University Press and search on the author surname “Plotnick” to find the web page for “Explorers of Deep Time”.
Highly recommended.
The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.
The five recently introduced Schleich prehistoric animal figures are featured in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. There are four new dinosaurs – Styracosaurus, Majungasaurus, Amargasaurus and Parasaurolophus, plus Schleich have added a model of the fearsome marine reptile Nothosaurus. All these figures are now in stock, further increasing customer choice when it comes to Everything Dinosaur toys and dinosaur models. Schleich models are extremely popular with young dinosaur fans.
Many factories have had problems with production over the last two years due to the impact of the global pandemic on logistics and manufacturing. It is great news to see five new Schleich prehistoric animals.
The new for 2022 Schleich Styracosaurus dinosaur model features in the February Everything Dinosaur newsletter. This is the first new Styracosaurus to be introduced by Schleich since 2013.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Schleich Styracosaurus
The first new figure to feature in the Everything Dinosaur newsletter is the Styracosaurus, an updated replica of the Styracosaurus figure that was introduced by the German manufacturer nine years ago, but then retired in 2016. The hand-painted Schleich Styracosaurus dinosaur model measures a fraction under twenty centimetres in length and it has been praised by many dinosaur fans and model collectors for its attractive colouration and detailed skin texture.
The recently arrived Schleich Majungasaurus and the Schleich Amargasaurus feature in the latest (February 2022) Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Schleich Majungasaurus and Schleich Amargasaurus
Schleich may have produced replicas representing Carnotaurus in the past, in addition, they have made many replicas of sauropods too, but this is the first time that an Amargasaurus and a Majungasaurus have been included in the Schleich product portfolio. The Majungasaurus colouration has been commented upon by collectors. It has been suggested that the paint scheme chosen is reminiscent of the artwork for the “Dinosaur King” animated Majungasaurus from the Japanese computer game.
A close-up view of the Schleich Majungasaurus. This dinosaur model does have an articulated jaw. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Schleich Parasaurolophus and Schleich Nothosaurus
The other two models to feature in Everything Dinosaur’s newsletter are the Schleich Parasaurolophus and the replica of the Triassic marine reptile Nothosaurus. Schleich have made models representing Parasaurolophus in the past, they have also added replicas of marine reptiles such as Mosasaurus and Plesiosaurus to their model range, but this is the first time that a Nothosaurus figure has been introduced.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“It is wonderful to be able to discuss new figures and models, after all, global manufacturing has been hit hard over the last two years or so. It is pleasing to see Schleich adding five new prehistoric animal models to their range. Our customer newsletter helps to inform model collectors and dinosaur fans about new product introductions. We hope that the information we supply assists them and keeps them up to date with product development.”
The Everything Dinosaur Customer Newsletter
The Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter is sent out periodically to our subscribers. It is a free newsletter containing information on new products, competitions, product updates and so forth. To request to be added to our database, simply send Everything Dinosaur an email: Email Everything Dinosaur.
Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University have developed a new and innovative approach to interpreting sauropod trackways enabling them to calculate their gaits (the order in which the animal moved its four limbs to progress). Jens Lallensack and his colleague Peter Falkingham discovered that the placement of tracks relative to each other in a sauropod trackway changes in a consistent way when the animal changes its velocity (either speeding up or slowing down). Using this technique, subsequently verified by analysing the gaits of living animals such as dogs, horses, a camel and an elephant, the scientists have concluded that sauropods walked more like hippos than elephants.
A picture of the sauropod trackway (Plagne, France). Picture credit: P. Dumas/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.
Picture credit: P. Dumas/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.
Quadruped Locomotion
Four-footed animals (quadrupeds), may use different gaits such as trots, walks, and pace gaits. In a trot, one diagonal limb pair (e.g. hind right and front left) moves together, followed by the other limb pair. Many mammals use trots at faster gaits, but reptiles also use trots at slow speeds. In a pace gait, in contrast, the limbs on one side of the body (e.g. hind right and fore right) move together in a similar way as the locomotion of a camel.
In-between these extremes is the single foot gait, in which the time lag between fore and hind feet is equal – a good example of this type of locomotion is the movement of horses.
The movements of living animals can be observed, direct observation of extinct animals such as huge, long-necked, long-tailed sauropod dinosaurs is not possible, but data can be obtained by careful study of their fossilised prints and trackways.
Trace fossils such as these dinosaur tracks can provide palaeontologists with data on dinosaur locomotion, velocity and gaits. Picture credit: Liverpool John Moores University.
Picture credit: Liverpool John Moores University
Examining Sauropod Tracksites
Liverpool John Moores University researchers Jens Lallensack and Peter Falkingham identified that the placement of an animal’s feet changes in a predictable and consistent way when the animal’s velocity changes. If a trackway is long enough and shows variation in stride length (indicating a change of speed), it is possible to calculate gaits and to gain an insight into how extinct animals moved.
