All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
About Mike
Mike runs Everything Dinosaur, a UK-based mail order company specialising in the sale of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models, He works alongside Sue, and between them they have become the "go to guys" for museum quality prehistoric animal models and figures. An avid fossil collector and reader of dinosaur books, Mike researchers and writes articles about palaeontology, fossil discoveries, research and of course, dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.
After receiving several enquires from customers, Everything Dinosaur can confirm that all Haolonggood figures will be supplied in Haolonggood model boxes. We have been notified that some suppliers have been selling Haolonggood dinosaurs unboxed. The figures are unpacked and removed from their packaging prior to be shipped. Sending a figure in this way, might reduce postage costs, although it increases the chances of the model being damaged in transit.
We like to give our customers the opportunity of being the first to open a box and to see the figure for themselves. It is all about the purchasing experience. Everything Dinosaur will send out Haolonggood models in their original product packaging.
A total of nineteen different Haolonggood dinosaur models were in the first shipment of figures from China. Ten different genera of dinosaur are represented. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Haolonggood Model Boxes
The Haolonggood model boxes incorporate superb model photography. We know that many customers purchase our models as they want a pristine figure including the packaging. Some model boxes are never opened, they are stored in a boxed, mint condition by the collector. The photograph (above) shows Haolonggood model boxes in one of the company’s packing rooms ready to pack.
The Haolonggood Allosaurus dinosaur models (Allosaurus Yangzhi and Suochao).
Meeting Customer Expectations
From the emails received, it seems that many Haolonggood fans have been disappointed when they receive an unboxed figure. Our customers can be assured that all our Haolonggood figures will be sent in their original product packaging.
A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company explained:
“We appreciate how eager dinosaur model fans are for their delivery. We strive to pack and despatch parcels as quickly as we can and we ensure that the model and its outer packaging are well protected in the parcel. Customers can be assured that every single one of our Haolonggood figures can be sent out in its original packaging.”
A selection of Haolonggood model boxes awaiting packing up to send to Everything Dinosaur customers. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Newly published research studying bird evolution suggests a link between complex skeletons and reduced biodiversity. As birds develop more complex anatomies, they also decrease in diversity, with fewer species as they become more specialised within specific ecological niches.
A newly published study suggests a strong link between birds evolving complex skeletons such as this specialised scavenger (vulture) and decreasing biodiversity. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Studying Patterns in Bird Evolution
Researchers at the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath collaborated with colleagues at the University of Lincoln, University College London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their findings have been published in the journal “Nature Communications”.
The team looked at 983 species across all major groups of living birds and measured the complexity of their skeletons by comparing the bones in their fore limbs (wings) and hind limbs (legs).
They found that less complex birds – those with a smaller differences between their fore and hind limbs – had more species diversity than those with higher complexity and a larger difference between their limbs.
As an example, birds such as pigeons, gulls and songbirds (passerines) have low skeletal complexity but a high diversity of species living in varied habitats across the world.
At the other end of the spectrum, flamingos, and ostriches have short wings in comparison to their legs, and so have more complex limb skeletons. Groups with more complex skeletons may occupy smaller niches and are less able to subdivide those niche spaces in order to produce new species.
Trapped in an Ecological Niche
Whilst evolution can produce forms with lower complexity, these findings suggest that birds with more complex skeletons have become more specialised over time and so more developmentally entrenched. This may make them less likely to evolve back to become simpler again. In essence, Aves with complex skeletons may find themselves trapped within a specific ecological niche.
Could these findings be reflected in extinct bird groups such as the Phorusrhacidae? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Causes of Biodiversity
Professor Matthew Wills, (Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath) explained:
“We wanted to understand what causes some groups of birds to be species rich and others to be species poor – although ecology obviously plays an important part, it doesn’t account for the huge differences we see in biodiversity.”
Professor Wills added:
“The received wisdom is that there is no direction to evolution – that selection can act in any direction. Our study suggests that, in birds at least, the more they specialise, the less they are able to give rise to new species.”
