The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus dinosaur models have arrived in stock at Everything Dinosaur. These three exciting dinosaur figures feature in the latest Everything Dinosaur company newsletter. The dinosaur replicas are named “Gustave”, “Typhon” and “King of the Border”. They pay tribute to the Giganotosaurus featured in the film “Jurassic World Dominion”.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe model complete with display base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Models
The headline model in the latest Everything Dinosaur newsletter is the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe figure. This beautifully detailed figure comes complete with a display base and an Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.
Each of the Giganotosaurus dinosaur models measures 44 cm in length approximately. When secured to their display base the models have a head height of 18.5 centimetres. The dinosaur model display base (supplied with each figure), measures 14 cm x 8 cm.
Gustave and King of the Border
The latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter also features Gustave and King of the Border. Everything Dinosaur offers three new Nanmu Studio Giganotosaurus figures.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus King of the Border Deluxe (left). The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Gustave Deluxe (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company commented:
“We are delighted to have brought into stock these three figures. Each Giganotosaurus dinosaur model is beautifully painted. We decided to only bring the models that included display bases out of China. These figures are large and heavy, when displayed without the base they might fall over and get damaged.”
The second series of “Prehistoric Planet” has recently concluded, the last episode “North America” having been broadcast yesterday on Apple+TV. The programmes have proved to be immensely popular with dinosaur fans and natural history film viewers. The five episodes in the series have achieved an audience rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The programmes have also inspired lots of prehistoric animal fans to create drawings of the dinosaurs featured. For example, young artist Caldey sent in a magnificent illustration of a Qianzhousaurus concentrating intently as it hunted prey.
A beautiful illustration of a theropod dinosaur stalking prey. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
“Prehistoric Planet” Qianzhousaurus and Corythoraptor
In a beautifully crafted scene, a female Qianzhousaurus stalks a flock of Corythoraptors in a Late Cretaceous forest. The first hunt is unsuccessful and the Corythoraptors escape. However, with the approach of a storm, the odds turn in the favour of the hunter and this clever theropod is able to catch her quarry.
A beautiful illustration showing the diversity of theropod dinosaurs. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
Qianzhousaurus although a Late Cretaceous tyrannosaur, was not closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex. It has been classified as a member of the Alioramini tribe of long-snouted tyrannosaurs within the Tyrannosauridae. Corythoraptor is an oviraptorid. Oviraptorids seem to have been particularly abundant in the Late Cretaceous of China.
“Prehistoric Planet” has continued to delight, entertain and inform.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Thank you Caldey for sending in your stunning illustrations. We hope you enjoyed watching the five television programmes. We have printed out the drawings and put them on display in our office and warehouse.”
Everything Dinosaur took a break from picking and packing orders to visit the recently refurbished Manchester Museum. One of the new exhibits is “April” the Tenontosaurus dinosaur fossil. The display includes actual fossil bones of a Tenontosaurus, and the exhibit depicts this ornithischian dinosaur as a quadruped.
“April” the Tenontosaurus on display at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
An Important Dinosaur Fossil Specimen
The fossils were discovered on private land in Montana, USA back in 1994 and acquired by the University of Manchester in 1999. The fossils (specimen number MANCH LL.12275) represent one of the best-preserved and most complete Tenontosaurus tilletti known to science. The specimen was originally displayed as a biped. The dinosaur was posed rearing up on its hind legs. During the conservation work to prepare the fossils for display, researchers demonstrated that this dinosaur spent most of its time walking on all fours.
It was named “April” after the wife of Barry James who originally prepared this stunning fossil dinosaur for exhibition.
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Tenontosaurus model.
The picture (above) shows a CollectA Tenontosaurus dinosaur model. To view the range of CollectA not-to-scale prehistoric animal models: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.
Gastroliths
Gastroliths (stomach stones) were found in the body cavity of this dinosaur. Some types of dinosaur swallowed stones to help them grind up tough plants and aid digestion. These stones were held in a gizzard and helped to break down plant-material and assisted in the extraction of nutrients.