Their predictions were confirmed in an analysis of the gaits of different types of living animal, including elephants, thanks to the help from locomotion expert Professor John Hutchinson (Royal Veterinary College, London), who provided elephant locomotion data. These new analytical methods were used to plot the limb movements along three sauropod trackways from the Lower Cretaceous De Queen Formation (Arkansas, USA). Although it is not possible to identify specific sauropod species (ichnospecies) from the De Queen Formation (Albian fauna stage) tracks, these trace fossils represent large, sauropod trackmakers (median average hind foot length 70-85 cm and maximum stride length 3.42 metres).
Commenting on the outcome of their findings, reported in the journal “Current Biology”, Dr Falkingham stated:
“Many researchers assumed that sauropods walked like elephants, with which they share many similarities, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.”
Researchers have found a way to identify the gait of sauropods by studying their tracks. Picture credit: Liverpool John Moores University.
Picture credit: Liverpool John Moores University
Sauropod Dinosaurs Compared to Elephants
As elephants are the largest living terrestrial animals alive today, it had been suggested that their locomotion was an appropriate analogy for the movement of sauropod dinosaurs. Elephants use a gait intermediate between the pace gait and the singlefoot, i.e. the two limbs on the same body side tend to swing together. The gait analysis, in the current study by contrast, revealed that sauropods instead employed a gait intermediate between the singlefoot and a trot: the opposite-side limbs tend to swing together.
Based on this data, sauropod dinosaurs had a similar gait to hippos.
To Sway or Not to Sway
If sauropods moved very differently compared to the largest land animals alive today, this suggests that these two types of animal with large body sizes evolved different solutions to locomotion. Sauropods, even the titanosaurs known for their narrower trackways when compared to other types of sauropod such as diplodocids and dicraeosaurids, have a much broader stance than elephants. Elephants place one foot almost directly in front of another producing surprisingly narrow tracks for such large animals. Sauropod trackways, in contrast, are much broader. Their particular gait allowed sauropods to have at least one foot on the ground on both the left and right sides of the body at all times, preventing swaying from side to side.
The enormous body of the titanosaur dwarfs visitors. Patagotitan mayorum skeletal reconstruction. Titanosaurs are known for their narrower tracks when compared to other types of sauropod but as many were much bigger than elephants, elephants do not make a good analogy for describing the gaits of titanosaurs or of sauropods generally. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from Liverpool John Moores University in the compilation of this article.
Lead author of the scientific paper Dr Jens Lallensack added:
“Sauropods chose a gait that maximised stability but still allowed for efficient walking”.
The scientific paper: “A new method to calculate limb phase from trackways reveals gaits of sauropod dinosaurs” by Jens N. Lallensack, Peter L. Falkingham published in Current Biology.
We have frogspawn in the office pond! On the morning of Wednesday March 2nd, a single batch of frogspawn was spotted in the office pond. A frog had been seen in the pond a few days earlier so team members were optimistic that spawning activity was imminent. We suspect that the first batch of spawn was laid in the early morning of the 2nd of March.
The first batch of frogspawn was laid early in the morning of the 2nd March 2022.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Seven or Eight Batches of Frogspawn
The following morning several more batches of frogspawn were spotted. In total, Everything Dinosaur team members counted seven frogs in the pond. The exact number of batches of frogspawn is difficult to calculate as the batches have been concentrated into a single area of the office pond. However, it has been estimated that there are around seven or eight batches of spawn. All the frogs are Common frogs (Rana temporaria). In 2021, frogs spawned in the office pond around the 11th of March, in 2020, it was later still around the 22nd of March.
Much more frogspawn was laid on the 3rd March. The frogs have spawned a week earlier than in 2021.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
We shall keep watching the office pond to see if any more spawn is laid in the coming days. We look forward to the spawn hatching and observing the progress of the tadpoles.
When a new prehistoric animal is named and described in a scientific paper, often, an illustration featuring the new discovery is commissioned so that readers and viewers of any subsequent media release can get an impression of what the creature might have looked like. These life reconstructions show the animal in context, providing an insight into the palaeoenvironment and sometimes also highlighting contemporaneous species that shared the same habitat.
Illustrating a Scientific Paper
These, frequently stunning illustrations are carefully conceived. Great care is taken to reflect the scientific evidence, however, the artist has some licence when it comes to considering the landscape, the choice of colours and the motif of the artwork.
Sometimes the person responsible for the scientific illustration is one of the authors of the study. For example, the artwork supporting the media release on the recently described rhamphorhynchid pterosaur from the Isle of Skye (Dearc sgiathanach), was created by the lead author Natalia Jagielska, a PhD student at the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh.
The Isle of Skye 170 million years ago. A theropod dinosaur hopes to catch a Dearc sgiathanach, but this large pterosaur is too quick and avoids capture. The lead author of the scientific paper created the stunning artwork that accompanied the media release. Picture credit: Natalia Jagielska
Everything Dinosaur asked the artist what inspired and influenced her when it came to illustrating the newly described Scottish pterosaur.
Reflecting Scientific Evidence in Palaeoart
Natalia explained that she was inspired by Scottish birds, both those in Edinburgh, where the D. sgiathanach fossil material is stored and also the many seabirds synonymous with the Isle of Skye (where the fossil was found). Gannets are common on the island. They have a similar wingspan to that estimated for Dearc sgiathanach. With their long crania, robust neck and slender wings, these piscivores could be regarded as occupying a similar niche in the marine based ecosystem as the rhamphorhynchids.