A Case of Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket
The scientists also found that birds with more complex skeletons were generally more ecologically specialised, occupying fewer habitats and foraging for food in less varied ways.
Lead author of the paper, PhD student Andrew Brinkworth (Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath) stated:
“Species can evolve to be specialised, and fill very small niches. However, in doing so, they restrict the number of routes they can evolve further, meaning they are likely to be less resilient to changes in the environment such as those caused by habitat loss, disruption to food chains and climate change.”
Andrew added:
“From our findings we predict that birds with more complex skeletons and less diversity will be at greater risk of extinction from these changes.”
Wider Implications for Bird Evolution and Animal Life
The researchers intend to broaden their research to see if this pattern is repeated in other animal groups. It would be interesting to see if this relationship between complex skeletons and reduced biodiversity can be identified in extinct groups, including theropod dinosaurs.
Could such a pattern be identified in the Theropoda to bird evolution lineage?
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of media release from the University of Bath in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Bird clades with less complex appendicular skeletons tend to have higher species richness” by Andrew Brinkworth, Emily Green, Yimeng Li, Jack Oyston, Marcello Ruta, Matthew A. Wills published in Nature Communications.
The recently introduced PNSO theropods Albertosaurus, Gorgosaurus and Megalosaurus feature in our latest newsletter. All three dinosaur models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur after the latest PNSO shipment arrived at the warehouse. The Albertosaurus dinosaur model is the first new PNSO figure to be featured. Wally the Albertosaurus makes the headlines.
The new for autumn 2023 PNSO Albertosaurus (Wally the Albertosaurus) is featured in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
PNSO Theropods
PNSO have recently focused on the manufacture of theropod dinosaur models. Tyrannosaurs have proved to be particularly popular. Joining the already in stock Daspletosaurus are Tristan the Gorgosaurus and Wally the Albertosaurus. In addition, the Chinese model manufacturer has introduced a replica of the first dinosaur to be scientifically described Megalosaurus bucklandii.
PNSO theropods in newsletter. The latest customer newsletter includes Tristan the Gorgosaurus and the PNSO Megalosaurus model (Edward the Megalosaurus). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Both Tristan (Gorgosaurus) and Edward the Megalosaurus are supplied with a 64-page, full-colour booklet. Each model has a transparent support stand and both PNSO theropods have articulated jaws.
To view the extensive range of PNSO models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.
Tyrannosaurus rex and Amargasaurus
The latest PNSO shipment contained a lot of dinosaur figures that had recently become out of stock. Team members were able to contact customers who requested to be kept informed about stocking levels. Stocks of the popular Cameron the T. rex and the Scientific Art Amargasaurus were replenished.
More lizard-hipped dinosaurs! The PNSO Cameron the T. rex figure and the new colour variant of Lucio the Amargasaurus also feature in the newsletter as these two popular figures have just come back into stock. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We welcome the new PNSO theropods. Furthermore, we wanted to make sure all our customers knew about these models as quickly as possible. There had been a lot of emails from collectors concerning these new figures.”
Researchers including scientists from University College Cork (Ireland) have demonstrated that fossil feather proteins can persist over deep time. Using sophisticated and highly sensitive X-ray techniques the team have clarified the chemical composition of feathers preserved in the fossil record.
Encountering a life-size Velociraptor replica at the Manchester Museum. The replica is part of a display that documents the evolution of feathers and the ancestry of modern birds. New research suggests that the protein composition of modern feathers was also present in ancient feathers. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Identifying Fossil Feather Proteins
The study, published in “Nature Ecology and Evolution” provides a new perspective on feather evolution. Earlier research had suggested that primitive feathers had a different chemical composition to that of the feathers of extant birds. The new research reveals that the protein composition of modern-day feathers was also present in the feathers of dinosaurs and enantiornithine birds. The researchers conclude that the chemistry of feathers originated much earlier than previously thought.
