The macronarian clade of sauropods includes some of the largest dinosaurs to be scientifically described. However, many of these super-sized sauropods are known from scrappy and fragmentary remains. Dinosaurs with a high profile with the public are often very poorly understood by palaeontologists. Team members at Everything Dinosaur, take a look at one such example concerning the Macronaria. Time to outline the differences between Brachiosaurus and the Giraffatitan genus. Giraffatitan vs Brachiosaurus – a tale of the tape.
Giraffatitan vs Brachiosaurus
The Brachiosaurus genus was erected by Elmer Riggs (1903) following a study of two partial sauropod skeletons found in the Grand River Valley of Colorado. Riggs named this newly discovered dinosaur Brachiosaurus altithorax, it remains the type species.
The Wild Safari Brachiosaurus dinosaur model (lateral view). The official model image from 2013.
In the early 20th century, extensive excavations in German East Africa (Tanzania), resulted in the collection of a large amount of brachiosaurid and other dinosaur fossil material. The German palaeontologist Werner Janensch, in 1914, compared the African fossils with Brachiosaurus fossil remains from North America and concluded that the African material represented the same genus. Janensch named two further species of Brachiosaurus – Brachiosaurus brancai and Brachiosaurus fraasi.
A Dinosaur Subgenus
The American palaeontologist Gregory S. Paul reconstructed the skeleton of Brachiosaurus brancai and highlighted several autapomorphies between these African fossils and B. altithorax. He still considered the Tanzanian material to represent Brachiosaurus but concluded that these fossils should be placed in a subgenus and proposed Brachiosaurus (Giraffatitan) brancai whilst designating the U. S. fossil material as Brachiosaurus (Brachiosaurus) altithorax.
Further revisions and studies from other scientists led to the realisation that the African brachiosaurid was generally more gracile with a different body shape when compared to Brachiosaurus altithorax. The tail of the African dinosaur was shorter and not as tall. In addition, Brachiosaurus altithorax had a dorsal vertebrae series that was 23% bigger than that associated with the Tanzanian material.
Over the last fifteen years or so, the genus Giraffatitan and the species G. brancai became more accepted by academics with most palaeontologists regarding the African fossils as distinct but representing a dinosaur that was closely related to the sauropod represented by the American material.
W-Dragon Giraffatitan Compared to a Papo standing T. rex dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur team members received a request from a prehistoric animal model collector for more information about the invertebrate replicas included within the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular model range. As always we were happy to oblige and emailed over further information, including some pictures of the CollectA trilobite model.
CollectA Redlichia rex trilobite model.
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Models
Over recent years, the design team at CollectA have added several replicas of extinct, iconic prehistoric invertebrates to their Age of Dinosaurs Popular range. For example, in 2020 CollectA added a trilobite replica to their product portfolio, a replica of the large, predatory trilobite called Redlichia rex.
Everything Dinosaur team members have prepared some images of CollectA invertebrate models including the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular trilobite model (Redlichia rex). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
CollectA Trilobite Model
Team members were happy to send over the additional information as requested. We are always pleased to hear from fellow model and figure collectors.
The fifth batch of frogspawn has been spotted in the office pond. The fresh spawn was spotted yesterday morning (8th March, 2023). Despite the wintry weather, with air temperatures dropping to near zero the frogs have continued to spawn. The night was cold and a small amount of ice formed over the pond. Team members will continue to monitor the office pond frogspawn.
The frogs (Common frogs), seem undeterred and have continued their spawning.
The 5th batch of frogspawn has been spotted in the Everything Dinosaur office pond. The frogspawn was laid on March 8th. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Frogspawn in the Office Pond
The first frogspawn was observed on the morning of the 28th of February. This is the earliest date in the year that we have seen frogspawn. Over the years, the date of the Common frogs (Rana temporaria) spawning has got earlier and earlier. A decade ago, frogspawn was normally observed around the third week of March. In 2022, frogs spawned on the 2nd of March. Our monitoring of the spawning dates suggests that the trend is for the frogs to breed earlier each year. Perhaps this is indicative of climate change and global warming.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur, took a break from packing dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed orders for customers and stated:
“We try not to disturb the pond too much. However, we like to monitor the frogs to make sure all is well. As cold weather is forecast for the next two to three days, we have gently and carefully moved the spawn into deeper water to give the eggs some protection from the forecast cold snap.”
