Everything Dinosaur can confirm that they will be stocking the recently announced new PNSO Giganotosaurus dinosaur model. This new theropod figure is likely to arrive at the company’s warehouse later in the spring.
The PNSO Giganotosaurus dinosaur model is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur later in the spring (2023).
Lucas the Giganotosaurus
Team members at Everything Dinosaur think that this new figure will replace the original Lucas the Giganotosaurus model. Both replicas have the same declared scale, but the new figure looks to be a different sculpt and it is supplied without a display base.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that the new Giganotosaurus dinosaur model has an articulated lower jaw.
Lucas the Giganotosaurus has an articulated lower jaw.
Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Model
The PNSO Giganotosaurus carolinii model is supplied with a transparent support stand. The box will also contain a 48-page, a fully illustrated colour booklet, posters and the packaging will also include a QR code permitting customers access to videos about the creation of the figure.
The PNSO Lucas the Giganotosaurus is supplied with extras including colour posters, an illustrated 48-page colour booklet and the box will have a QR code linking customers to videos about the figure.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur welcomed this new edition to the PNSO product range and stated:
“We expect to have the new Giganotosaurus in stock later in the spring, but first we have as shipment of PNSO Deinocheirus, Suchomimus and Therizinosaurus figures plus other PNSO replicas coming in.”
Researchers from the University of Southampton and Ohio University have recreated the brains and the inner ears of two early members of the Spinosauridae in a bid to better understand how these unusual theropods evolved as piscivores.
The spinosaurs Baryonyx walkeri and Ceratosuchops inferodios are the oldest members of the Spinosauridae family for which braincase material is known. When Baryonyx was formally named and described in 1986 (Charig and Milner), it helped revolutionise our understanding of these bizarre and enigmatic carnivorous dinosaurs. Ceratosuchops was scientifically described much more recently (2021). Several of the authors of the paper on Ceratosuchops participated in this study.
Having reconstructed the brains of these early spinosaurs, the researchers concluded that Baryonyx and Ceratosuchops brains were reminiscent of the brains of other theropods and lacked the specific adaptations and characteristics of later spinosaurs.
An artist’s impression of Ceratosuchops inferodios and the orientation of the endocast in the skull. Picture credit: Anthony Hutchings.
Spinosaurids – Not Your Usual Theropods
The Spinosauridae are considered unusual members of the theropod clade. Their evolutionary origins and their exact placement within the Theropoda remain uncertain. These dinosaurs are united by having a series of adaptations that indicate a more specialised predatory role within the ecosystem. They seem to have specialised in catching fish, evolving long snouts, nostrils placed further up the skull and crocodile-like jaws that were lined with large numbers of conical teeth. Adaptations that distinguish the Spinosauridae from other theropod dinosaurs such as the allosaurs, abelisaurids and tyrannosaurs, which seem to have been more generalist hypercarnivores.
Scanning the Braincase and Digitally Reconstructing the Brain
To help the researchers better understand the evolution of the spinosaur brain. The braincase fossils of Baryonyx and Ceratosuchops were scanned in high resolution. Sophisticated computer models of the brains, inner ears and related soft tissues of these two dinosaurs were created from these scans.
The digital reconstruction of spinosaur “grey matter” revealed that the olfactory bulbs, which process smells, weren’t particularly developed, and the ear was probably attuned to low frequency sounds. Those parts of the brain involved in keeping the head stable and the gaze fixed on prey were possibly less developed than they were in later, more specialised spinosaurs.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the brain cavity and associated nerves and blood vessels within the braincase of the iconic British spinosaurid Baryonyx walkeri. Picture credit: WitmerLab/Chris Barker.
Commenting on the results, lead-author of the study, PhD student Chris Barker (University of Southampton), stated:
“Despite their unusual ecology, it seems the brains and senses of these early spinosaurs retained many aspects in common with other large-bodied theropods – there is no evidence that their semi-aquatic lifestyles are reflected in the way their brains are organised.”