The study was led by Dr Tiffany Slater and Professor Maria McNamara (School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science, University College Cork). They worked in collaboration with scientists at Linyi University (China) and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in the USA.
The feathers of the Early Cretaceous dromaeosaurid Sinornithosaurus were analysed. In addition, the integumentary covering of the enantiornithine Confuciusornis was studied.
A life reconstruction of the Early Cretaceous dromaeosaurid Sinornithosaurus. Picture credit: Zhao Chuang.
Commenting upon the implications of their study, Dr Slater said:
“It’s really exciting to discover new similarities between dinosaurs and birds. To do this, we developed a new method to detect traces of ancient feather proteins. Using X-rays and infrared light we found that feathers from the dinosaur Sinornithosaurus contained lots of beta-proteins, just like feathers of birds today.”
Fossilised Proteins
Fossil proteins are valuable tools in evolutionary biology. Recent technological advances and better integration of experimental methods have confirmed the feasibility of biomolecular preservation in deep time, yielding new insights into the timing of key vertebrate evolutionary transitions.
Keratins (formerly α-keratins) and corneous β-proteins (CBPs, formerly β-keratins) are of particular interest to palaeontologists. These proteins define tissue structures that underpin fundamental physiological and ecological strategies and can provide evidence to help map how feathers evolved.
As well as using infrared and sulphur X-ray spectroscopy to plot chemical signals, the team also conducted taphonomic experiments to help them to understand how feather proteins break down during fossilisation.
Dr Slater explained:
“Modern bird feathers are rich in beta-proteins that help strengthen feathers for flight. Previous tests on dinosaur feathers, though, found mostly alpha-proteins. Our experiments can now explain this weird chemistry as the result of protein degradation during the fossilisation process. So, although some fossil feathers do preserve traces of the original beta-proteins, other fossil feathers are damaged and tell us a false narrative about feather evolution.”
“A bird in the hand”, the Confuciusornis model from PNSO. The chemical composition of Confuciusornis feather fossils was analysed. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The image above shows a Confuciusornis model from the PNSO range.
This study confirms that fossil feather proteins can survive fossilisation, that these proteins can persist through deep time.
Senior author of the study, Professor Maria McNamara (University College Cork) commented:
“Traces of ancient biomolecules can clearly survive for millions of years, but you can’t read the fossil record literally because even seemingly well-preserved fossil tissues have been cooked and squashed during fossilisation. We’re developing new tools to understand what happens during fossilisation and unlock the chemical secrets of fossils. This will give us exciting new insights into the evolution of important tissues and their biomolecules.”
As predicted by the experiments conducted by this study, analyses of Mesozoic feathers confirm that evidence of feather corneous β-proteins (CBPs) can persist through deep time.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from University College Cork in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Preservation of corneous β-proteins in Mesozoic feathers” by Tiffany S. Slater, Nicholas P. Edwards, Samuel M. Webb, Fucheng Zhang and Maria E. McNamara published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that the recently arrived Ouranosaurus figures WuJu and WuWei have thumb spikes. Yes, we have Ouranosaurus thumb spikes. The Haolonggood Ouranosaurus models in stock at Everything Dinosaur are the latest version. These figures have a thumb spike.
The Haolonggood green Ouranosaurus model (WuJu) with thumb spikes. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Ouranosaurus Thumb Spikes
The earlier production run of these models lacked thumb spikes. However, once this omission had been highlighted, the design team at Haolonggood set about correcting this oversight. The digits on the manus (hand) have been remodelled to reflect more accurately the fossil record.
Everything Dinosaur will post up a short YouTube video in the near future that demonstrates how the model has been amended.
Everything Dinosaur will post up a short YouTube video highlighting the thumb spikes on the Haolonggood Ouranosaurus dinosaur models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the Haolonggood model range. He highlighted the details found on the two Ouranosaurus models (WuJu and WuWei).
