The evolution of different types of herbivorous Triassic dinosaurs was helped by climate change and this played a key role in their rise to dominance of terrestrial ecosystems during the Mesozoic. Writing in the academic journal “Current Biology”, the researchers, which include Professor Richard Butler (University of Birmingham), postulate that it was climate change rather than competition that played a key role in the ascendancy of the Dinosauria.
Some of the diverse terrestrial life associated with Gondwana in the Late Triassic. North-western Argentina, a large dicynodont (background) disturbs a small theropod dinosaur (right), a silesaurid takes flight (centre) along with a cynodont (left). Picture credit: Victor O. Leshyk.
Picture credit: Victor O. Leshyk
Triassic Dinosaurs
The scientists conclude that global climate change associated with the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event, which occurred approximately 201 million years ago, wiped out many types of terrestrial vertebrate and this opened up ecosystems for the Dinosauria to exploit. Large herbivores such as the Aetosauria (eagle lizards) died out and this permitted the Sauropodomorpha to diversify.
A model of a typical aetosaur (ruler provides scale). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Sauropods Benefit
The lizard-hipped sauropods (Sauropodomorpha), in particular, were able to thrive and move into new territories as the Earth grew warmer after the end-Triassic mass extinction event.
Other scientists involved include researchers from Bristol University, the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), in Germany.
Computer Generated Models of Global Climate Change
Computer generated models of palaeoclimates and changes to rainfall and temperature gradients were created using the extensive Paleobiology Database as the source of reference materials. The study demonstrated that the long-necked sauropods became more specious and geographically diverse as the planet experienced a period of global warming.
Dr Emma Dunne, a lecturer in palaeontology at FAU and one of the authors of the paper published today stated:
“What we see in the data suggests that instead of dinosaurs being outcompeted by other large vertebrates, it was variations in climate conditions that were restricting their diversity. But once these conditions changed across the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, they were able to flourish.”
A scale drawing of Lufengosaurus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows a scale drawing of Lufengosaurus (L. huenei), from the Early Jurassic of south-western China. According to the researchers, sauropodomorphs like Lufengosaurus benefitted from a warming world permitting these types of herbivorous dinosaur to thrive.
Dr Dunne added:
“The results were somewhat surprising, because it turns out that sauropods were really fussy from the get-go: later in their evolution they continue to stay in warmer areas and avoid polar regions.”
Everything Dinosaur stocks the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range that contains several replicas of Triassic and Jurassic sauropodomorphs: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Range.
Professor Richard Butler commented:
“Climate change appears to have been really important in driving the evolution of early dinosaurs. What we want to do next is use the same techniques to understand the role of climate in the next 120 million years of the dinosaur story”.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Birmingham in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Climatic controls on the ecological ascendancy of dinosaurs” by Dunne et al published in Current Biology.
Papo the French manufacturer of replicas and figures is going to reintroduce two retired prehistoric animal models into their “Les Dinosaures” range in 2023. The Papo Woolly Rhino and the Papo Archaeopteryx figures will be available from Everything Dinosaur early next year.
Papo intend to reintroduce two recently retired models in quarter 1 of 2023 – the Papo Woolly Rhinoceros figure and the Papo Archaeopteryx model.
Papo Prehistoric Animal Models
The Papo Archaeopteryx figure was first added to the Papo range in 2014 before going out of production and being retired in 2019.
Papo Archaeopteryx “ancient wing” by Papo. Once retired and out of production (2019), the Archaeopteryx figure is being reintroduced in 2023. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Papo Woolly Rhinoceros model was introduced a year earlier than the Archaeopteryx (2013). It was retired a few years later. When it was first introduced the Papo Woolly Rhino figure was highly praised and Everything Dinosaur team members wrote about the shape of the horn.
