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.”
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.
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 (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.”
An apex predator – the Mapusaurus dinosaur model from PNSO.
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.
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 collectors‘ collection. They are outstanding in every way.”
Our thanks to William for sending in his PNSO Mila the Mapusaurus dinosaur model review.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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).
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.”
Thanks to researchers from the University of Bristol, the culprit behind the infamous destruction of New York’s first life-size dinosaur theme park has been revealed. A New York museum mystery has been solved.
A new paper from the University of Bristol documents the bizarre case of the destruction of prehistoric animal figures destined for New York’s Central Park. The research team have shed light on one of the strangest and most puzzling events in the early history of palaeontology.
In May 1871, the partially built, life-size models of prehistoric creatures including several dinosaurs, being created for a new museum were totally destroyed in an act of malicious vandalism by a gang of thugs armed with sledgehammers. The remains were carted away and buried somewhere in the park. They have not been found to date.
The sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkin’s conceptual drawing of the Palaeozoic Museum. Picture credit: Annual report of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park (1858).
American Politician William “Boss” Tweed Not Involved
It had been widely thought that the destruction of the statues was ordered by the notorious American politician William “Boss” Tweed.
In the new paper from Ms Victoria Coules of Bristol’s Department of History of Art and Professor Michael Benton of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, the politician is exonerated. New light on this bizarre episode has been shed. Contrary to previous accounts, it was the Treasurer and Vice President of the Central Park, Henry Hilton who most likely, organised the vandalism.
Ms Coules commented:
“It’s all to do with the struggle for control of New York city in the years following the American Civil War (1861-1865). The city was at the centre of a power struggle – a battle for control of the city’s finances and lucrative building and development contracts.”
A New York City Power Struggle
As the city expanded, the iconic Central Park was taking shape. It was to be more than just a green space. It was to have other attractions, including the Palaeozoic Museum. Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, a famous British sculptor who had created the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, the life-size models of prehistoric creatures in London – had travelled to the USA to build American versions of the animals.
However, the notorious William “Boss” Tweed had taken control of the city and, in sweeping changes to the city’s management, put his own henchmen in charge of city departments, including Central Park. They cancelled the partially complete project in late 1870. There the matter would have lain but in May 1871 someone ordered a gang of workmen to smash all of its partly finished contents.
Professor Benton (University of Bristol) explained:
“Previous accounts of the incident had always reported that this was done under the personal instruction of “Boss” Tweed himself, for various motives from raging that the display would be blasphemous, to vengeance for a perceived criticism of him in a New York Times report of the project’s cancellation.”
The studio of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins at the Central Park Arsenal, with models of extinct animals. Published in The 12th Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Park for the Year Ending December 31st 1868. Picture credit: The University of Bristol.
Things Did Not Seem Right
Ms Coules added that when reading the reports, suspicions were raised. At the time, Tweed was fighting for his political life having already been accused of financial impropriety. Why would he have got himself involved in a museum project?
The research team examined the original sources and discovered that the culprit was not Tweed.
“The motive was not blasphemy or hurt vanity”.
A Complicated New York Museum Mystery
The situation was complicated by two other projects in development at the same time in Central Park. The building of the American Museum of Natural History and the Central Park Zoo.
Professor Benton explained:
“Drawing on the detailed annual reports and minutes of Central Park, along with reports in the New York Times, we can show that the real villain was one strange character by the name of Henry Hilton.”
Ms Coules stated that with the primary information sources available on-line, the researchers could study them in detail. They were able to demonstrate that the destruction of the prehistoric animal statues was ordered by Henry Hilton. He was the Treasurer and Vice President of Central Park.
Hilton was already infamous for other eccentric behaviour. For example, he ordered a bronze statue in the Park painted white. When the skeleton of a whale was donated to the American Museum of Natural History, he ordered that painted white too.
The Megalosaurus statue at Crystal Palace a dinosaur from 1854. This sculpture is still on display in south London. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture above shows one of the Crystal Palace prehistoric animal statues. This is the Megalosaurus. Like the other sculptures at Crystal Palace, it is a Grade I listed building.