Potentially Delayed Hatching
The unseasonably cold temperatures with widespread snow likely to fall across the north-west of England could delay the hatching of the eggs. Everything Dinosaur team members think that the rate of development of the tadpoles is influenced by the water temperature. The pond water is likely to remain very cold for at least the next few days. This cold weather may slow the rate of hatching.
Team members promise to keep observing and taking steps to make sure that the pond wildlife is safe.
Today, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day for celebrating and commemorating the social, economic, cultural, scientific and political achievements of women. This is a global event and many schools and colleges will be highlighting the contribution made by women, including in the field of scientific endeavour and business.
A collection of women scientists part of a poster montage spotted during a school visit. Celebrating International Women’s Day. Female scientists providing role models for the next generation. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
International Women’s Day
Since the blog started, we have covered some remarkable stories that celebrate the contribution made to Earth Sciences by the next generation of academics and young scientists. We have also taken the opportunity to highlight the contribution to palaeontology and geology made by women who lived in less enlightened times.
For example, over the last few years we have followed the campaign to honour the pioneering early palaeontologist Mary Anning. Inspired by Evie Swire who wanted greater recognition in Lyme Regis of Mary Anning’s contribution to the Earth Sciences, a successful fund raising effort led to the erection of a statue of Mary Anning on the sea front.
A close-view of the statue of Mary Anning which was created by leading artist and sculptress Denise Dutton. Mary is holding an ammonite fossil in her left hand. Picture credit: Mary Anning Rocks.
Picture credit: Mary Anning Rocks
Designed by sculptor Denise Dutton, the bronze figure was unveiled in May 2022.
There are just a few, limited-edition Rebor Meta the hatchling Deinosuchus figures in the estuary colour scheme left in stock at Everything Dinosaur. With stocks dwindling Rebor fans and model collectors have a last chance to purchase this increasingly rare figure.
Just two Rebor Meta Hatchling Deinosuchus limited-edition figures left in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Limited-edition Collectable Figures
Team members could only find two Meta the hatchling Deinosuchus models in the estuary colour scheme in the warehouse this morning. Only five hundred figures in total were made. The Deinosuchus replicas have proved very popular and just two figures are left. Each figure has its own unique number from one to five hundred. Everything Dinosaur has number thirteen and number forty available.
One of just a very few Rebor Meta the Hatchling Deinosuchus figures in the estuary colour scheme left in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Hatchling Deinosuchus
With only five hundred of these figures being made, the Rebor Club Selection: Meta the Hatchling Deinosuchus estuary variant has proved to be a popular purchase for collectors and fans of Cretaceous prehistoric animals. The hatchling Deinosuchus stands on a plinth with the limited edition number stated on the underside. There is a small piece of eggshell provided within the box so that the plinth and the figure can be united in a seamless display.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur recommend gluing the Deinosuchus egg in place just in case the replica is knocked and the egg falls. We would not want to have any broken crocodilian eggs as these figures are a limited-edition collectable.
The Rebor Meta the hatchling Deinosuchus in the Estuary colour variant. This is one of the few figures in stock (number 13). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:
“We could only find two of these figures in our warehouse. We are close to selling out of the estuary colour variant. When these are sold, we will not be able to get anymore. Only five hundred of these figures were made in total.”
To view the range of prehistoric animal model replicas in stock at Everything Dinosaur, including Deinosuchus figures (whilst stocks last): Rebor Replicas and Prehistoric Animal Models.
The spokesperson added, that both boxes were a little crumpled but the models inside were in pristine condition.
Our thanks to prehistoric animal model collector and dinosaur fan William who sent in his review of the PNSO Suchomimus dinosaur model. William has stated that from the first images he viewed, he has found “Thabo” very pleasing. He describes the PNSO figure as one of the finest and most accurate Baryonychinae figures available.
The new for 2023 PNSO Thabo the Suchomimus dinosaur model. A replica of a baryonychine from PNSO.
A Customer Reviews Suchomimus
The reviewer begins by commenting on the head sculpt. He explains that the nostrils are lower on Suchomimus compared to the Spinosaurini suggesting that Suchomimus and other members of the Baryonychinae subfamily were less aquatic, perhaps preferring to hunt in the shallows.