A recently published scientific paper has refuted the idea that Spinosaurus (S. aegyptiacus) was an aquatic dinosaur. Writing in the academic journal eLife, the researchers which included Paul Sereno (University of Chicago), conclude that Spinosaurus was not aquatic. Instead, they revert to the earlier hypothesis that this super-sized carnivore was a semi-aquatic, bipedal predator that did feed on fish but ranged far inland.
Over a decade ago, Everything Dinosaur team members were contacted by members of the CGI team working on the Spinosaurus segment of the soon to be launched television series entitled “Planet Dinosaur”. At the time, (2010), S. aegyptiacus was thought to be a semi-aquatic, bipedal predator that specialised in hunting fish, but was not thought to be an almost entirely aquatic dinosaur.
From paddler to swimming and back to paddler again – the “evolving” image of Spinosaurus. A recently published paper refutes the hypothesis that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was an aquatic animal. Researchers postulate that it was semi-aquatic, a biped feeding on fish but not a dinosaur that could dive and swim very efficiently. Picture credit: BBC Worldwide.
Picture credit: BBC Worldwide
The 2014 Scientific Paper
In 2014, Paul Sereno (the lead author of the latest paper), was one of the authors of a study into Spinosaurus material found in Morocco. In the paper, the researchers proposed that this huge theropod possessed adaptations that indicated a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The skull had small nostrils located further up the snout to allow this dinosaur to breathe whilst its jaws were partially submerged and neurovascular openings along the jaws were interpreted to be sense organs that permitted Spinosaurus to sense the movements of fish through the water. Analysis of the centre of gravity indicated that Spinosaurus was a quadruped.
However, commenting on the 2014 paper, Professor Sereno admits that there was a mistake made when examining the centre of gravity of Spinosaurus. When the centre of gravity was calculated leading to the conclusion that this huge theropod walked on all fours, the volume of the lungs were not properly accounted for. When a new assessment of the centre of gravity is made, using a more accurate lung volume assessment, the results are radically different. The data suggests that Spinosaurus was a biped, with a typical posture associated with other large-bodied carnivorous dinosaurs.
The new research which included a more accurate assessment of lung volume, indicates that Spinosaurus was bipedal, perhaps the Jurassic Park III Spinosaurus was not that inaccurate after all?
The image (above) depicts Spinosaurus with the typical bipedal posture of a large-bodied theropod dinosaur. The model is a Nanmu Studio Spinosaurus (version 2.0).
In 2020, another paper was published which examined the caudal vertebrae of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, tail bones having not been part of previous studies. Writing in the journal “Nature” the researchers which included Nizar Ibrahim (University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit), along with colleagues from the University of Portsmouth, proposed that Spinosaurus had a broad, flexible, fin-like tail that could have propelled this dinosaur through the water. This seemed to be the decisive evidence, that Spinosaurus was indeed an aquatic hunter.
In this newly published research, Sereno and his colleagues looked at the biomechanics of the fin-like tail and analysed its effectiveness as an organ of propulsion through water. When compared to alligators, the tail and hind feet of Spinosaurus were found to be very inefficient swimming organs. Spinosaurus was an unstable, slow-surface swimmer only capable of a swimming speed of less than one metre a second.
Comparing the skeleton of S. aegyptiacus with a basilisk lizard and aquatic vertebrates. The tail of S. aegyptiacus (A) showing the overlap of neural spines (red) with more posterior caudal vertebrae. A CT scan showing the sail structure of a green basilisk lizard (B). Researchers propose that the tail of Spinosaurus was not adapted to propulsion in water but most probably a display structure. Skeletal illustrations of the caudal vertebrae of aquatic vertebrates (C) – crested newt, a mosasaur, crocodilian and a whale. A graph plotting the centrum proportions along the tail (D) comparing S. aegyptiacus with a crested newt (Triturus cristatus), semi-aquatic lizards (marine iguana Amblyrhynchus, common basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus, Australian water dragon Intellagama lesueurii and a sailfin lizard Hydrosaurus amboinensis), a mosasaur and an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Picture credit: Sereno et al.