Only a handful of examples of gastroliths being associated with ornithopods have been reported. “April” the Tenontosaurus is the largest ornithopod dinosaur known to science associated with gastroliths.
“April” the Tenontosaurus dinosaur fossil has been granted her own special display area. There are plenty of information panels informing visitors about the dinosaur and highlighting important areas of research. The gastroliths are on display too. It is only when visitors get close to the fossils that they can appreciate the impressive length of the dinosaur’s tail.
Whilst the dinosaur might be nicknamed “April”, Everything Dinosaur team members are uncertain as to whether there has been any research to identify whether the bones do indeed represent a female.
The length of the tail of Tenontosaurus can be appreciated. The Tenontosaurus known as “April” exhibited at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the Manchester Museum for its excellent Tenontosaurus dinosaur fossil display and commented on the friendliness of the staff.
The PNSO Basilosaurus model, part of the PNSO Age of Dinosaurs range is to be retired. It was one of the first PNSO figures to be introduced, Everything Dinosaur can now confirm that it is out of production.
The PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Basilosaurus model.
The PNSO Basilosaurus Model
This large prehistoric whale figure was one of the first PNSO replicas to be supplied complete with transparent display stands. Measuring close to twenty inches in length (more than fifty centimetres long), this figure needed a lot of shelf space. Two species of Basilosaurus are known. Basilosaurus cetoides (the type species) was named by Sir Richard Owen (1839). A second species Basilosaurus isis was erected in 1904 (Andrews).
The Basilosaurus replica (PNSO). This replica is one of the first large figures to be made by PNSO.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We are sorry to see the Basilosaurus retired. It was a fantastic figure of a Late Eocene prehistoric whale. PNSO have expanded their model range dramatically over recent years, model retirements are to be expected. PNSO will continue to add to their popular mid-size model range. We will announce a new PNSO figure in the very near future.”
An illustration of Basilosaurus. The human figure provides a scale. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Our thanks to young Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur a superb tyrannosaur illustration inspired by the theropod dinosaurs featured in the television series Prehistoric Planet II.
Following the pattern of the first season’s ground-breaking series, Prehistoric Planet II will be shown over five consecutive nights starting on May 22nd. It is being broadcast by Apple TV+. Season one covered Coasts, Deserts, Freshwater, Ice Worlds and Forests. The five programmes making up season two will feature Islands, Badlands, Swamps, Oceans and North America. Viewers can expect to see more prehistoric animals including pterosaurs, marine reptiles and of course dinosaurs. Perennial favourites return such as Velociraptor, Triceratops and tyrannosaurs, the subject of Caldey’s beautiful drawing.
A wonderful illustration of a tyrannosaur from the Prehistoric Planet II trailer.
Tyrannosaur Illustration
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for sending in her drawing of a fearsome tyrannosaur and commented;
“Series one was nominated for several awards including the Television Critics Association award for Outstanding Achievement in News and Information. We expect series two to be equally successful, if not more so. Dinosaur fans young and old are looking forward to the start of the new series. Our thanks to Caldey for creating such a terrific tyrannosaur illustration.”
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough
All the programmes will be narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Season two will include a special segment on each programme providing an in-depth analysis of the palaeontology used as the basis for the episode. This new segment, entitled “Prehistoric Planet Uncovered”, will provide viewers with the opportunity to hear from the scientists who advised the production team.
Just like Caldey, we are looking forward to Prehistoric Planet II.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that two prehistoric animal models made by Schleich are now out of production and retired. With the recent introduction of five Schleich prehistoric animal figures, we can now confirm Schleich prehistoric animal model retirements.
The figures which have been retired are the Schleich Dimetrodon model that was introduced in 2019 and the Schleich pterosaur figure, the Dimorphodon.
