Team members at Everything Dinosaur photographed a huge estuarine crocodile skull on display at a London museum. The stunning skull was part of an exhibit demonstrating reptile anatomy at the Grant Museum of Zoology (London).
An anterior view of the skull of an estuarine crocodile photographed in the Grant Museum, London. The largest reptile on Earth, the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from south-east Asia is also known as the saltwater crocodile or saltie. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
An Estuarine Crocodile Skull
The Grant Museum is currently closed. It is undergoing a redevelopment programme. Everything Dinosaur visited this amazing museum in 2018. The Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy was established in 1827 by Robert Edmond Grant (1793-1874). It was established to serve as a teaching collection at the newly founded University of London (later University College London).
We photographed the estuarine crocodile skull in anterior view. The estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest living reptile. Some specimens weigh more than a tonne. It is a formidable predator, and it is also referred to as the saltwater crocodile or saltie.
These crocodiles inhabit both freshwater and brackish environments. They have been observed swimming far out at sea. This may explain their extensive geographical distribution. These crocodiles are found from India’s eastern coast to northern Australia. They are apex predators and generalist carnivores. This crocodile is regarded as a maneater and sadly, there are numerous fatal attacks reported each year.
Once hunted for its skin, the numbers of this species of crocodile have dramatically increased since legal protection was implemented.
The Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy
The Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is an amazing place to visit. It is full of stunning skeletons demonstrating the diversity of vertebrate life on Earth. It is also home to a vast collection of invertebrate specimens. If in London in 2024, a visit to this museum is recommended.
Our knowledge of the Dinosauria is constantly changing as new fossil discoveries are made and advanced scientific techniques are employed to interpret dinosaur body and trace fossils. A new book written by Professor Michael Benton (University of Bristol) with superb illustrations by renowned palaeoartist Bob Nicholls brings to life these extraordinary reptiles. Entitled “Dinosaur Behavior” and published by Princeton University Press, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest dinosaur research.
Spectacular prehistoric creatures how they lived, fed, sensed the world around them and interacted with each other is vividly portrayed in this comprehensive new dinosaur book.
“Dinosaur Behavior” by Professor Michael Benton (University of Bristol) and illustrated by renowned palaeoartist Bob Nicholls. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“Dinosaur Behavior”
“Dinosaur Behavior” is divided into seven chapters with each one focusing on a different aspect of the Dinosauria. The first chapter provides a perspective on the dinosaurs, explaining their evolutionary origins, how scientists construct ancient worlds from the geological record and the forensic approach to fossil excavation and preparation. Subsequent chapters deal with various aspects of dinosaur biology and how behaviour can be inferred from scientific evidence.
There are over 150 beautiful illustrations by the highly respected palaeoartist Bob Nicholls. Many of these artworks were specially commissioned, helping to portray dinosaurs as active, complex animals. For example, in the chapter dealing with dinosaur locomotion the origins of powered flight are explained. The clear and concise narrative is accompanied by beautiful illustrations of the varied evolutionary paths taken by different types of dinosaur to adapt to a life in the trees.
The text is accompanied by stunning illustrations helping to explain the numerous areas of scientific research concerning the Dinosauria included within the book. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The image (above) shows the feathered Anchiornis (top left) and the bizarre Yi qi, a scansoriopterygid with bizarre bat-like wings.
Social and Highly Active Reptiles
Author Michael Benton is a professor of vertebrate palaeontology at the University of Bristol. He is a fellow of the Royal Society. Over a long and distinguished career, he has done a great deal to inform the wider public about how our views regarding iconic dinosaurs have changed. His latest book explores the behaviour and physiology of these fascinating animals. It provides a fresh perspective on the complex lives of non-avian dinosaurs, how they fed, choose mates, raised their young, communicated and ultimately became extinct.
Aimed at the general public as well as dinosaur fans, students and academics, this is a beautifully crafted book that updates the reader on the amazing research that is providing thrilling insights into the lives of dinosaurs.
The front cover of the recently launched dinosaur book “Dinosaur Behavior” by Professor Michael J. Benton and illustrated by Bob Nicholls. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Published by Princeton University Press
“Dinosaur Behavior” is published by Princeton University Press. It will officially go on sale on the 31st of October (2023).