The team also calculated that Spinosaurus would have been too buoyant to submerge fully. It was not capable of diving and those robust, heavy hind limbs helped it to walk on land or wade, not acting as additional ballast to help this fifteen-metre-long giant remain underwater.
Sereno and his fellow authors suggest that living reptiles with similar tail bone morphology, such as the basilisk lizard, do not use their tails for propulsion, instead they have a display function.
Spinosaurus Ranged Far Inland
Fossils ascribed to Spinosaurus recovered from fluvial deposits in Niger suggest that this dinosaur ranged far inland. It is true that most Spinosaurus fossils come from sediments that represent extensive coastal deltas. However, these deposits include a large number of non-spinosaurid dinosaur remains, all of which may have been transported for some distance downstream. Spinosaurus fossil material may have also been transported, leading to the misconception that this was a dinosaur confined to the coast. Recently discovered fossils ascribed to Spinosaurus from two inland basins in Niger (Égaro North), indicate that Spinosaurus lived far from the shore. These fossils which include part of an upper jaw (maxilla) were found in fluvial deposits in association with rebbachisaurid and titanosaurian sauropods which are regarded as entirely terrestrial animals.
Spinosauridae fossil localities mapped (Early Cretaceous Albian faunal stage). The map (A) shows the fossil location for Baryonyx and Suchomimus (baryonychines) along with spinosaurs (Ichthyovenator, Vallibonavenatrix, Oxalaia, Irritator/Angaturama and Spinosaurus). Yellow asterisks indicate location of Spinosaurus fossils, these range from coastal sites (1 – Bahariya, Egypt and 2 – Zrigat, Morocco) to a site much further inland (3 – Égaro North, Niger). Spinosaurus sp. right maxilla (B), specimen number MNBH EGA1 from central Niger, in medial and ventral views. The inset image shows the fossil material superimposed on the snout of S. aegyptiacus. Abbreviations: am, articular rugosities for opposing maxilla; aofe, antorbital fenestra; Ba, Baryonyx walkeri; en, external naris; Ic, Ichthyovenator laosensis; Ir, Irritator challengeri/Angaturama limai; m3, 12, maxillary alveolus 3, 12; Ox, Oxalaia quilombensis; Su, Suchomimus tenerensis; t, tooth; Va, Vallibonavenatrix cani. Scale bar is 10 cm. Picture credit: Sereno et al.
Comfortable in Water but Not Truly at Home in an Aquatic Environment
Confirming that the researchers think Spinosaurus was a bipedal, semi-aquatic animal that specialised in hunting fish, Professor Sereno added:
“Do I think this animal would have waded into water on a regular basis? Absolutely, but I do not think it was a good swimmer or capable of full submergence behaviour.”
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Chicago in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Spinosaurus is not an aquatic dinosaur” by Paul C Sereno, Nathan Myhrvold, Donald M Henderson, Frank E Fish, Daniel Vidal, Stephanie L Baumgart, Tyler M Keillor, Kiersten K Formoso and Lauren L Conroy published in eLife.
Everything Dinosaur team members have taken time out of their busy schedule to take some photographs of the spectacular Heavy Lance Triceratops model from Nanmu Studio. This beautiful, 1/35th scale, horned dinosaur replica is one of several ornithischian dinosaur models in the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series available from Everything Dinosaur.
The Nanmu Studio Heavy Lance Triceratops (tricolor version) dinosaur model (in lateral view). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Heavy Lance Triceratops Model
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Heavy Lance Tricolor figure is a fantastic Triceratops dinosaur model in 1:35 scale. The Triceratops model is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Triceratops fact sheet which has been researched and written by Everything Dinosaur team members.
The Triceratops model (Heavy Lance – Tricolor) in anterior view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Triceratops Model Measurements
This stunning replica of perhaps, the most famous horned dinosaur of all, was introduced as part of a trio of Triceratops collectables. The model measures 29 cm in length and that beautifully painted ceratopsian frill is approximately 13.5 cm off the ground.
