All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
21 05, 2023

The New PNSO Giganotosaurus 2.0 Reviewed

By |2024-01-02T20:16:18+00:00May 21st, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the new 2.0 PNSO Giganotosaurus figure. The reviewer commented that the head sculpt of this new PNSO theropod had been influenced by recent carcharodontosaurid research.

The detailing around the eyes and the ridges on the naris are praised.

PNSO Lucas the Giganotosaurus dinosaur model (new for 2023).
The new PNSO Lucas the Giganotosaurus dinosaur model.

PNSO Giganotosaurus 2.0

The deep set of the nostrils and skull shape is commented upon. When the articulated jaw is opened, rows of sharp teeth are displayed.

William comments:

“The PNSO Giganotosaurus is the most accurate Giganotosaurus carolinii head sculpt created to date.”

The reviewer states that dinosaur fans have a true Giganotosaurus standing before them when the model is unpacked. It has powerful neck muscles, a broad, strong back and a muscular tail. A wealth of varied folds and scales cover the model’s main torso.

“From top to bottom no area goes unloved. All is covered in the details never missed by PNSO and the figure has a cloaca.”

Giganotosaurus Limbs

The arms end in hands with fearsome claws. The middle digit is slightly larger than the other two. The hindlimbs are robust and powerful. The left foot is slightly raised as if this dinosaur was captured in mid stride. The reviewer comments on the colour scheme chosen for the model. He praises the subtle application of ochre around the snout. The orange eye is almost watching you. The fudge brown of the lacrimal crest and nasal ridges draws the eye towards the head.

PNSO Giganotosaurus dinosaur model.
The PNSO Giganotosaurus dinosaur model in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the spring (2023).

The Model Measurements

As with previous reviews, William provides the model’s measurements.

Scale = 1:35 with a length of 14 inches and a head height of approximately 3.5 inches. He explains that the figure is supplied with a clear, support stand. The Giganotosaurus box contains a full-colour booklet and dinosaur posters.

Time Period: Late Cretaceous 99.6–95 million years ago (Cenomanian).

Location: Argentina, Patagonia, Villa El Chocón, in the Neuquén Province.

The Science Behind the PNSO Giganotosaurus

Just ten years after the discovery of the fossils of Baryonyx walkeri, once again good fortune led to the discovery of another theropod dinosaur. Rubén D. Carolini was cruising the Villa El Chocón Badlands when he spotted a dinosaur bone (tibia). He contacted professional palaeontologists and at the 1994 meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Giganotosaurus was introduced to the world.

Giganotosaurus carolinii means Carolini’s giant southern lizard and the first illustration was created by renowned artist James Gurney. After viewing photos taken at the fossil site of the holotype, the team was offered funding to recover the specimen by Don Lessem. The team recovered 70% of the holotype skeleton which is now preserved and exhibited in the Ernesto Bachmann Paleontological Museum in Villa El Chocón.

To view the PNSO product range available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures and Models.

Lucas the Giganotosaurus has an articulated lower jaw.
Lucas the Giganotosaurus has an articulated lower jaw.

Theropod Classification

As part of his review William provided information on this dinosaur’s taxonomy.

Order: Theropoda

Superfamily: Allosauroidea

Clade: Carcharodontosauria

Family: Carcharodontosauridae

Tribe: Giganotosaurini

Genus: Giganotosaurus

Species: G. carolinii

William explained that palaeontologists estimate the length of this dinosaur at around 43 feet. It may have weighed in excess of 13 tons. It was the apex predator in the ecosystem. Giganotosaurus may have hunted titanosaurs. Perhaps packs of these carnivores mobbed large titanosaurs, or perhaps hunting tactics were more co-ordinated. Our thanks to William for providing some suggestions as to the hunting tactics employed by these super-sized predators.

The reviewer concluded by praising Everything Dinosaur and the manufacturer stating that PNSO had created a most accurate version of Giganotosaurus. He commented on the other theropod dinosaurs that PNSO had recently introduced and suggested that a Concavenator model should be included in the range.

William added:

“My thanks to all the team at Everything Dinosaur. Praise where praise is due to Everything Dinosaur. A Giga thank you to you all for your hard work now and in the future. With Everything Dinosaur, we are given a great choice of delivery options, and all are fairly priced.”