The spokesperson went onto add:
“We intend to post up a short video on Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube channel featuring the two models. Customers have enquired about these Ouranosaurus figures and want to get the more accurate version with the thumb spike. Our video will highlight the thumb spikes helping to inform and reassure our customers.”
Visit the award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.
A new taxon of avialan theropod has been described from fossils found in Fujian Province (China). This small dinosaur has been named Fujianvenator prodigiosus. The fossil bones demonstrate a mosaic of anatomical features that are shared with early avialans as well as other members of the Maniraptora.
A life reconstruction of Fujianvenator prodigiosus along with other vertebrates associated with the Zhenghe Fauna (Late Jurassic of south-eastern China). Picture credit: Zhao Chuang.
Fujianvenator prodigiosus
Writing in the academic journal “Nature”, the researchers describe this new theropod and state that it is one of the stratigraphically youngest avialans described to date. Fujianvenator roamed a wetland environment around 148-150 million years ago (Tithonian faunal stage of the Late Jurassic). Its fossils are likely to prove invaluable in understanding the evolution of the characteristic bird body plan, and to reconcile phylogenetic controversies over the origin of birds.
Fujianvenator is one of the geographically southernmost Jurassic avialans known to science. The headless specimen was excavated from Nanyuan Formation deposits near Yangyuan Village (Zhenghe County).
Defining the Avialae
The Avialae (means bird wings), is a clade of theropods. It contains the Aves (avian dinosaurs) and all non-avian dinosaurs more closely related to birds than to deinonychosaurs. In turn, the Avialae is part of the larger Maniraptora which includes all birds, and well-known types of dinosaurs such as dromaeosaurs, troodontids, the Alvarezsauroidea, the therizinosaurs and the Oviriaptorosauria.
During the fieldwork, a diverse assemblage of vertebrate fossils were documented. The assemblage is dominated by aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Fossil discoveries include fish, turtles and choristoderes (semi-aquatic, diapsid reptiles). Only one dinosaur fossil has been found at the location (Fujianvenator prodigiosus). Furthermore, this is the first time that a dinosaur fossil has been discovered in Fujian Province.
Fujianvenator prodigiosus fossils and interpretative line drawing. Picture credit: Xu et al Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Fujianvenator and the Zhenghe Fauna
Fujianvenator demonstrates a mosaic of morphological features. The forelimbs are similar to those of Archaeopteryx, whereas the hip bones are more typical of troodontids. The hindlimb is elongated, suggesting that this theropod adapted to a wading lifestyle. In contrast, other early avialans show specific adaptations to powered flight or a life in the trees.
Such is the amount of vertebrate fossil material collected that the palaeontologists can build up a detailed map of this ancient swampland ecosystem. They are confident that it will provide key insights into terrestrial ecosystems of the Late Jurassic. Perhaps more avialan theropod fossils will be found.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a press release from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “A new avialan theropod from an emerging Jurassic terrestrial fauna” by Liming Xu, Min Wang, Runsheng Chen, Liping Dong, Min Lin, Xing Xu, Jianrong Tang, Hailu You, Guowu Zhou, Linchang Wang, Wenxing He, Yujuan Li, Chi Zhang and Zhonghe Zhou published in Nature.
The first shipment of Haolonggood dinosaur models is due to arrive at the Everything Dinosaur warehouse on Wednesday, 20th September (2023). A spokesperson from the UK-based mail order company explained that the shipment had cleared customs. Transport had been arranged to deliver the Haolonggood dinosaur models to Everything Dinosaur. The models should be on-line and available for sale, either late on the 20th or by early Thursday morning (21st).
The shipment of Haolonggood models has cleared UK customs and is scheduled to arrive at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse on Wednesday, September 20th (2023). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
For information about Haolonggood dinosaur models and other prehistoric animal figures stocked by Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.
Haolonggood Dinosaur Models
In total, there will be nineteen different Haolonggood dinosaur models delivered.
Here is the full list:
Dicraeosaurus (Yunmi).
Nasutoceratops (Huarong) and Nasutoceratops (Yanqing).