The new for 2019 Schleich Dimetrodon model has now been retired by the German manufacturer.
The green-coloured 2019 Schleich Dimetrodon figure replaced an earlier Dimetrodon model (2016) with a reticulated pattern on its sail. It was one of five new model introductions into the Schleich prehistoric animal model range. Although not a dinosaur, Dimetrodon has proved to be a popular figure amongst collectors. Dimetrodon was a member of the Pelycosauria clade, a synapsid that lived during the Early Permian. Several species have been described.
The Schleich Dimorphodon Figure
Coincidently, the Schleich Dimorphodon figure was also introduced in 2019. It too is being retired. The Schleich Dimorphodon had distinctive “eye flashes” on its wings. It was depicted in a terrestrial pose. With its large skull and huge jaws, this pterosaur model proved to be popular with younger model collectors.
The Schleich Dimorphodon model (new for 2019).
Schleich Prehistoric Animal Model Retirements
A spokesperson from the UK-based Everything Dinosaur stated that both figures would be missed.
The spokesperson explained:
“We do appreciate that models have to be retired. Both the Dimetrodon and the Dimorphodon have been around for about four years, so they have had a good run. By taking some figures out of production this frees up space in the factory for new models.”
Everything Dinosaur team members have been examining generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and how this exciting new technology might change the company. Recently, to commemorate the ninety-seventh birthday of Sir David Attenborough, Everything Dinosaur asked ChatGPT to write a short blog post. The ChatGPT artificial intelligence wrote a short biography of the naturalist and broadcaster. We also asked ChatGPT to compose a short birthday message to Sir David.
Artificial intelligence has a myriad of applications. As part of our testing programme to assess the scope of the current technology, we challenged ChatGPT (version 3.5) to provide Everything Dinosaur with five facts about Tyrannosaurus rex.
The Rebor T. rex Tusk King T. rex Requiem model is supplied with a clear plastic support base, but our models appear quite stable even standing on our office carpet without the need for the support stand. Can ChatGPT provide five facts about this famous dinosaur? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The picture (above) shows a Tyrannosaurus figure from Rebor (Tusk).
In response to our question “list five facts about Tyrannosaurus rex, here are the five facts about T. rex that ChatGPT compiled:
1). Tyrannosaurus rex lived during the Late Cretaceous period (approximately 68 to 65 million years ago).
It is true that T. rex lived during the Late Cretaceous however, we would take issue with the temporal range suggested. The date of the end-Cretaceous extinction event and the demise of the non-avian Dinosauria is now thought to have occurred around 66 million years ago. T. rex is known from several Upper Cretaceous North American formations, dating the fossil bones is notoriously difficult.
The Size of Tyrannosaurus rex
2). Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest land predators ever to exist, measuring up to 12 metres (40 feet) long and weighing up to 6.8 metric tonnes (15,000 pounds).
We will not dispute the ChatGPT comment about T. rex being one of the largest land predators ever. However, the size estimates could be disputed. For example, the biggest specimens described to date “Sue” and “Scotty” measure more than 12 metres in length. The robust “Scotty” is estimated to be around 13 metres long with a body weight calculated at approximately 8.8 tonnes (19,400 pounds).
3). Tyrannosaurus rex had a powerful bite force of up to 12,800 pounds per square inch – enough to crush the bones of its prey.
Not much to dispute here. There has been a considerable amount of research into the potential bite force of an adult animal. A study published in 2012 (Bates and Falkingham) did indeed suggest a bite force around 12,800 lbs, for the teeth located in the back of the mouth. The researchers suggested a potential range of bite forces, with 12,800 lbs being at the upper end of their estimates.
Banana-shaped Eyes?
4). Tyrannosaurus rex had two large, banana-shaped eyes which gave it good depth perception and probably excellent vision.