Summing up this bizarre tale, Professor Benton concluded:
“This might seem like a local act of thuggery but correcting the record is hugely important in our understanding of the history of palaeontology. We show it wasn’t blasphemy, or an act of petty vengeance by William Tweed, but the act of a very strange individual who made equally bizarre decisions about how artefacts should be treated – painting statues or whale skeletons white and destroying the museum models. He can be seen as the villain of the piece but as a character, Hilton remains an enigmatic mystery.”
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bristol in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “The curious case of Central Park’s dinosaurs: The destruction of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins’ Paleozoic Museum revisited” by Victoria Coules and Michael J. Benton published in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association.
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.
The discovery of a fossil sturgeon scute demonstrates that these “royal fish” were present in North Africa during the Late Cretaceous. The single, fossil scute is the first ever sturgeon fossil to have been found in Africa. The scute is a bony plate embedded into the sturgeon’s skin. Scutes provided a form of dermal armour that evolved to help protect these very ancient fish.
A digital photo of the sturgeon scute (also called buckler) specimen. Picture credit: University of Portsmouth.
A Significant Fossil Discovery
The sturgeon (there are more than two dozen extant species), belongs to the Acipenseriformes Order, which probably originated in the Late Triassic. Sturgeon fossils which are very similar to extant species, are known from Upper Cretaceous strata. Historically, they are associated with cooler waters of the Northern Hemisphere. The specimen was discovered by Professor David Martill (University of Portsmouth). It proves that these magnificent fish were present in Africa.
Sturgeons were more widespread in the Cretaceous than previously thought.
An extant European sturgeon. Picture credit: University of Portsmouth.
Professor Martill was exploring a well-known Moroccan fossil site during a field trip last November. He spotted a row of bony plates (bucklers) on a piece of rock and instinctively recognised the fossils represented the scutes from a sturgeon.
Discussing this significant fossil find, the Professor commented:
“It was a surprising discovery because all sturgeon species have been exclusively found in the Northern Hemisphere in the past. They’ve been located in North America, Europe, Russian Asia, Chinese Asia, but never in South America, Australia, Africa or India, which are the land masses that made up Gondwana, a supercontinent that existed around 336 million years ago and began breaking up around 150 million years ago.”
A drawing showing an extant sturgeon in lateral view. The different scutes are highlighted. Picture credit: University of Portsmouth.
A “Royal Fish”
The sturgeon has long been prized for its meat and for its roe (eggs). The roe is commonly referred to as caviar. King Edward II of England declared that all sturgeon from the waters of Wales and England belong to the monarch. This declaration was made in the early 14th century. Since then, these fish have been regarded as “royal fish”.
Sadly, due to overfishing and pollution, many species of extant sturgeon are close to extinction.
Commenting on his African fossil discovery Professor Martill stated:
“Russian beluga caviar is one of the most expensive in the world. Little did we know that at one time an extremely rare African sturgeon could have been a source of this delicacy!”
A digital photo of the dorsal surface of the fossil. Note the scale bar of 20 mm. Picture credit: University of Portsmouth.
Fossil Sturgeon Scute
Sturgeon are thought of as being “living fossils”, for they seem to have remained relatively unchanged since the time of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. Records from the 18th and 19th centuries indicate specimens reaching more than seven metres in length and weighing over 1.5 tonnes, but fish of this size are exceedingly rare today.
Professor Martill added:
“The very first sturgeons appear in the fossil record in the Late Triassic period in China. But the oldest true sturgeon ever discovered is probably a specimen in the Steve Etches collection from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast in England, which is mentioned in a book Steve and I wrote about fossils in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation.”
The discovery of a sturgeon fossil in Morocco complicates models of the geographical distribution of these fish during the Late Cretaceous.
A map of the continents at the end of the Cretaceous (66 million years ago). Sturgeon fossil localities are marked by solid black circles. Picture credit: University of Portsmouth
The fossil specimen is now in the collection of the University King Hassan II, Casablanca.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Portsmouth in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “A sturgeon (Actinopterygii, Acipenseriformes) from the Upper Cretaceous of Africa” by David M. Martill published in Cretaceous Research.