Ouranosaurus (Wuwei) and Ouranosaurus (Wuju).
Tianzhenosaurus (Shixiou) and Tianzhenosaurus (Yangxiong).
Pentaceratops (Lioutang) and Pentaceratops (Likui).
Apatosaurus (Shijing) and Apatosaurus (Huangxin).
Wuerhosaurus (Shiyong) and Wuerhosaurus (Jiaoting).
Pachyrhinosaurus (Ivfang) and Pachyrhinosaurus (Guosheng).
Edmontonia (Jiezhen) and Edmontonia (Jiebao).
Allosaurus (Yangzhi) and Allosaurus (Suochao).
The Haolonggood Allosaurus dinosaur models (Allosaurus Yangzhi and Suochao).
Haolonggood Allosaurus Figures
Haolonggood tend to create two colour variants of each prehistoric animal model that they manufacture. The picture (above) shows the new Haolonggood Allosaurus figures. The model on the left is Suochao, whilst the blue Allosaurus on the right of the image is Yangzhi. Both these Allosaurus models will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur.
The spokesperson commented that this was a substantial shipment and team members would do all they could to ensure the figures were available for sale on the company’s website as quickly as possible.
Scientists have formally named a new species of hypsilophodontid dinosaur from the Isle of Wight. The new species, named Vectidromeus insularis, is the second member of the hypsilophodont family to be found on the island after Hypsilophodon foxii. This discovery lends weight to the theory that Europe had its own unique biota of small herbivorous dinosaurs, distinct from those found in North America and Asia.
Vectidromeus insularis life reconstruction. Picture credit: Emily Willoughby.
Vectidromeus insularis
Four blocks containing fossil bones were collected at different times from Wessex Formation exposures at Sudmoor Point which is located on the western side of the island about 2 miles (3.2 kms) from the village of Brighstone. The largest block contains hip bones, dorsal vertebrae, a left femur and lower leg bones. The second block contains other parts of the lower leg bones and some tailbones. A third block consists of elements from the right femur and the right tibia. The small fourth block contains the left metatarsals and bones from the toes (phalanges). Blocks one and two come from the same animal and the other fossils can be tentatively ascribed to the same individual.
An image of the largest block showing Vectidromeus insularis fossils. Picture credit: University of Bath.
The fossils represent a chicken-sized juvenile. Vectidromeus may have grown much larger.
Closely Related to Hypsilophodon foxii
The specimen shows numerous autapomorphies that distinguish it from Hypsilophodon foxii. For example, the hip bones are very different. The blade of the ilium is short and deep, and the ischia are more rectangular in shape. The fourth trochanter, a muscle attachment scar on the femur is proportionately larger. As both juvenile and adult specimens of H. foxii are known, the research team confidently stated that these anatomical traits were not due to the dinosaur’s young age. The different characteristics indicate a new dinosaur genus, albeit one closely related to Hypsilophodon.
Holotype fossil material of Vectidromeus insularis. Picture credit: University of Bath.
Dr Nicholas Longrich, from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, led the study. He commented:
“Palaeontologists have been working on the Isle of Wight for more than a century, and these fossils have played an important role in the history of vertebrate palaeontology, but we’re still making new discoveries about the dinosaur fauna as the sea erodes new fossils out of the cliffs.”
Vectidromeus Geologically Much Older than Hypsilophodon
Vectidromeus probably dates from the earliest Barremian or the latest Hauterivian stage of the Early Cretaceous (125-126 million years ago. The H. foxii material from the Hypsilophodon beds higher up the stratigraphic column, lie at the top of the Wessex Formation and are no younger than 121.4 million years. Therefore, as much as 4.6 million years could separate these two taxa.
Vectidromeus insularis compared in size to Hypsilophodon foxii. Picture credit: University of Bath.
The Cretaceous strata on the Isle of Wight are hundreds of metres thick and span several million years. Scientific consensus is still not entirely clear how old they are – so the fossils may be sampling a whole series of evolving ecosystems, each with a different set of species.