Our thanks to William for sending into Everything Dinosaur his comprehensive PNSO Giganotosaurus 2.0 model review.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

20 05, 2023

“April” the Tenontosaurus Dinosaur Fossil on Display

By |2023-05-28T06:52:42+01:00May 20th, 2023|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

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.

Tenontosaurus dinosaur fossil on display at the Manchester Museum.
“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.

CollectA Tenontosaurus model.
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.

To read about recent research on this important iguanodontian specimen: “April” the Tenontosaurus Reveals Her Secrets.

Tenontosaurus Dinosaur Fossil

“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.

A Tenontosaurus dinosaur fossil on display.
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.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

19 05, 2023

The Beautiful PNSO Basilosaurus Model is Retired

By |2024-01-02T20:16:42+00:00May 19th, 2023|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

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.

PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Basilosaurus replica. A PNSO Basilosaurus model.
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 PNSO Basilosaurus replica.
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.”

PNSO Basilosaurus illustration.
An illustration of Basilosaurus. The human figure provides a scale. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the PNSO Age of Dinosaurs figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

18 05, 2023

Terrific Tyrannosaur Illustration by Caldey

By |2024-01-02T06:48:05+00:00May 18th, 2023|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|0 Comments

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.

Tyrannosaur illustration by Caldey
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.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

17 05, 2023

Cave Art Recreated by Pupils

By |2023-06-14T07:03:27+01:00May 17th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Educational Activities, Key Stage 1/2, Main Page, Photos/Schools, Teaching|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members were reviewing some wonderful examples of cave art created by Year 3 and Year 4 pupils. The children attended Bowlee Community Primary, and they had been studying life in the Stone Age. As part of an exciting and diverse term topic the children had recreated cave paintings.

Cave art recreated by pupils.
A wonderful example of “Stone Age” cave art recreated by pupils at Bowlee Community Primary. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Recreating Cave Art

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur recalled visiting the school in 2017 and again in 2018. He praised the teaching team for their dedication and enthusiasm. The examples of the Stone Age drawings had been put on display outside the classroom. The children explained that they had enjoyed learning about their ancestors. They enjoyed creating the cave art and they were fascinated by the pictures of real cave art their teacher had shown them.

For inspirational teaching resources visit Everything Dinosaur’s child-friendly website: Everything Dinosaur.

16 05, 2023

A Spectacular Tyrannosaur Dentary

By |2024-01-02T20:18:37+00:00May 16th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Dinosaur fans will know that there were many different tyrannosaur taxa. Whilst on a visit to a museum, an Everything Dinosaur team member spotted a tyrannosaur dentary. The theropod jawbone was located away from the Tyrannosaurus rex exhibit. The fossil represents a member of the Tyrannosauridae family. The fossil is from a Daspletosaurus. The accompanying information did not state the species.

Daspletosaurus dentary.
A Daspletosaurus dentary on display at a museum (Natural History Museum London). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Daspletosaurus

Daspletosaurus roamed western North America (Laramidia) during the Late Cretaceous (Campanian faunal stage). Several species have been assigned to this genus. The genus was erected in 1970 (D. torosus). Subsequently, other species have been assigned including Daspletosaurus horneri in 2017 and Daspletosaurus wilsoni (2022).

To read about the naming of Daspletosaurus horneri: New Species of Daspletosaurus Announced.

For an article on the recently described: Daspletosaurus wilsoni: New Daspletosaurus Species Named.

There remains some uncertainty as to the taxonomic position of several tyrannosaur specimens known from the Late Cretaceous of North America.

Drawing of Daspletosaurus.
Larger tyrannosaur present in the Late Cretaceous ecosystem. An illustration of Daspletosaurus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) depicts a Daspletosaurus based on the CollectA model. To view this range of models and figures: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Tyrannosaur Dentary

The tyrannosaur jawbone (right dentary) depicts the typical D-shaped crowns associated with these theropods. A total of ten teeth can be viewed in the jawbone (buccal view). The buccal view shows the side of the jaw that is adjacent to the cheek.

Although Daspletosaurus was a large and powerful hunter, the lower jaw is less robust than the fossils associated with Tyrannosaurus rex.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The dentary is in an exceptional state of preservation. Museum visitors could easily overlook this excellent tyrannosaur dentary. However, fossils such as these can tell palaeontologists a lot about the Daspletosaurus genus and theropod dinosaurs in general.”