Published in time for the festive season, this stunningly illustrated guide to the Dinosauria would make an excellent gift.
Highly recommended.
Book Details
The Book: “Dinosaur Behavior An Illustrated Guide”
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published October 2023 | Price: £30.00/$35.00 USD (hardback) | Pages: 222 Over 150 scientific illustrations plus colour photographs.
ISBN: 9780691244297
Visit the website of Princeton University Press: Princeton University Press. Search on the website for the author or title to find the book.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that they will be stocking the recently announced PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax dinosaur model. The shipment of PNSO dinosaur models is already on the water and expected to arrive in a few weeks.
The latest theropod to be announced by PNSO is Donald the Saurophaganax. It is a beautiful model of a Late Jurassic theropod dinosaur from North America.
PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax
Saurophaganax (S. maximus) is known from fossils from the famous Morrison Formation of the United States. Numerous theropods have been named based on Morrison Formation fossils. However, Saurophaganax is regarded as the largest known to science. Some palaeontologists have estimated that this theropod reached lengths in excess of thirteen metres.
The new for late 2023 PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax figure.
Fossils ascribed to allosauroids are found throughout most of the strata of the Morrison Formation. It remains uncertain as to whether Saurophaganax is a distinct genus, or just an example of a particularly robust and large Allosaurus. The taxonomic relationship between S. maximus and Allosaurus spp. remains controversial.
An Articulated Jaw and Lips
In recognition of recent scientific papers, the PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax model has been given lips. This beautiful theropod figure also has an articulated lower jaw.
The Saurophaganax figure has an articulated lower jaw and the design team at PNSO have opted to give their Saurophaganax model lips. This reflects current scientific thinking.
To view the range of PNSO dinosaur and prehistoric animal figures available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.
PNSO Saurophaganax Model Measurements
This new PNSO figure measures 30 cm in length and the models stands 10.8 cm tall. PNSO have taken care to ensure that their Saurophaganax figure is bigger than both their Torvosaurus and Allosaurus models. Paul the Allosaurus 25 cm long and Connor the Torvosaurus measures 29.5 cm long. This is in keeping with current scientific thinking with regards to the size of these three theropods.
The Saurophaganax model measures 30 cm in length and stands 10.8 cm high.
Praising the PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax Figure
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the new Saurophaganax figure and commented:
“Collectors have the opportunity to display three famous Morrison Formation theropods together. The Allosaurus, Torvosaurus and the new PNSO Saurophaganax are roughly in the same scale. This will permit dinosaur fans to display dinosaur models that reflect the known fossil record of this famous geological formation.”
The PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax model is supplied with a number of accessories. It comes complete with a transparent support stand, an A3 Sci-Art poster and a 64-page, full-colour booklet.
The PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax dinosaur model is supplied with a transparent support stand. In addition, the model comes with an A3 Sci-Art poster and a 64-page, full-colour booklet.
In 2015, Everything Dinosaur team members visited Wren’s Nest. This is a nature reserve and SSSI (Special Site of Scientific Interest). The exposed strata dates from the Silurian and it is full of fossils including the occasional trilobite. Whilst exploring this location, a photograph was taken of a trilobite tribute. A plaque honouring the “Dudley bug” (Calymene blumenbachii).
A trilobite plaque at the Wren’s nest SSSI (Dudley, West Midlands). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Remembering the Trilobite
The Trilobita were remarkably abundant and diverse during the Palaeozoic. These ancient marine arthropods originated in the Cambrian. The last of their kind are believed to have become extinct at the end of the Permian.
The abundant fossils to be found at the Wren’s Nest nature reserve represent life on a Silurian reef approximately 420 million years ago. Team members have visited Wren’s Nest several times. This location was designated Britain’s first National Nature Reserve for geology (1956).
The motif is an inscription it reads:
“Scour the ground for geological litter my feet drenched in an ancient sea.”
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
The picture (above) shows a CollectA trilobite model.
