Everything Dinosaur has created a new advertisement for issue 159 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. The full-colour, full-page image features the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex, but look closely at the display base and there is much more to discover.
The full-colour, full-page advertisement scheduled for issue 159 of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex – Following the Fossil Evidence
The 1:33 scale Tyrannosaurus rex is supplied with a carefully designed display base representing a dried-up water source in the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek landscape. Even the cracks in the ground have been individually sculpted. Palaeontologists consider the strata associated with the Hell Creek Formation to represent a highly seasonal environment. For example, there was a wet season and an extensive dry season. Water courses would have been affected by this palaeoenvironment. Small ponds and other water sources were ephemeral. However, amongst these details are features directly inspired by the fossil record.
Three-toed theropod tracks have been incorporated into the base. These footprints were modelled using genuine tyrannosaur tracks as a reference. They are not simply decorative additions. Fossil footprints are trace fossils and can provide palaeontologists with valuable evidence about how extinct animals moved and behaved.
Intriguingly, recent research into Tyrannosaurus foot function provides further support for the way the tracks were reconstructed. The deeper impressions associated with the toes rather than the heel are consistent with evidence indicating a more bird-like footfall in Tyrannosaurus.
To read our article about a recently described probable Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in North Dakota: Extraordinary Theropod Trackway from North Dakota.
More Evidence Associated with the Display Base
The attention to detail does not stop with the footprints. A replica coprolite – fossilised dung – has also been incorporated into the display. This feature was based on large coprolites from deposits containing Tyrannosaurus rex fossils.
The tracks on the Everything Dinosaur Evolution display base are based on actual prints from the fossil record. The deeper toe area indicates that these tracks reflect the latest research. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution model range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Scale Models.
Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We wanted the fossil evidence to influence every aspect of our T. rex, not just the dinosaur itself. The tracks, dried lakebed and even the coprolite on the display base help tell the story of a real animal that lived more than 66 million years ago. For us, these details are an important part of bringing palaeontology to life.”
The advertisement prepared for issue 159 of “Prehistoric Times” provides another opportunity to showcase the philosophy behind Everything Dinosaur Evolution. Scientific accuracy extends beyond the dinosaur itself. The landscape, tracks and even the dinosaur dung help tell the story.
For Everything Dinosaur Evolution, following the fossil evidence really does mean following in the footsteps of Tyrannosaurus rex.
The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Scale Models of Prehistoric Animals.
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