Interpreting the Data
Although the fossil record of early spinosaurids is particularly poor, the researchers suggest that one interpretation of this brain study is that the theropod ancestors of spinosaurs already possessed brains and sensory adaptations that were suited to catching fish. Perhaps, as a way of avoiding direct competition with other large carnivores, the ancestral spinosaurids gradually spent more and more time hunting fish. Fish became an increasingly important part of the diet, a food resource not exploited to the same extent by other theropods. This led to the evolution of piscivorous adaptations such as longer jaws and conical teeth.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the brain cavity (purple), cranial nerves (yellow), inner ear (pink) and blood vessels (red and blue) of the British spinosaurid Ceratosuchops inferodios. This predator likely had an unexceptional sense of smell and could hear low frequency sounds. Picture credit: Chris Barker.
British Spinosaurs Contributing to Palaeontology
Co-author of the study, published in the Journal of Anatomy, Dr Darren Naish (University of Southampton) stated:
“Because the skulls of all spinosaurs are so specialised for fish-catching, it’s surprising to see such ‘non-specialised’ brains. But the results are still significant. It’s exciting to get so much information on sensory abilities – on hearing, sense of smell, balance and so on – from British dinosaurs. Using cutting-edged technology, we basically obtained all the brain-related information we possibly could from these fossils.”
Learning More About the Spinosauridae
The non-destructive technique of using sophisticated computerised tomography (CT scans) in palaeontology is helping to change views and perceptions about the Dinosauria. Spinosaurs remain one of the most enigmatic and controversial families within the Theropoda. This new research mapping the brains and inner ears of early members of the Spinosauridae provides a valuable contribution to the on-going discussions about the evolutionary development of spinosaurids and their role as specialist piscivores in Early Cretaceous dinosaur dominated terrestrial communities.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the contribution of a press release from the University of Southampton in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Modified skulls but conservative brains? The palaeoneurology and endocranial anatomy of baryonychine dinosaurs (Theropoda: Spinosauridae)” by Chris Tijani Barker, Darren Naish, Jacob Trend, Lysanne Veerle Michels, Lawrence Witmer, Ryan Ridgley, Katy Rankin, Claire E. Clarkin, Philipp Schneider and Neil J. Gostling published in the Journal of Anatomy.
The new Schleich dinosaur models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur.
The new figures are Gastonia, the giant, Asian ornithomimid Gallimimus, Edmontosaurus, Monolophosaurus and the Asian tyrannosaur that was contemporaneous with Gallimimus – Tarbosaurus bataar.
The new for 2023 Schleich dinosaurs have arrived at Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
New Schleich Dinosaur Models
The photograph (above) shows the five new dinosaur figures. The new feathered model of Gallimimus (top), with Gastonia (middle left) and Edmontosaurus (middle right). The two new Schleich carnivorous dinosaur models are on the bottom row, with the green Monolophosaurus (bottom left) and the tyrannosaur Tarbosaurus (bottom right).
The Schleich Monolophosaurus and the Schleich Tarbosaurus models have articulated lower jaws.
The new for 2023 Schleich dinosaur models. Tarbosaurus (top left), Monolophosaurus (top right). Bottom row Gallimimus (left), Edmontosaurus (centre) and Gastonia (right).
The Rebor adult Deinosuchus models have arrived in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The Deinosuchus estuary colour variant and the swamp colour variant have arrived.
The Rebor adult Deinosuchus in the estuary colour scheme. A view of the box contents. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Attaching the Tail Piece
Some model assembly is required. The tail piece has to be inserted into the crocodilian body, but team members at Everything Dinosaur found this task quite easy, and the tail piece was able to be slotted home without any problems.
The Deinosuchus replicas have articulated jaws, flexible tail tips that permit the tail to be posed to some extent and each figure comes with an Appalachiosaurus carcase accessory. The Appalachiosaurus carcase model can be seen in the image (above), it is located just above the snout of the Deinosuchus.
The assembled Rebor Deinosuchus in the estuary colour scheme. The assembled figure measures 45 cm in length. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Adult Deinosuchus Models
Prehistoric crocodile models are popular with collectors and Everything Dinosaur team members have spent a large part of Friday and this weekend (February 2023), contacting all those Rebor model fans who wanted to know when the pair of Deinosuchus figures were in stock.
The Rebor 1:35 Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Estuary version. This image shows the estuary model holding the Appalachiosaurus carcase figure.
Rebor Adult Deinosuchus Swamp Colour Variant
The Rebor adult Deinosuchus swamp colour variant has more green blended into the model, whereas the estuary figure has more grey. Both figures are beautifully painted and extremely detailed. Each figure has been applied with gloss to give the model a wet and shiny appearance, as if this giant crocodilian has just left the water.