Co-author on the study, Professor Dave Martill (University of Portsmouth) stated:
“It is utterly bizarre that so many new dinosaurs are being discovered on the Isle of Wight. Vectidromeus is the seventh new species of dinosaur to be discovered in the last four years. This is all down to the amateur collectors.”
It is likely that many new species of dinosaur will be described from fossils found on the Isle of Wight. Palaeontologists are building up a more complete picture of the dinosaur dominated fauna that existed in this part of the world during the Early Cretaceous.
Herbivorous dinosaurs (ornithopods) known from the Isle of Wight. Picture credit: University of Bath.
Dozens of small plant-eating dinosaurs have been assigned to the hypsilophodont family, but revisions to the dinosaur family tree have resulted in reclassifying them to other branches of the tree, leaving Hypsilophodon as the only species left in the family.
Dr Longrich added:
“We had a curious situation where one of the first dinosaur families to be recognised had just one species. And now, we have two. What’s intriguing is that they’re not particularly closely related to anything found in North America, Asia, or the Southern Hemisphere. We’re still piecing together how all these dinosaurs are related, and how dinosaurs moved between continents. After Pangaea broke up, there was a lot of isolation, leading to different kinds of dinosaurs evolving on each continent.”
This newly published scientific paper highlights the contribution made to science by fossil hunters and their local knowledge.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bath in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Vectidromeus insularis, a new hypsilophodontid dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Wessex Formation of the Isle of Wight, England” by Nicholas R. Longrich, David M. Martill, Martin Munt, Mick Green, Mark Penn and Shaun Smith published in Cretaceous Research.
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Dicraeosaurus scale drawing to use in a fact sheet in anticipation of the arrival of the Haolonggood Dicraeosaurus model. The Haolonggood shipment is due to arrive at the company’s warehouse in a few days.
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Dicraeosaurus scale drawing to accompany the fact sheet being written in anticipation of the arrival of the Haolonggood Dicraeosaurus model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Dicraeosaurus Scale Drawing
The Haolonggood Dicraeosaurus sauropod model has a scale of 1:35. The figure measures a fraction under 36 cm long. It stands approximately 9.5 cm high.
Two species have been named. Both the type species Dicraeosaurus hansemanni and the potentially geologically younger D. sattleri are known from numerous skeletons, many of which are nearly complete. Dicraeosaurus had a short neck, and a relatively large head. The jaws were more robust than those of other diplodocids. It is likely that this sauropod fed on coarse plant material.
The green Haolonggood Dicraeosaurus dinosaur model.
Dicraeosaurus is regarded as one of the largest of the dicraeosaurid dinosaurs. Palaeontologists estimate that it grew to a length of around fifteen metres.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that the team members were looking forward to the arrival of the Haolonggood models.
The spokesperson added:
“We expect the PNSO and Haolonggood shipments to arrive at our warehouse on the same day. It is likely that they will arrive next Wednesday [20th September]. We have made plans to ensure we can unpack the shipment rapidly and then get these sets of figures on-line quickly.We have also allocated some time that day to contact all those customers who wanted to be informed when the PNSO and Haolonggood figures arrived.”
Scientists have used complex statistical analysis to assess one of the most dramatic changes in the history of visible life on Earth. At the end of the Permian, during a mass extinction event there was a dramatic and extensive faunal turnover between brachiopods and bivalves.
One of the biggest crises in Earth’s history was marked by a revolution in the shellfish. Brachiopods, sometimes called “lamp shells”, as some genera superficially resembled Roman lamps, were replaced everywhere ecologically by the bivalves, such as clams, mussels and oysters. This happened as a result of the devastating end-Permian mass extinction which reset the evolution of life 250 million years ago.
Research conducted by palaeontologists based in Wuhan (China) and the University of Bristol, has shed new light on this crucial faunal turnover when ocean ecosystems changed, eventually taking on a more modern, familiar structure that still persists today.