A Triceratops ready to charge! A closer view of the stunning frill on the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Triceratops (tricolor colour variant). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Triceratops regularly features in the top three of our survey looking at the most popular prehistoric animals. We congratulate the design team at Nanmu Studio for their superb horned dinosaur figures. It still amazes us that with our current stock of Triceratops models, we can offer customers more Nanmu Studio Triceratops model variants than the actual number of currently valid species of this iconic Late Cretaceous dinosaur.”
A close-up view of the Nanmu Studio Triceratops Heavy Lance (Tricolor). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur a detailed PNSO Deinocheirus review accompanied by some additional facts and information about this bizarre Late Cretaceous theropod.
Jacques the PNSO Deinocheirus mirificus
The beautifully painted, feathered theropod – Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.
The reviewer praises PNSO for being able to get this item into production quickly. Jacques the Deinocheirus is described as “a bold but extremely welcome final gift to end their 2022 releases”. The reviewer also commented that this bizarre theropod had an increased profile due to its appearance in the award-winning television series “Prehistoric Planet”.
Super Duck!
William confesses that he was previously not a big fan of the “Super Duck” theropod, but the PNSO figure has persuaded him to add this dinosaur model to his collection. He compliments the design team for the detailed head sculpt, including the articulated jaw and the anatomical accuracy of the dinosaur’s bill. The reviewer marks the head as a 10 out of 10!
A close-up view of the elongated beak of the Deinocheirus model, this dinosaur has an articulated lower jaw.
PNSO Deinocheirus Review
Turning his attention to the main body sculpt, William compares the hump-backed appearance of this model to the neural spines found in the very distantly related Spinosaurus. The plumage is praised, and the feather sculpting is singled out for additional comment, with the reviewer stating that he would have purchased the model for its excellent plumage alone.
William states that in life Deinocheirus would have been a robust and massive animal and one best avoided by predators as it grazed. The tail fan is complimented although no cloaca could be detected on the figure, the presence of the feathers obscuring this anatomical detail. The long powerful tail reminded the reviewer of the large plumes of feathers found on the wings of ostriches.
The PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.
The Forearm and Hindlimbs
The hands with their massive claws are described and the musculature of the forelimbs is commented upon. The integumentary covering is praised with the reviewer stating:
“In case you wonder, yes, PNSO did not slack! All under wings and body feathers are fully recreated in the finest detail.”
The large hip muscles of “Super Duck” are singled out for comment and the robust weight-bearing toes with their blunt claws are praised.
When commenting on the colour scheme chosen for the model, William explains that the tip of the bill is coloured tan brown with the reminder a rich yellow with a dark wash.
The flanks are a mixture of dark grey with black and white edging. The grey colour scheme continues down to the tip of the tail ending in a crown of white feathers with wide, grey and white bands to provide contrast.
William adds:
“The neural spine is reminiscent of a snow-topped mountain peak with a beige border separating the main body colouration.”
The PNSO Deinocheirus model measures 29.2 cm long and the head stands some 12.5 cm off the ground.
Providing Further Information on the Deinocheirus Figure
In his detailed review, William provided more information about the PNSO Deinocheirus model:
Scale: 1:32
Length: 11.4 inches
Height: 4.8 inches
In addition, he explained that the figure is supplied with a clear, plastic support stand, along with an A3-sized colour poster, a 64-page, illustrated booklet and a QR code which permits access to a short video about the model.
The two, new for 2022 PNSO model arrivals (early November 2022), the PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus (top) and (bottom) the Chongzuo the Sinopliosaurus figure. The free Sinopliosaurus fact sheet can be seen underneath the boxes. Our thanks to William for his comprehensive Deinocheirus review. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
As well as providing a detailed review, William also supplied information on Deinocheirus and the history of its fossil discovery:
Time Period – Late Cretaceous 71-69 million years ago
Location – Nemegt Basin of the Gobi Desert (Mongolia)
Environment – An extensive river delta with a climate similar to that of tropical Africa or South America today
A Polish/Mongolian expedition uncovered the first fossil evidence of this theropod (1965). The fossils consisted of postcranial elements including three dorsal vertebrae and a complete shoulder girdle with the forelimbs, minus the claws from the right hand.