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

15 05, 2023

Exclusive News of Schleich Prehistoric Animal Model Retirements

By |2024-01-02T20:19:44+00:00May 15th, 2023|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

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.

A prehistoric pelycosaur from Schleich (Dimetrodon).
The new for 2019 Schleich Dimetrodon model has now been retired by the German manufacturer.

To read an article about the five new for 2023 Schleich prehistoric animal figures: Five New Schleich Dinosaur Models for 2023.

The Schleich Dimetrodon Model (2019)

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 flying reptile model.
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.”

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

14 05, 2023

New PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus is Reviewed

By |2024-03-09T15:54:37+00:00May 14th, 2023|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to model collector and dinosaur fan William who sent into Everything Dinosaur a review of the Mila the Mapusaurus dinosaur model. The Mapusaurus figure is one of several carcharodontosaurid models offered by PNSO.

William emailed Everything Dinosaur and explained that Mila arrived along with the new Lucas 2.0 Giganotosaurus model and Mungo the Meraxes.

The reviewer commented:

“All together an impressive trio of titans from the Southern Hemisphere”.

PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus

William explained that with the discovery of the Meraxes fossil material palaeontologists had a better understanding of carcharodontosaurid cranium anatomy. The head of the Mapusaurus model was described as being well-defined with prominent lacrimal crests and a nasal ridge.

The detailing around the eyes and the skin folds associated with the head sculpt were praised.

PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus.
The PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus dinosaur model.

William explained that the majority of the theropod figures supplied by PNSO have articulated jaws. He highlighted the detailing around the jaws including the roof of the mouth.

Reviewing the Model’s Body

The powerful neck is mentioned, and the point made about the completeness of the holotype fossil material aiding the carcharodontosaurid design. The similarity between carcharodontosaurid body plans is noted and the skin folds and texture praised.

William stated:

“From tip to tip every inch of Mila is an example of how to do a proper dinosaur figure. Even the cloaca is spot on.”

A trio of carcharodontosaurids. The new PNSO Giganotosaurus model in 1:35 scale along with the PNSO Mapusaurus and Meraxes figures.
A trio of carcharodontosaurids. The new PNSO Giganotosaurus model in 1:35 scale (top) along with the PNSO Mapusaurus (middle) and Meraxes figures (bottom). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Mapusaurus Limbs

The reduced forelimbs on the figure are examined. They were reduced in members of the Carcharodontosauridae. The reduction in size is not as extreme as within the abelisaurids or Tyrannosauridae. The reviewer explained that the highly detailed hands had three fingers. Each finger displayed a large claw, with the middle finger the largest of the three.

When referring to the hind legs, William commented:

“Mila’s hindlimbs are superbly sculpted with ripples and hints of veins. Each foot has three superb toes.”

The reviewer comments on the body colour and praised the combination of grey with a hint of rose pink. The colour scheme is a homage to the rosy, pink rocks associated with the holotype fossil material and honours Rose Letwin a sponsor of the excavation project.

The wide, charcoal stripes are highlighted, and the reviewer contrasts the Mapusaurus with other PNSO theropod figures.

Concluding his review William states:

“To the touch you can feel the fine detailing of the scales and the small scutes, the ripples folds and muscles are all very pleasing.”

Mila the Mapusaurus (PNSO).
An apex predator – the Mapusaurus dinosaur model from PNSO.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models available: PNSO Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

Providing Details About the Dinosaur

As with previous reviews, William provides model measurements.

Scale: 1:35.
Length: 14.2 inches.
Height: 4.2 inches.

He also explains that the PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus dinosaur model is supplied with a transparent support stand. An information booklet and a colour poster are also included.

Time Period:
Late Cretaceous 93.9–89.6 Million Years (Cenomanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous)
Location: Argentina Province of Neuquén Cañadón del Gato.

Discovery:
Over a period four years from 1997-2001 the Mapusaurus holotype was recovered by an Argentinian-Canadian Dinosaur Project. The holotype was described and named in 2006 by renowned palaeontologists Rodolfo Coria and Phil Currie.

Classifying the Dinosaur (PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus)

William also provided information on the taxonomy of Mapusaurus roseae.