Over 700 different types of fossil are known from Wren’s Nest. Over eighty are unique to this location and found nowhere else on the planet.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Wren’s Nest is a geological gem. We recommend a visit, especially in the early summer months prior to the school holidays. In the height of summer this location can get extremely busy and there is limited nearby parking”
The Rebor “Lonesome George” giant tortoise replica is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Part of the Rebor GrabNGo range, the model is a 1:6 scale replica of a famous resident of Pinta Island.
The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in oblique lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor “Lonesome George”
The detailed giant tortoise figure honours “Lonesome George” the last Pinta Island tortoise known to science. This tortoise died on June 24th, 2012. The subspecies Chelonoidis niger abingdonii became extinct. It is thought that “Lonesome George” was over a hundred years old when he died.
The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in posterior view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
“Lonesome George” has become a symbol for conservation. The preserved taxidermy of this tortoise is on display at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in the Galapagos National Park headquarters on the island of Santa Cruz. The facility was established to help protect the remaining indigenous tortoise populations of the Galapagos Islands.
The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in ventral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Rebor “Lonesome George” figure measures 30 cm long and it stands around 20 cm tall. The model shows amazing detail, even the underside is stunning (see image above). The plastron and the texture on the feet are to be commended.
The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in lateral view. The model measures 30 cm long and stands 20 cm high. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised Rebor for their attention to detail. The pose of the Rebor “Lonesome George” replica reflects the pose chosen by the taxidermist for the giant tortoise.
The Rebor Sarcosuchus imperator models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. These two, amazing prehistoric crocodile figures arrived yesterday. There is “Lica” in the Lake colour scheme and “Lica” in the River colour scheme. Both figures are supplied with a drowned, juvenile Nigersaurus accessory.
The box contents of the Sarcosuchus prehistoric crocodile figures from Rebor. These are 1:35 scale figures with “Lica” River (left) and “Lica” Lake on the right. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the range of Rebor replicas and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Figures and Models.
Sarcosuchus with a Flexible Tail
The Rebor Sarcosuchus imperator models are supplied with separate tails and bodies. To create the Sarcosuchus figure, simply insert the tail plug into the body cavity. Dipping the tail plug in hot water or adding a drop of vegetable oil to help lubricate the plug will help with the insertion.
The Sarcosuchus models have flexible tails. Therefore, these prehistoric crocodiles can be posed in different positions.
Take care when opening the jaws. We suggest dipping the jaws in hot water before easing them open.
The Rebor Sarcosuchus models have flexible tails. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Sarcosuchus imperator Models
The Rebor Sarcosuchus imperator models have a declared scale of 1:35. When assembled each prehistoric crocodile figure is approximately 45 cm in length. The models are supplied with a drowned juvenile Nigersaurus replica. It can be placed in the jaws to give the impression that the Sarcosuchus has grabbed a sauropod.
The “Lica” Lake colour variant of the Rebor Sarcosuchus imperator figure holding the drowned Nigersaurus.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised Rebor for their stunning prehistoric crocodile creations.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Mosasaurus Dragon Spirit 1:35 scale marine reptile model is in stock. This limited-edition and stunning prehistoric animal collectable is available from Everything Dinosaur. One small production run has been scheduled. Nanmu Studio have no plans to make any more.
The figure is huge. On its beautiful and detailed display base the Mosasaurus stands over half a metre tall.
How to demonstrate the size of this figure? Fortunately, we have Sue who harnessed her inner Dragon Spirit to highlight just how big this amazing marine reptile is.
A picture is worth a thousand words…
The spectacular limited-edition Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Mosasaurus Dragon Spirit model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Mosasaurus Dragon Spirit
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Mosasaurus Dragon Spirit stands 51.5 cm tall. Sue struggles to look over the Mosasaurus box when she is holding it, the box is that big. This is an effective demonstration of just how colossal this figure is. It also highlights what a fantastic job Nanmu Studio did on the product packaging artwork.
The stunning Nanmu Studio Spinosaurus Pharaoh dinosaur model has arrived at Everything Dinosaur. This is a deluxe Spinosaurus figure with a beautiful, but rather gory display base.