The dinosaur was formally described and named Deinocheirus mirificus in 1970.
William explained that work undertaken between 2012 and 2017 to find more specimens and to recover fossils in private collections led to a comprehensive reassessment of this dinosaur.
“Jacques is the greatest Deinocheirus mirificus ever created and if you are a serious collector, it is a must, the model will be the crown jewel in any collection.”
The reviewer also praised the efforts of Everything Dinosaur in sourcing prehistoric animal figures and the rapid delivery service the company offers.
Everything Dinosaur has received the official images for the new for 2023 Papo figures including the new Papo Mosasaurus model. We are now also able to confirm the model’s measurements. The Papo Mosasaurus is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2023.
Everything Dinosaur will be stocking the delayed Papo Mosasaurus model. It was due to come out at the end of 2022, it is now expected in early 2023.
Papo Mosasaurus Model
Originally scheduled to be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2022, the Papo Mosasaurus model was delayed and is now due to be released next year (early 2023). Many manufacturers have experienced problems with production, partly caused by issues arising from the global pandemic. However, Papo intend to introduce a total of four new figures into their “Les Dinosaures” range next year.
Two dinosaurs (Concavenator and Einiosaurus) are due to come out along with a second marine reptile model (Kronosaurus). There are also two product reissues (Archaeopteryx and Woolly Rhino).
Model measurements have been released by Papo for the new Mosasaurus figure. It will be 25.5 cm in length. The official Papo information also states that the Mosasaurus will be 15 cm in width with a height of 11 cm. We suspect that the width measurement has been taken across the front flippers and the height measurement refers to the height of the tail fluke off the ground.
The Papo Mosasaurus marine reptile model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2023.
A new species of North American, Late Cretaceous tyrannosaur has been announced. It is the third species in the Daspletosaurus genus. Daspletosaurus wilsoni is older than D. horneri, but geologically younger than D. torosus. The skull demonstrates a mix of traits found in primitive tyrannosaurs as well as several more derived characteristics associated with later members of the Tyrannosauridae such as Tyrannosaurus rex.
Writing in the on-line, open access journal PeerJ, the researchers from the Badlands Dinosaur Museum (North Dakota), suggest that the discovery of a tyrannosaur intermediate in age between the previously described species of this genus, supports earlier research identifying several species of Daspletosaurus as a single evolving lineage, and supports the descent of T. rex from this group.
Changes in the Daspletosaurus genus over time with three distinct species now identified. Known skull bones of D. wilsoni shown in white. The evolutionary changes in these tyrannosaurs with key anatomical differences listed. Note scale bar = 10 cm. Picture credit: Warshaw and Fowler.
From the Judith River Formation (Campanian Faunal Stage)
The fossil specimen was discovered in 2017. It consists of a partial, disarticulated skull and jaw bones with an exceptional degree of preservation along with vertebrae, a rib and the first metatarsal. The material comes from Judith River Formation exposures in north-eastern Montana. The fossil was found by John Wilson and the species name has been erected in his honour.
The new species displays a mix of characteristics found in more primitive, geologically older tyrannosaurs. For example, D. wilsoni sports a prominent set of horns around the eye, as well as features otherwise known from later members of this group (including T. rex), like a tall eye socket and expanded air-pockets in the skull. In this way, this newly described species represents a transitional form between older and younger tyrannosaur species.
The right dentary of BDM 107 (the holotype). Picture credit: Warshaw and Fowler.