Classification:
Clade: Theropoda
Superfamily: Allosauroidea
Clade: Carcharodontosauria.
Family: Carcharodontosauridae.
Subfamily: Giganotosaurini.
Genus: Mapusaurus.
Species: roseae.

He estimated that this theropod weighed around five tonnes and measured between thirty-six and forty feet in length.

Mapusaurus co-existed with several other theropods including Skorpiovenator and Ilokelesia.

Concluding his review William stated:

“All the PNSO Charcharodontosauridae figures are worthy of a place in any novice or serious collectorscollection. They are outstanding in every way.”

Our thanks to William for sending in his PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus dinosaur model review.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

13 05, 2023

The Fantastic “The Dinosaurs Rediscovered” Spotted

By |2024-01-02T20:20:07+00:00May 13th, 2023|Book Reviews, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

It’s another case of dinosaur book bingo. A book entitled “The Dinosaurs Rediscovered” was spotted in a museum gift shop. This excellent and popular book was published in 2019. Professor Michael Benton is based at the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol.

Spotting "The Dinosaurs Rediscovered" book.
Another case of dinosaur book bingo. The book “The Dinosaurs Rediscovered” by Michael J. Benton spotted in a museum shop. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“The Dinosaurs Rediscovered”

Mike Benton is a professor of vertebrate palaeontology. He studies the large-scale evolution of major groups such as the Dinosauria and other archosaurs. He explores the effects of mass extinctions, environmental change, and biological innovation on the evolution of reptiles, mammals and birds. Professor Benton has written dozens of books about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. He is a highly respected author.

To read an earlier blog post about “The Dinosaurs Rediscovered”: “The Dinosaurs Rediscovered” by Professor Michael Benton.

Professor Benton outlines the changes in palaeontology over the last twenty years. He discusses new fossil discoveries and the impact of new technologies on research. The book illustrates how our perceptions regarding the Dinosauria have changed. We are living in a “golden age” of dinosaur research.

Book Reviews

The book has proved to be extremely popular. It has been widely praised.

The eminent British palaeontologist Richard Fortey OBE stated that the book was an engaging account of the evolution of the “terrible lizards”. It is aimed at readers with a general interest in life in the past.

He commented:

“Mike Benton has brought together all the latest information in this succinct and well-illustrated book.”

Everything Dinosaur team members will see if they can spot more dinosaur books over the summer. We shall continue to play dinosaur book bingo. What other titles can we observe whilst on our adventures?

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

12 05, 2023

A Rare and Precious Mary Anning Letter

By |2024-01-02T20:20:34+00:00May 12th, 2023|Dinosaur Fans, Famous Figures, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

A letter from Mary Anning to the Reverend William Buckland forms part of an extensive archive recently purchased by a museum. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History has acquired archive material belonging to pioneering geologist the Reverend William Buckland and his artist and illustrator wife Mary (née Morland). The archive includes a rare Mary Anning letter.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier blog post discussing the Buckland archive: Museum Acquires William Buckland Archive.

Mary Anning Letter
Part of a signed letter from Mary Anning to William Buckland from December 21st 1830. Mary Anning wrote to the Reverend Buckland to inform him about the recent discovery of a plesiosaur fossil. Picture credit: Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The Mary Anning Letter

As a woman, Mary was largely excluded by the male-dominated scientific community. However, she did know more about fossils, geology and palaeontology compared to many of her gentleman patrons who purchased fossils from her. Only a few documents penned by Mary Anning exist. Pages from Mary Anning’s notebook are on display at the Dorset County Museum. A letter from Mary to William Buckland discussing the plesiosaur discovery forms an important part of the Buckland archive.

Mary in collaboration with family members excavated many extremely important fossil specimens including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and fish. In December 1828, Mary Anning discovered the first pterosaur fossil reported from England. This specimen was described by the Reverend William Buckland a year later (Dimorphodon macronyx).

To view models and replicas of marine reptiles and pterosaurs: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Mary Anning letter.
A section of the Mary Anning letter to William Buckland. Picture credit: Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This is an important, historical and culturally significant archive. The archive will fit with the Oxford University Museum’s existing collection. It will help to provide a better understanding of the contribution made to science and to scientific debate in the Georgian/Victorian era.”

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

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