The beautiful but rather gory Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Spinosaurus 2.0 Supplanter Pharaoh complete with display base.
The Nanmu Studio Spinosaurus Pharaoh is aptly named. After all fossils of the iconic Spinosaurus aegyptiacus are known from Egypt. Spinosaurus could be the largest terrestrial carnivore that ever lived. Size estimates vary, but many palaeontologists estimate that Spinosaurus could have been more than 14 metres in length. This figure is not quite so huge, but it still measures an impressive 42 cm long and it stands around 21 cm tall. The Nanmu Studio Spinosaurus Pharaoh has a declared scale of 1:35.
Nanmu Studio Spinosaurus Pharaoh in 1:35 scale.
A Deluxe Display Base
The display base for this detailed figure features the severed head of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Debris from a plane is also included. The model represents a classic scene from the third movie in the “Jurassic Park” film franchise. This film released in 2001 introduced cinema audiences to Spinosaurus. In the famous scene a Spinosaurus kills a T. rex in an epic fight.
The dinosaur display base has incredible detail. It measures approximately 20 cm in length. The display base is 11 cm across at its widest part.
The display base for the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Supplanter Spinosaurus Pharaoh features the severed head of a Tyrannosaurus rex.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur welcomed the new Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series figure. In addition, the colour scheme and the model’s details were praised.
Visit the award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur team members took some photographs of the London Natural History Museum Baryonyx exhibit during a visit to the Museum in the summer. The first skeletal remains of this iconic theropod were discovered forty years ago. This dinosaur was formally named and described in 1986 (Baryonyx walkeri).
The mounted cast of the Baryonyx skeleton on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Museum Baryonyx Exhibit
Baryonyx was named by British palaeontologists Alan J. Charig and Angela Milner, based on about 70 percent of the skeleton. The holotype was originally known as BMNH R9951, however, it was later re-catalogued as NHMUK VP R9951. It remains one of the most complete theropod fossil skeletons known from the British Isles. It is also one of the most complete examples of a spinosaurid known to science.
The museum Baryonyx exhibit (pictured above), is not made up of the actual fossil bones. Instead, the mounted skeleton is made up of casts and reconstructed skeletal material.
The new for 2021 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Baryonyx dinosaur model. A typical replica of Baryonyx walkeri.
Numerous Baryonyx replicas have been produced. It remains a popular theropod dinosaur. The image (above) shows the 2021 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Baryonyx figure.
The London Natural History Museum display also includes several Baryonyx fossil casts. These exhibits highlight important characteristics of the fossil skeleton. Team members at Everything Dinosaur took the opportunity to admire the cast of the premaxilla and a partial maxilla on display.
Casts of the preserved premaxilla and the maxilla of Baryonyx on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that Baryonyx walkeri was one of their favourite British theropod dinosaurs. Although, they did concede that fossil specimens from elsewhere in the world had been assigned to this genus.
Everything Dinosaur team members treated themselves to a visit to a local garage kit show yesterday. The event was held at the Canalside Conference Centre in our home town. Some exhibitors and collectors had visited our offices and warehouse late last week. It was an ideal opportunity for them to pick up one or two prehistoric animal figures to go with their own monster models.
We were able to visit and to meet some of the extremely talented model makers and exhibitors. There were amazing models on display including many figures inspired by monsters from movies and science fiction. There were some excellent dinosaur dioramas on display too.
A garage kit show featuring fabulous monster models. This free to enter exhibition attracted monster model fans from all over the UK. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Monster Models
The model displays were amazing. There were all sorts of dioramas to admire, from tributes to Ray Harryhausen to military figures and Hammer Horror ghouls. Monster models including Godzilla, Medusa and many figures from the Warhammer franchise were on display. It was difficult to decide which diorama was our favourite.
We were asked lots of questions about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. We passed on some information about recent dinosaur fossil discoveries and new research.
We were able to talk to the very friendly model collectors and enthusiasts about their hobby and we provided advice on which, inexpensive models to purchase to use in dioramas and prehistoric landscapes. One of the ranges we recommended was the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Prehistoric Life model range.