Left, Devonian brachiopod fossils from Ohio, USA. Image by ‘Daderot’ (Wikimedia Commons; Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication). Right, recent bivalve shells from shell beach, western Australia. Picture credit Zhong-Qiang Chen.
Brachiopods and Bivalves
Life on land and in the sea is rich and forms particular ecosystems. In modern oceans, the seabed is dominated by animals such as bivalves, corals, gastropods, crustaceans, marine worms and fishes. These ecosystems all date back to the Triassic when life slowly recovered from the “Great Dying”. During that crisis, only one in twenty species survived, and there has been long debate about how the new ecosystems were constructed and why some groups survived, and others perished.
Brachiopods were the dominant shelled animals prior to the extinction. However, bivalves thrived afterwards, seemingly better adapting to their new conditions.
Lead author of the study published in “Nature Communications”, Zhen Guo commented:
“A classic case has been the replacement of brachiopods by bivalves. Palaeontologists used to say that the bivalves were better competitors and so beat the brachiopods somehow during this crisis time. There is no doubt that brachiopods were the major group of shelled animals before the extinction, and bivalves took over after.”
Statistical Bayesian Analysis
Co-author Joe Flannery-Sutherland added:
“We wanted to explore the interactions between brachiopods and bivalves through their long history and especially around the Permian-Triassic handover period. So, we decided to use a computational method called Bayesian analysis to calculate rates of origination, extinction, and fossil preservation, as well as testing whether the brachiopods and bivalves interacted with each other. For example, did the rise of bivalves cause the decline of brachiopods?”
The researchers found that in fact both groups shared similar trends in diversification dynamics right through the time of global crisis.
This suggests that these two groups were not really competing or preying on each other. It is more likely that these unrelated groups were responding to similar external drivers such as fluctuations in sea temperature, oxygen levels and acidity.
The bivalves eventually prevailed, and the brachiopods retreated to deeper waters, where they still occur, but in much reduced numbers.
Diversities of brachiopods and bivalves over the past 500 million years, showing the brachiopod-bivalve switch near the Permian-Triassic boundary. Picture credit: Zhen Guo et al.
Statistical Analysis to Resolve the Brachiopods and Bivalves Faunal Turnover Issue
Professor Zhong-Qiang Chen (China University of Geosciences, Wuhan) explained that it was very satisfying to see how modern computational techniques helped resolve a long-standing issue in palaeontology.
Professor Zhong-Qiang Chen stated:
“We always thought that the end-Permian mass extinction marked the end of the brachiopods and that was that. But it seems that both brachiopods and bivalves were hit hard by the crisis, and both recovered in the Triassic, but the bivalves could adapt better to high ocean temperatures. So, this gave them the edge, and after the Jurassic, they just rocketed in numbers, and the brachiopods didn’t do much.”
Fossils of over 330,000 brachiopods and bivalves were analysed in the course of this study. The Bristol University supercomputer took weeks to crunch all the numbers. The Bayesian analysis took into account all kinds of uncertainties and aspects of the data to provide an extremely detailed report on the evolutionary changes.
Diversities of brachiopods and bivalves through the time of the brachiopod-bivalve switch near the Permian-Triassic boundary. Picture credit: Zhen Guo et al.
Professor Michael Benton (University of Bristol) concluded:
“The end-Permian mass extinction was the biggest of all time, and it massively reset evolution. In fact the 50 million years after the crisis, the Triassic, marked a revolution in life on land and in the sea. Understanding just how life could come back from near-annihilation and then set the basis for modern ecosystems is one of the big questions in macroevolution. I’m sure we haven’t said the last word here though!”
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bristol in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Bayesian analyses indicate bivalves did not drive the downfall of brachiopods following the Permian-Triassic mass extinction” by Zhen Guo, Joseph T. Flannery-Sutherland, Michael J. Benton, and Zhong-Qiang Chen published in Nature Communications.