The colours chosen by PNSO are highlighted and the articulated jaw blends in well. The anterior of the jaws has the classical terminal rosette typical of the Spinosauridae.
The new for 2023 PNSO Suchomimus replica has an articulated lower jaw.
The Body and the Limbs
The reviewer states that the flesh that was prominent along the spine has been recreated and any “shrink wrapping” of the figure avoided by the design team. The model has also been provided with a cloaca.
William exclaims:
“Thabo is a model that is fantastic from any angle, and it will make a great diorama figure.”
The musculature of the shoulder area is praised and the texture on the forelimbs highlighted. The size and proportions of the digits and their associated claws are commented upon and the hind limbs are also praised.
The reviewer explains that the blunt toe claws are realistic, the living animal having blunt toe claws as a result of its locomotion.
The PNSO Thabo the Suchomimus dinosaur model.
PNSO Suchomimus Dinosaur Model
William highlights the bright, orange eyes which work well with the rainbow-coloured nasal crest. The body is described as being a deep, rich matt grey with a paler band running along the back and with stripes covering the tail. The skin texture of the figure is complimented and the numerous skin folds and wrinkles praised.
As with earlier reviews, William provides model measurements and information on the accessories supplied with the PNSO figure:
Standard white PNSO box with clear, plastic trays to protect the model, art poster and transparent support stand.
The Suchomimus figure is supplied with an A3-sized poster, a full-colour, 64-page booklet and a QR code on the product packaging links to a video which demonstrates how the model was created.
Information About Suchomimus
William also submitted some information about the dinosaur and its fossils.
Time Period: Early Cretaceous – 112 million years ago, fossils from the Elrhaz Formation.
William explained that Suchomimus shared an extensive floodplain environment with other large theropods such as the early carcharodontosaurid Eocarcharia dinops and the abelisaurid Kryptops palaios. He also outlines some of the latest research that suggests that members of the Baryonychinae were not as well adapted to an aquatic life as later spinosaurids, whose nostrils were positioned higher up the snout.
Our thanks to William for providing Everything Dinosaur with such a comprehensive review.
New research suggests maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs possessed a propatagium. The propatagium (pronounced pro-pah-ta-gee-um), is a soft tissue structure that joins the wrists and shoulders of volant birds. It helps with the wing flapping motion and provides a leading edge to the wing. Without this structure, birds could not fly.
If members of the Maniraptora, such as Therizinosaurus, Velociraptor, Oviraptor and troodontids had a propatagium on each arm, this would change how these dinosaurs are depicted. Many existing models and replicas would not be accurate and these figures would require updating.
Modern volant birds have a propatagium. A specialised wing structure, without which they would not be able to fly. The evolutionary origins of the propatagium remain uncertain, but new research led by scientists at the University of Tokyo (Japan), is helping to fill some of the gaps. By conducting a statistical analysis of the arm joints associated with the fossilised remains of some dinosaurs, the researchers have concluded that a propatagium was present in certain theropod dinosaurs on the dinosaur/bird evolutionary lineage.
Propatagia are also known in other volant vertebrates – the bats and pterosaurs. These structures are examples of convergent evolution. Anatomical traits arising as animals adapt in similar ways to similar selective pressures.
A Tropeognathus pterosaur model with the propatagia highlighted.
Birds Evolved from Dinosaurs
Most scientists agree that birds evolved from maniraptoran dinosaurs. It therefore seems appropriate to look for avian traits within the Dinosauria, such as the presence of feathers, strong but light bones, and inner ears that help with balance and spatial awareness.
The University of Tokyo’s Department of Earth and Planetary Science wanted to try to see if evidence for the propatagium could be found in the non-avian dinosaur fossil record. The propatagium contains a muscle which connects the wrist to the shoulder and the research team set about trying to find evidence for this soft tissue structure in the fossilised remains of maniraptoran dinosaurs.
Co-author of the paper, published in the journal “Zoological Letters”, Associate Professor Tatsuya Hirasawa explained:
“It [the propatagium] is not found in other vertebrates, and it’s also found to have disappeared or lost its function in flightless birds, one of the reasons we know it’s essential for flight. So, in order to understand how flight evolved in birds, we must know how the propatagium evolved. This is what prompted us to explore some distant ancestors of modern birds, theropod dinosaurs.”