This is not true, T. rex did not have two large, banana-shaped eyes. We suspect that this is the GenAI confusing two aspects of tyrannosaur cranial anatomy. Something that a real person would intuitively consider incorrect. T. rex is famous for its large teeth, often described as being banana-shaped. Its eyes were spherical and quite big, about the size of a tennis ball.
ChatGPT is correct when it asserts that it had good depth perception and probably excellent vision. Many palaeontologists suggest that T. rex had vision as good as a modern-day bird of prey.
The Rebor GrabNGo 02 T. rex Type A in anterior view. T. rex probably had excellent, binocular vision. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
5). Tyrannosaurus rex had a small brain compared to its body size, with a brain volume of only 1.5 litres (2.6 pints).
It is accurate to state that T. rex had a small brain relative to its body mass. This does not provide a measure of intelligence. For example, many birds such as crows and pigeons have small brains, but they are capable of solving complex problems and prodigious feats of memory and navigation. The statement about brain volume could also be disputed. Soft tissue preservation in the fossil record is exceptionally rare. No T. rex brain tissue has yet been found.
Brain size assessments are based on the volume of the braincase as calculated when skull bones are reconstructed. It would also be incorrect to assume that the brain of a Tyrannosaurus rex would completely fill the braincase, so only the maximum potential brain volume can be calculated.
Whilst errors can be identified in the answers given, we congratulate ChatGPT. It was a credible effort, particularly since the data set that the programme was working on was last updated in September 2021 or thereabouts.
The use of GenAI in writing books about dinosaurs, teaching about dinosaurs and perhaps providing updated display boards in museums is not too far away.
Everything Dinosaur has added a horseshoe crab soft toy to its range of prehistoric plush. The horseshoe crab is very cuddly, sponge washable and is a wonderful new addition to the company’s prehistoric animal soft toy range.
Everything Dinosaur has added a soft toy horseshoe crab to it range of prehistoric animal soft toys. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Horseshoe Crab Soft Toy
Animals in the family Limulidae are called “horseshoe crabs” due to the shape of their carapace which is shaped like a horseshoe. These ancient animals are not crabs. The first of these amazing creatures is thought to have evolved around 480 million years ago in the Ordovician. Often described as “living fossils” the four remaining species are the last representatives of the family, which was much more diverse in prehistoric times. Their body shape has not changed for millions of years.
Prehistoric plush! The soft and cuddly horseshoe crab.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Important Animals for Medical Research
These ancient creatures, with their famous, blue-coloured blood are playing an important role in medicine.
In the 1950s, researchers noticed that the blood of the western Atlantic horseshoe crab species (called Limulus polyphemus by scientists) clots quickly when exposed to certain bacteria. With further study, scientists determined that a compound called LAL (short for Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) is responsible for the clotting. LAL acts as a safeguard for the animals, reacting when it comes into contact with bacteria, fungi, and perhaps most importantly, proteins called endotoxins that are part of the cell structure of certain bacteria.
If these endotoxins get into a person’s bloodstream, they can cause a range of problems from fever to burst blood vessels in the brain. Even after an item has been sterilised of live bacteria, endotoxins can be residual. Researchers quickly saw the potential to use LAL as a simple, reliable test for endotoxins and developed methods to extract the compound. These ancient and increasingly rare marine animals continue to be studied by scientists, keen to understand more about their unique physiology.
The horseshoe crab soft toy will be supplied with an Everything Dinosaur horseshoe crab fact sheet.
An Everything Dinosaur Fact Sheet
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur welcomed the arrival of the horseshoe crab soft toy. It joins several other Palaeozoic plush such as the ammonite and belemnite soft toys.
The spokesperson stated:
“It is a very colourful prehistoric animal soft toy. This item of prehistoric plush has bright red legs, a cream-coloured underside and a brown carapace. It has beautiful, cute eyes and a long soft tail. The horseshoe crab soft toy is a welcome addition to our soft toy range.”
An Everything Dinosaur horseshoe crab fact sheet will be sent out with sales of this new soft toy.