Daspletosaurus wilsoni
Several tyrannosaurs have now been named from the Upper Cretaceous of North America. The researchers note that many of the species are very closely related, forming consecutive sequences where one species evolves into another species over time. When one ancestral species evolves into a second descendant species, this is referred to as anagenesis, as opposed to cladogenesis when successive branching events produce many species that are closely related to each other but not direct descendants of a single species.
The authors of the scientific paper conclude that anagenesis might be the driver of evolutionary change within the Dinosauria at the end of the Cretaceous rather than cladogenetic evolutionary models.
Daspletosaurus Replicas
The first species of Daspletosaurus (D. torosus) was named and described in 1970, the second species, the geologically youngest species, D. horneri was named in 2017. Few models of this tyrannosaur existed but in 2013 CollectA added a Daspletosaurus model to their Prehistoric Life model range. More recently (2021), Safari Ltd introduced a Daspletosaurus figure into their Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.
The new for 2021 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Daspletosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The scientific paper: “A transitional species of Daspletosaurus Russell, 1970 from the Judith River Formation of eastern Montana” by Elias A. Warshaw and Denver W. Fowler published in PeerJ.
The new range of Beasts of the Mesozoic 1:18 scale, articulated dinosaur models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This new range consists of three theropod figures and three, bird-hipped dinosaurs (ornithischian dinosaurs).
The new for late 2022 Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated dinosaur models in 1:18 scale. Six figures in the series to collect. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Beautiful Packaging
The models in this new series are beautifully packaged and each figure is supplied with additional components to allow the dinosaur to be posed in a variety of ways. Each of the articulated figures measures approximately 10.2 cm in length (4 inches).
The product packaging for the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Velociraptor mongoliensis 1:18 scale figure (front and back view of the packaging). A fact card about Velociraptor has been incorporated into the product packaging. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Beasts of the Mesozoic
The Beasts of the Mesozoic range includes replicas of “raptors” and more recently a series of articulated horned dinosaur figures were introduced. The range of smaller, 1:18 scale figures consists of:
Velociraptor (V. mongoliensis) with 15 points of articulation.
Psittacosaurus (P. mongoliensis) with 11 points of articulation.
Linheraptor (L. exquisitus) with 15 points of articulation.
Dromaeosaurus (D. albertensis) with 15 points of articulation.
Protoceratops (P. andrewsi) – named in 1923 with 12 points of articulation.
Protoceratops (P. hellenikorhinus) – named in 2001 with 12 points of articulation.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur exclaimed:
“It is wonderful to get these amazing, articulated dinosaur figures into stock. Team members have been busy alerting customers who had enquired about them, they are certainly beautiful models – six of the best!”
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Range of Articulated Scale Models and Figures
To view the extensive range of Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated scale models and figures, take a look at this section of Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models and Figures.
The new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This beautiful, articulated replica of Medusaceratops lokii is one of the latest horned dinosaur figures in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model series to arrive at Everything Dinosaur’s UK warehouse.
The amazing and incredibly detailed Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops dinosaur model. This figure is in approximately 1:18 scale and measures 30.5 cm in length.
Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops
Fossils of Medusaceratops (M. lokii) are known from Upper Cretaceous deposits of Montana (USA). A member of the centrosaurine clade of horned dinosaurs, Medusaceratops roamed North America around 78 million years ago (Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). Palaeontologists estimate that this large herbivore grew to a length in excess of six metres and it might have weighed more than three tonnes.
The amazing iridescent colours of the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops can be clearly seen in this left lateral view of the articulated dinosaur model.
Astonishing Artwork
As with all the amazing Beasts of the Mesozoic models, the box artwork has been praised. The superb illustration of a resting Medusaceratops was created by Raph Lomotan.
The stunning box art associated with the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops (M. lokii) figure. A stunning illustration of a Late Cretaceous horned dinosaur. Picture credit: Raph Lomotan.