“I wanted to form this connection between contemporary local fauna and ancient fauna”, Natalia commented. “I also added a splash of blue hues and yellows on the head in some reconstructions, as a nod to its Scottish origin and the Scottish flag”.
Dominating the skies on the Isle of Skye. Several pterosaurs flying over the coastline (Dearc sgiathanach). Picture credit: Natalia Jagielska.
Setting the Scene for a Jurassic Pterosaur
The background into which the life reconstruction is inserted can also help to convey important information relating to geology and the ancient environment. The rugged cliffs (above), reflect the famous steep cliffs of Skye and link the Jurassic landscape to modern Scotland, as both have been extensive shaped by the Caledonian orogeny, a period of mountain building that occurred during the Palaeozoic.
The waters represent the Hebridean basin and are part of Boreal Seaway, their presence in the artwork helps to reinforce the view that Dearc sgiathanach was associated with coastal and marine habitats.
Adding a Theropod Dinosaur
A theropod dinosaur features in one of the illustrations included with the media release. The presence of theropods in the Middle Jurassic of Skye is indicated by tridactyl prints preserved in the petrified mudflats. The Megalosaurus depicted in the scene sports cranial crests. PhD student Natalia explained that as Megalosaurus does not have a well- preserved skull, she took the opportunity to give her theropod a pair of Allosaurus-inspired head crests.
The dinosaur provides a helpful scale, the viewer is in no doubt that Dearc sgiathanach was a large animal. Indeed, with a wingspan estimated to be around 2.5 metres, the Isle of Skye pterosaur is the biggest flying reptile described to date from Jurassic material.
“Pairing a theropod with the pterosaur is an excellent way of displaying Dearc’s sheer size and making the viewer perceive it’s in the Jurassic”, Natalia stated. “Megalosaurus is excellent too, showcasing basal bauplans of carnivorous dinosaurs associated with the Middle Jurassic”.
The Pterosauria
The Pterosauria continued to evolve throughout the Mesozoic, with some of the Late Cretaceous taxa evolving to become the largest flying animals of all time. Scientific illustrations evolve and change too. In Natalia’s email correspondence with Everything Dinosaur, it was pointed out that the original concept was to depict the pterosaur fighting with the dinosaur over a piece of carrion – a macabre tug-of-war between the two archosaurs. However, the final illustration depicts a different form of interspecific competition, the brash theropod chasing after the pterosaurs much like a dog might chase gulls or oystercatchers on the beach today.
The addition of a megalosaurid helps to provide a scale and illustrates a typical theropod from the Middle Jurassic. Picture credit: Natalia Jagielska.
The subtle tones of the sky at sunset add atmosphere and an almost ethereal quality to the artwork. Natalia commented that the background to the illustration featuring the theropod was inspired by J. M. W. Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire”, she wanted to give her work a grandiose, maritime-look using the light, colours and shading as depicted in the famous Turner painting. The iconic painting “The Fighting Temeraire”, featuring a huge warship making its final journey to a London shipyard so that it could be broken up, was painted in 1839. Ironically, it was during the late 1830s that the remarkable pterosaur fossils including many examples of rhamphorhynchids, from the Solnhofen limestones of southern Germany were being subjected to detailed scientific scrutiny.
Bathonian Mammaliaforms and Sauropods
In the bottom left corner of the artwork, large rib bones can be seen and sitting precariously atop one of the bones is a small mammaliaform. The Lealt Shale Formation from which the pterosaur specimen was extracted, has not yielded many body fossils, but mammaliaforms such as Wareolestes (W. rex), are known from the roughly contemporaneous Kilmaluag Formation of the Isle of Skye. Natalia wanted to highlight the significance of Skye for helping to shed light on an important stage in the evolution of many different types of tetrapod, including our own ancestors.
The Isle of Skye is also famous for its extensive sauropod tracks. Admittedly, the pterosaur specimen comes from a bedding plane devoid of such prints although tracks associated with thyreophorans (stegosaurs) have been identified.
Mammaliaform fossils although exceptionally rare have been found in Middle Jurassic exposures in Scotland. The artwork highlights the presence of such creatures (arrowed) and the huge rib bones are a nod towards the extensive sauropod tracks associated with the Lealt Shale Formation. Picture credit: Natalia Jagielska.
The addition of the sauropod bones permitted the artist to hint at one of the theories put forward to explain the preservation of animal remains over a period of 170 million years or so.
Natalia explained:
“The ribcage in the foreground suggests one of theories suggesting superb preservation, maybe the fossil was buried in mudflats. The location showcases a marginal marine setting, with storm deposit layers and evidence for periodic aerial exposure – truly a perplexing combination”.
Stunning Illustrations in a Scientific Paper
The illustrations are certainly stunning, helping to tell the tale of a pterosaur that soared over Scotland way back in the Middle Jurassic. Our thanks to Natalia Jagielska for sharing her thoughts on the inspiration behind the artwork.