Theropod dinosaurs such as Giganotosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor had arms, not wings, although some theropods such as the dromaeosaurid Microraptor were capable of flight. If the researchers could find evidence of early examples of the propatagium within non-avian dinosaurs, they would gain a better understanding of how some Dinosauria gradually transitioned from having arms to evolving wings.
Unfortunately, a soft tissue structure such as a propatagium would only be preserved in exceptional circumstances. Hard, mineralised parts of the body such as bones have a far greater fossilisation potential. Perhaps the bones of fossilised dinosaurs could provide a clue?
Co-author of the study, Yurika Uno (University of Tokyo) explained:
“The solution we came up with to assess the presence of a propatagium was to collect data about the angles of joints along the arm, or wing, of a dinosaur or bird.”
Studying Joint Angles
The presence or lack of a propatagium could be inferred by examining the angles of the joints in the arm in articulated fossil specimens. The way arm joints are articulated in fossils gives away the presence or absence of the propatagium structure. Thus the researchers could provide indirect evidence demonstrating the evolution of the avian wing structure.
The graduate student added:
“In modern birds, the wings cannot fully extend due to the propatagium, constraining the range of angles possible between connecting sections. If we could find a similarly specific set of angles between joints in dinosaur specimens, we can be fairly sure they too possessed a propatagium. And through quantitative analyses of the fossilised postures of birds and nondinosaurs, we found the tell-tale ranges of joint angles we hoped to.”
The researchers postulate that the propatagium likely evolved in a group of dinosaurs known as the maniraptoran theropods. The Maniraptora clade is composed of coelurosaurian dinosaurs and is defined as including all birds and the non-avian dinosaurs that were more closely related to birds than they were to Ornithomimus velox.
Close examination of the fossilised remains of the oviraptorosaurian Caudipteryx and the winged dromaeosaurian Microraptor indicate the presence of propatagia. The researchers suggest that they have found evidence for the presence of a propatagium in dinosaurs that existed prior to the evolution of flight in the maniraptoran lineage.
If maniraptoran dinosaurs had propatagia prior to the evolution of powered flight, then this raises an intriguing question. Why did the propatagium evolve? Why did these particular theropods evolve such a structure?
The University of Tokyo researchers are optimistic that by studying more fossils as well as embryonic development within extant vertebrates they might be able to provide some answers.
The team thinks some theropods might have evolved the propatagium not because of any pressure to learn to fly, as their forelimbs were made for grasping objects and not for flying. The propatagium originally had another purpose. It could be speculated that this “leading edge” of the arm evolved to help amplify visual intraspecific communication. Perhaps it evolved as a soft tissue structure used in display to demonstrate fitness for breeding and to win mates.
An enlarged surface area of the forelimb might have played a role in helping to shade eggs or perhaps play some other role in the brooding process.
Finding fossil evidence to support these suggestions is likely to prove difficult. However, if further studies demonstrate the presence of propatagia in the Maniraptora, it will change the way these types of dinosaurs are depicted.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Tokyo in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper “Origin of the propatagium in non-avian dinosaurs” by Yurika Uno and Tatsuya Hirasawa published in Zoological Letters
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have prepared a Ruyangosaurus scale drawing for use in the company’s free Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model fact sheet. The new for 2023 CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus figure is due into stock shortly and the fact sheet will be sent out with model purchases.
Ruyangosaurus was formally named and scientifically described in 2009 (Lü et al) in the Geological Bulletin of China. It is regarded as one of the largest Asian dinosaurs known to science. One species has been assigned to the genus (R. giganteus). Size estimates for this Early Cretaceous titanosaur vary, but it has been speculated that Ruyangosaurus was around thirty to thirty-five metres in length.
The new for early 2023 CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that for virtually every named prehistoric animal that the company sells, a fact sheet is prepared. As new for 2023 CollectA models arrive, so fact sheets for Ruyangosaurus, Ceratosuchops, Brighstoneus, Anomalocaris and the marine reptile Shastasaurus have been prepared.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that it will be stocking the PNSO Mungo the Meraxes dinosaur model. This figure is due in stock later this spring (2023). Mungo the Meraxes was announced earlier this week and whilst we expect the output from PNSO to slow down a little this year, the number of new figures the company has produced recently has been remarkable.
The carcharodontosaurid from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina Meraxes gigas. The PNSO model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the spring (2023).