Picture credit: Raph Lomotan
Commenting on the introduction of this new Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated figure, a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:
“We are delighted to get this Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops model in stock. The iridescent colour scheme is gorgeous and we praise the design team behind such innovative and exciting model colouration.”
The hand-painted Beasts of the Mesozoic Medusaceratops lokii has 20 points of articulation and will be supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Medusaceratops fact sheet.
Scientists have concluded that a newly described dromaeosaurid from Mongolia with its streamlined body may have been semi-aquatic. The duck-sized theropod, named Natovenator polydontus had a ribcage that angled downwards towards the pelvis, an anatomical trait also found in extant diving birds. The researchers, writing in the journal “Communications Biology”, suggest that this dinosaur, a relative of Velociraptor, could potentially have been a swimming predator, hunting and catching fish.
Natovenator polydontus life reconstruction. This dromaeosaurid dinosaur may have filled an ecological niche similar to that of extant diving birds today. Picture credit: Yusik Choi.
Natovenator polydontus
The semi-articulated fossil specimen was discovered in 2008 by a joint Mongolian/Korean field team. The material consisting of substantial postcranial elements and a partial skull comes from the Barun Goyot Formation at Hermiin Tsav in the southern Mongolian Gobi Desert. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Natovenator polydontus is closely related to Halszkaraptor (H. escuilliei) which heralds from southern Mongolia too, but from slightly older strata – the Djadochta Formation.
When Halszkaraptor was formally described in 2017, it was proposed that this dromaeosaurid was adapted to a life in water. The discovery of Natovenator adds weight to the theory that some dromaeosaurs were semi-aquatic. The two dinosaurs, which were most probably feathered have been placed in the same clade – the Halszkaraptorinae.
The dinosaur had a long, flexible neck and analysis of the jaws indicate that Natovenator had lots of small teeth, ideal for grabbing slippery fish.
A skeletal reconstruction (known bones in white) and comparison of the sloping ribs in N. polydontus with extant diving birds. Natovenator lived approximately 68 million years ago (Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous). Picture credit: Lee et al with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.
The picture above shows the dorsal vertebrae and ribs of Natovenator in ventral view (a), with (b) a line drawing in left lateral view showing how the ribs are angled downwards towards the rear of the animal. Diving birds and penguins share this anatomical trait (e-i), which is believed to help these animals to be more streamlined when they dive and swim. Line drawing (j) shows the ribs of the entirely terrestrial ostrich whilst (k) shows the dorsal vertebrae and known ribs of Shri devi, another dromaeosaurid from the Barun Goyot Formation which was probably entirely terrestrial too.
Could the shape, direction and orientation of the ribs be evidence to suggest that Natovenator was semi-aquatic?
Swimming Hunter with Many Teeth
The dinosaur’s genus name translates from the Latin and means “swimming hunter”, whilst the specific or trivial name refers to the unusually large number of teeth located in the jaw. The anatomical position and orientation of the ribs has not been recorded in a non-avian dinosaur before. If Natovenator and the closely related Halszkaraptor were semi-aquatic, then this demonstrates the great diversity within the Theropoda. Dinosaurs evolving to exploit specific niches in ancient ecosystems.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that this was a remarkable discovery that once again highlighted the range of body plans that dinosaurs evolved to exploit niches within ecosystems. As many semi-aquatic animals today have dense bones, perhaps a study of the bone density of Natovenator might help confirm that this dinosaur was indeed, at home on the water.
Dromaeosaur Diversity
The Dromaeosauridae were a very successful group of theropod dinosaurs. Numerous genera have been described. To gain an appreciation of different dromaeosaurs, take a look at the extensive Beasts of the Mesozoic range of articulated “raptor” figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Dinosaur Models.
The scientific paper: “A non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body exhibits potential adaptations for swimming” by Sungjin Lee, Yuong-Nam Lee, Philip J. Currie, Robin Sissons, Jin-Young Park, Su-Hwan Kim, Rinchen Barsbold and Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar published in Communications Biology.