Rebor adult Deinosuchus in the swamp colour scheme. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the Rebor adult Deinosuchus figures (swamp and estuary) and to see the range of Rebor figures and models stocked by Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Models and Prehistoric Animal Figures.
The Rebor Smilodon populator jungle colour scheme figure has arrived at the Everything Dinosaur warehouse and is now available from the company’s award-winning website.
The Rebor Smilodon populator 1:11 scale figure is supplied with interchangeable heads so the model can be posed with mouth open or mouth closed. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Smilodon populator
Smilodon populator is the largest species described to date within the Smilodon genus. Fossils indicate that S. populator had a shoulder height of around 1.2 metres. The design team at CollectA have given their jungle colour variant a declared scale of 1:11.
The model is supplied with two interchangeable heads. This permits model collectors to display their Smilodon with its mouth closed, or with its mouth open.
The Rebor Smilodon (jungle colour variant) shown with its mouth closed. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Smilodon populator Jungle
The Smilodon replica measures just under twenty-seven centimetres in length and customers of Everything Dinosaur will also receive a Smilodon fact sheet with sales of this Rebor figure.
The Rebor Smilodon populator 1/11th scale figure posed with its mouth open. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented, that team members had been busy contacting customers who had wanted to be notified when this prehistoric mammal model arrived.
The spokesperson added:
“The Rebor Smilodon populator jungle colour variant has a coat similar to that of an extant jaguar or leopard. Whilst the coat of Smilodon populator is unknown, the patterns on the coat would have helped to camouflage this large animal and to break-up its outline as it stalked prey.”
The Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat figure in the jungle colour scheme.
Our thanks to Caldey for the Beasts of the Mesozoic T. rex drawing that was sent into Everything Dinosaur. It is an illustration of the recently introduced 1:18 scale Tyrannosaurus rex. It is always a pleasure to receive drawings and other examples of customer’s artwork. Everything Dinosaur also receives lots of emails from customers showing off their prehistoric animal model collections.
Caldey’s illustration is extremely colourful and detailed. Ironically, we have been discussing the different sized scales associated with some interpretations of tyrannosaurs and we note how well Caldey has picked out the different sized scales on the jaw of the Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Tyrannosaurus rex figure.
Caldey’s interpretation of the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated T. rex figure in 1:18 scale. Picture credit: Caldey.
Beasts of the Mesozoic T. rex Drawing
The Tyrannosaurus rex has been drawn using felt tip pens, whilst the background has been produced using pencils. The use of different pens and pencils has enabled the T. rex to stand out strongly against the paler background.
The image of the Beasts of the Mesozoic Tyrannosaurus rex model in 1:18 scale that features on the back of the product packaging. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The image (above), shows the head of the 1:18 scale figure with its variety of different sized scales, which Caldey has cleverly reflected in her tyrannosaur illustration.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“The model has been carefully observed and the artist has thoughtfully considered how to compose the illustration and what materials to use to highlight the impressive Tyrannosaurus rex figure.”
The spokesperson went onto add:
“Thank you Caldey for taking the time and trouble to send into Everything Dinosaur your excellent Beasts of the Mesozoic inspired drawing.”
Everything Dinosaur team members recently took the opportunity to take some photographs of the popular PNSO Deinocheirus model. This replica of an Asian theropod, the largest ornithomimosaur known to science, has proved popular with collectors.
The PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model has an articulated jaw. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
PNSO Deinocheirus Model
Deinocheirus was named and described in 1970 (Osmólska & Roniewicz), from a pair of huge arms and elements from the shoulder girdle. Two further specimens, which were much more complete were described in 2014. Caudal vertebrae associated with the 2014 specimens indicated that this dinosaur had a tail plume, which has been depicted in the PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus replica.
Everything Dinosaur team members have been busy making preparations for the imminent arrival of the Rebor Deinosuchus 1:35 scale replicas in the estuary and swamp colour schemes. These prehistoric crocodile figures are expected in stock at Everything Dinosaur later this week.
Rebor 1:35 Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Swamp version with the remains of the Appalachiosaurus. This prehistoric crocodilian replica is due into stock at Everything Dinosaur later this week (February 2023).
