Our thanks to Olivia who sent into Everything Dinosaur some pictures of her Beasts of the Mesozoic Psittacosaurus model. Olivia has just completed a dissertation on dinosaur pigmentation and the study of melanosomes preserved in the fossil record. She works at the amazing Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Museum has supported her research. The Psittacosaurus was used as a model to display for her EPQ presentation (Extended Project Qualification).  We are always pleased to hear from customers and, we are amazed at the adventures our prehistoric animal models have!

The Psittacosaurus photographed at the magnificent Oxford University Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Olivia.

Picture credit: Olivia

The Psittacosaurus Model and Countershading

Congratulations Olivia on completing your dissertation.  Olivia tells us her dissertation was entitled “Are fossilised pigments truly revolutionising our understanding of dinosaurs?”  The Psittacosaurus model is a great example of dinosaur colouration.  It displays countershading and it has been beautifully painted.

The articulated Psittacosaurus figure used in a display about dinosaur pigmentation and fossilised melanosomes. Picture credit: Olivia.

Picture credit: Olivia

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic models and figures in stock: Beasts of the Mesozoic Figures.

In 2016, a study which investigated the colour of Psittacosaurus was published in the journal “Current Biology”. This research (Vinther et al), focused on a remarkable Psittacosaurus specimen housed at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Frankfurt. Team members at Everything Dinosaur have had the opportunity to view this astonishing fossil. The fossil preserves evidence of countershading. Melanosomes preserved in the fossil permitted scientists to recreate an accurate model of Psittacosaurus. Our chum Bob Nicholls was involved in casting a replica of Psittacosaurus and testing the effectiveness of the countershading as a form of camouflage.

To read our blog post on this research: Calculating the Colour of Psittacosaurus.

The Psittacosaurus model with one of its distant descendants in the background. The skull replica is a cast of the skull of a Triceratops horridus. Picture credit: Olivia.

Picture credit: Olivia

A Psittacosaurus Model at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Olivia is a Visitor Experience Assistant at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  It is a fantastic museum, and we recommend a visit.  We are delighted to hear that a Beasts of the Mesozoic Psittacosaurus model has helped illustrate some important aspects of research into the Dinosauria.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Olivia for sending into us photographs of your model at the Museum.  We congratulate you on completing your dissertation and we wish you continuing success with your research.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.