Today, is the ninety-seventh birthday of Sir David Attenborough. On behalf of everyone at Everything Dinosaur we would like to wish Sir David “Many Happy Returns”. Over his extraordinary career, this British naturalist and broadcaster has seen the world change in dramatic and astonishing ways.
One huge and very recent development is the advance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). To illustrate this, we have asked ChatGPT to write today’s Everything Dinosaur blog post. ChatGPT writing a tribute to Sir David Attenborough.
Many Happy Returns Sir David Attenborough!
ChatGPT Pays Tribute to Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough is one of the most beloved broadcasters of all time. His career has spanned over seven decades, and his work has made an incredible impact on our understanding of the natural world. On May 8th, 2023, he will be celebrating his 97th birthday, and it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate his incredible achievements and contributions.
Sir David Attenborough’s broadcasting career began in 1952, when he joined the BBC. He quickly gained a reputation for his exceptional knowledge and skill in presenting natural history programmes. He has since presented a variety of programmes, including Life on Earth, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Frozen Planet. Each of these programmes has gone on to become hugely popular, and they have had a major impact on our understanding of the natural world.
In addition to his broadcasting work, Sir David Attenborough has also written numerous books and articles on natural history topics. He has also been an active campaigner for environmental conservation. He has spoken out against climate change and the destruction of natural habitats, and he has worked to promote sustainable practices.
Beloved Figure in Conservation and Environmentalism
Sir David Attenborough is one of the most beloved figures in conservation and environmentalism. His decades of work have had a profound impact on the way people think about the environment, inspiring countless others to take action and protect our planet.
Sir David’s passion for the natural world is evident in his work. He is a master storyteller, with the ability to capture both the beauty and fragility of our planet in ways that inspire us to appreciate and protect it. He has used his platform as a natural historian and broadcaster to engage millions of people across the world in conversations around conservation and sustainability.
Our thanks to ChatGPT for creating this short tribute to Sir David Attenborough.
Happy Birthday!
We asked the artificial intelligence software to generate a birthday message.
This is what ChatGPT produced:
“Happy Birthday, Sir David Attenborough! You have truly made a remarkable impact on the world of natural history, and we are so grateful for your immense contributions to the environment. Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy and happiness!”
A gentleman and a scholar.
We could not have put this better ourselves…
This blog post provides a demonstration of the power and scope of GenAI. It is going to change the world, hopefully for the benefit of all humanity.
As for the Everything Dinosaur blog, we will continue to invest our own time and use our own efforts to produce posts. If we utilise artificial intelligence in any future article, we will make sure to inform our readers.
Our thanks to young artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a superb drawing of the head of a Parasaurolophus. We were informed that Parasaurolophus is one of Caldey’s favourite dinosaurs. She enjoyed its brief appearance in the first “Jurassic Park” movie. It is a superb Parasaurolophus drawing.
Our thanks to young artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a fine illustration of the head of a Parasaurolophus. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
Parasaurolophus Head Drawing
The young artist has given her Parasaurolophus an impressive head crest and the blue motif works exceptionally well. It is thought that these lambeosaurine hadrosaurs had colour vision. So, why not give the Parasaurolophus a colourful appearance. Caldey has taken great care to include details of the skin and the dinosaur’s skin texture. The beak has been drawn accurately. In addition, that is a very impressive and professional signature that has been incorporated into the drawing.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Our thanks to Caldey for sending in her illustration. It is superb. Team members have had to prepare a script all about Parasaurolophus. The script was required for a series of short YouTube videos being created to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the film Jurassic Park.”
Parasaurolophus in “Jurassic Park”
Parasaurolophus may only have a relatively minor role in the 1993 film. However, its fleeting screen appearance sets the scene for what is to come in the rest of the film and vividly demonstrates how our perception of the Dinosauria has radically changed.
Our thanks to Caldey for sending in her Parasaurolophus illustration.