Rebor Deinosuchus
The two models, the Rebor 1:35 scale Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Swamp version (pictured above) and the Rebor 1:35 scale Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Estuary version (pictured below), measure 45 cm long.
The actual box that each model is packed in is smaller, the tail of this prehistoric crocodilian is detached and to construct the figure the tail piece has to be inserted into the body of the model.
The Rebor 1:35 Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Estuary version. Each Deinosuchus replica is supplied with the head and torso of an unfortunate Appalachiosaurus theropod.
Articulated Jaws and Poseable Tails
Each Rebor Deinosuchus replica has an articulated jaw, and the tip of the tail is poseable. In addition, each model is supplied with a gory accessory, the head and neck of a recently deceased tyrannosaur (Appalachiosaurus). The meat-eating dinosaur could have been attacked by the Deinosuchus, or perhaps the unfortunate theropod drowned and the carcase had been discovered by the crocodile.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that the new Rebor Deinosuchus models would be in stock shortly and as soon as these superb figures arrived, team members would get busy alerting customers.
Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned a new scale drawing of the fearsome Late Cretaceous crocodilian Deinosuchus. This illustration will feature in the company’s updated Deinosuchus fact sheet.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have prepared a Gallimimus scale drawing as they await the arrival of new for 2023 Schleich dinosaur figures. Five new dinosaur models are expected, namely, Tarbosaurus, Monolophosaurus, Edmontosaurus, the armoured dinosaur Gastonia and the ornithomimid Gallimimus.
A Gallimimus scale drawing. Team members prepare for the arrival of the new Schleich Gallimimus dinosaur model by commissioning a Gallimimus scale drawing. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Schleich Dinosaur Models
A spokesperson for Everything Dinosaur explained that these new for 2023 Schleich dinosaur models were due to arrive at the company’s warehouse shortly. Everything Dinosaur already has fact sheets for the Tarbosaurus, Monolophosaurus, Edmontosaurus and Gastonia figures.
The new for 2023 Schleich dinosaur models. Tarbosaurus (top left), Monolophosaurus (top right). Bottom row Gallimimus (left), Edmontosaurus (centre) and Gastonia (right).
Gallimimus Scale Drawing
The scale drawing will provide a visual representation of the size of Gallimimus (G. bullatus). It is known from several complete skeletons and skulls representing juveniles to fully-grown adults. The fleet-footed dinosaur (although with shorter hind legs, it was probably not as swift a runner as smaller ornithomimids such as Struthiomimus or Sinornithomimus), will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few days.
Gallimimus is estimated to have measured up to six metres long, it stood two metres tall at the hip and palaeontologists estimate that it weighed around 450 kilograms.
Everything Dinosaur has resumed the despatch of International Standard Airmail (untracked parcels) from today (6th February 2023). A cyber incident at Royal Mail had resulted in the suspension of many international mail services from the UK. Over the last few days, Royal Mail has been implementing solutions and international standard airmail parcels can now be despatched.
All international orders from Everything Dinosaur can now be sent out.
Everything Dinosaur team members have taken steps to help minimise disruption for customers. All international orders can now be despatched. Overseas deliveries of parcels will be subject to delays as the mail network clears the backlog. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Royal Mail Statement
On Friday (3rd of February) Royal Mail issued a statement updating Everything Dinosaur on the progress that had been made to resolve this issue.
The Royal Mail Statement
“We continue to make progress in exporting an increasing number of items to a growing number of international destinations. We are using alternative solutions and systems, which are not affected by the recent cyber incident and have been successfully despatching parcels and letters which were in our network before the cyber incident and our services which have recently reopened. As a result of this progress and the continuing growth in capability of our alternative export solutions we have announced the restoration of many international export services.”
Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that team members had prepared some international standard airmail parcels for despatch on Friday evening (3rd February) with the remaining parcels, some of which had been delayed since this incident was first reported in the middle of January, being made ready for despatch today.
To read more about Everything Dinosaur’s shipping policy: Shipping Policy.
All customers whose parcels had been affected have been emailed to confirm that their order will be sent out.
The Everything Dinosaur spokesperson stated:
“We have put into operation contingency plans that have helped us to ensure that parcels could be sent overseas as soon as we had Royal Mail’s permission to do so. We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to that small minority of our customers who have been affected by the Royal Mail delays.”