Meraxes gigas
Meraxes (M. gigas) was formally named and scientifically described in 2012 (Canale et al). It is a member of the Carcharodontosauridae family of theropods and at approximately 11 metres long and weighing 4 Tonnes (estimated 4.26 Tonnes), it was probably the apex predator in its Late Cretaceous environment. Another giant carcharodontosaurid Mapusaurus (M. roseae), is also known from the Huincul Formation of Argentina, but Meraxes fossil material is associated with geologically older strata.
The PNSO Mungo the Meraxes has an articulated lower jaw, and it will be supplied with a clear plastic support stand, a poster and a 64-page, illustrated colour booklet.
The Meraxes model will have an articulated lower jaw.
A Carcharodontosaurid Dinosaur Model
An almost complete right arm is known. The arm is proportionately quite small and suggests that as with the abelisaurids and the later tyrannosaurids reduced forelimb size is an evolutionary trait of the Carcharodontosaurinae.
The PNSO model shows the reduced forelimbs and the striking colouration chosen for the figure is reminiscent of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Giganotosaurus model that was introduced some years previously.
Wild Safari Prehistoric World Giganotosaurus dinosaur model.
Skull material, (Meraxes gigas has one of the best-known craniums of all the Carcharodontosauridae), enabled palaeontologists to estimate the size of other Cretaceous theropods such as Acrocanthosaurus (A. atokensis) and Giganotosaurus carolinii.
The model is supplied with a transparent support base, a poster, a full-colour, 64-page booklet and a QR code on the box provides access to a video showing how the model was made.
Model Measurements
The PNSO Meraxes measures 30.2 cm in length with a head height of 10.4 cm. Although PNSO do not declare a scale for this figure, team members estimate that based on an 11-metre-long animal, the figure is in approximately 1:36 scale.
The Meraxes model measures 30.2 cm long and has a head height of 10.4 cm.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this figure along with the recently announced new version of the PNSO Lucas the Giganotosaurus model would be in stock in the late spring.
The spokesperson added:
“It is great to see PNSO expanding their theropod dinosaur model range.”
To coincide with World Book Day (2nd March, 2023), here is Everything Dinosaur’s review of “Ancient Sea Reptiles” by Darren Naish. We have had an inspection copy of this eagerly awaited publication for a few weeks, and now that the book is officially available, we thought it an opportune moment to post up our thoughts and comments.
Ancient Sea Reptiles by Dr Darren Naish. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Ancient Sea Reptiles
Dr Naish provides a comprehensive overview of Mesozoic marine reptiles. These denizens of the deep are in safe hands as the accomplished author guides readers through their evolutionary history before going on to dedicate individual chapters to each of the main marine reptile groups.
The Dinosauria may have dominated terrestrial environments. This carefully crafted and beautifully illustrated book leaves the reader in no doubt as to the majesty and variety of reptiles that thrived in the Mesozoic seas.
A less confident writer might have struggled to provide an overview of the anatomy of this extremely diverse group of marine adapted reptiles. Sea turtles, shark-shaped reptiles, plesiosaurs, thalattosuchians and mosasaurs are all tackled with aplomb, and the evolutionary changes required to adapt to an aquatic lifestyle are reviewed in a single compendious chapter. For example, the function of the plesiosaur’s neck is explained and the likely swimming styles of various body plans is clearly elucidated through the skilful use of descriptive text.
Exquisite Photography
Photographs of important fossil discoveries are included along with detailed and informative notes. A glossary is also provided to assist readers with terminology. Some of the lesser-known Mesozoic marine reptiles such as the Triassic sauropterygians, Cretaceous sea snakes and the mesosaurs – the world’s first aquatic reptiles, have their own dedicated chapter.
The paddle bone of a leptonectid ichthyosaur.
Stunning Artwork and Life Reconstructions
“Ancient Sea Reptiles” is richly illustrated with striking specimens and life reconstructions from many highly respected palaeoartists. The author also contributes to the illustrations providing drawings and cladograms.
The author provides many of the cladograms and prehistoric animal illustrations.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the book and commented:
“This is an extensively researched and most informative volume written in an easy to understand language that will please the academic and general reader alike. Ancient Sea Reptiles is highly recommended.”
To purchase Ancient Sea Reptiles by Darren Naish, visit the publisher’s website and search for either the book title or the author: Visit the Publisher’s Website.
