A recent study published in “Nature Communications” is challenging how scientists interpret animal behaviour. Furthermore, as the study focused on birds, it may have implications for the Dinosauria. The research shows that population demographics drive mating systems and parental care in birds. Behaviour does not create population imbalance. Instead, population imbalance shapes behaviour.

The study’s conclusions could have wide implications. Birds are archosaurs.  They are members of the Dinosauria. Therefore, their biology offers valuable clues about their extinct relatives such as Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.

Population Demographics

An international team including Tamás Székely (Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath), examined 261 bird species. They analysed adult sex ratios, mating systems, and parental care. A clear pattern emerged. Sex ratios are shaped by survival differences, not behaviour. Males and females hatch in similar numbers. However, they do not survive equally. Some mature more slowly. Others face higher mortality risks. As a result, adult populations become skewed. This imbalance then drives behaviour. The rarer sex tends to mate with multiple partners. Meanwhile, the more common sex competes more intensely.

If such factors were at work in the Dinosauria, it might explain the evolution of ornate frills in the Ceratopsia for example.

Close-up view of the asymmetrical frill of the CollectA Deluxe Lokiceratops model. A study suggests that population demographics drive mating systems and parental care in birds. Could the same evolutionary dynamics have played out in the Dinosauria?

Behavioural Consequences

These demographic shifts have striking effects. For instance, parental care in birds often becomes uneven. One parent may invest heavily in raising offspring. The other may seek additional mates.
Moreover, sexual selection intensifies. The more common sex evolves exaggerated traits. These include bright colours, large size, or elaborate displays. For example, the ornate, colourful but cumbersome tail of male peacocks.

Another example is the Great Bustard (Otis tarda). Males mature slowly, which reduces their numbers in the breeding population. Consequently, the species shows a strong female bias. This imbalance drives extreme behaviour. Males grow much larger than females and compete for mates. Females, in contrast, handle all nesting and chick care.

The Great Bustard (Otis tarda) which is found in north Africa and southern Europe. Polygamous birds such as the Great Bustard typically have more females than males in their population. Picture credit: Oliver Kruger.

Picture credit: Oliver Kruger

A Dinosaur Perspective

This research raises important questions. For instance, did similar processes shape the behaviour of extinct, non-avian dinosaurs? Direct evidence is rare. However, palaeontologists can look for indirect signals. These include growth patterns, display structures, and nesting behaviour. For example, some dinosaurs show delayed maturation. Bone studies of some theropods suggest individuals grew at different rates. If one sex matured later, it could reduce its breeding presence. This would create a skewed adult sex ratio, similar to modern birds.

Signals of Sexual Selection

Many dinosaurs evolved striking physical features. These may reflect competition driven by demographic imbalance.  Lambeosaurines evolved elaborate crests.  Hadrosaurs once thought to lack crests such as Edmontosaurus are now known to have sported soft crests, similar to the combs seen on some birds.

A close-up view of the new Edmontosaurus dinosaur model with its soft comb-like crest.

Read more: Duck-billed Dinosaur with a Comb like a Rooster.

Likewise, horns in ceratopsians may have played a role in mate competition. If one sex outnumbered the other, competition would intensify. Over time, this pressure could produce exaggerated ornaments, just as seen in birds.

Clues from Parental Care in Birds and Fossilised Nests

Research examining parental care in birds can offer further insight.  In addition, the fossils of non-avian dinosaurs could yield intriguing evidence. Nests of oviraptorosaurs and other theropods have been extensively studied.  Their nesting behaviour closely resembles that of many modern birds.  Some studies suggest that brooding individuals may have been males.  If correct, this indicates shared or male-dominated parental care. Such patterns of behaviour could arise from skewed sex ratios in the population.

To read a related article examining research into theropod dinosaur nesting behaviour: Oviraptorosaurian Incubation and Nesting Behaviour.

Is it Time to Interpret the Fossil Record Differently?

Importantly, fossil evidence for sex ratios in the non-avian dinosaurs remains limited. Males and females are often difficult to distinguish. Soft tissues rarely fossilise. As a result, direct demographic data are scarce. However, this new study provides a fresh framework. It suggests that survival differences shape population structure first. Behaviour then evolves in response.

This perspective changes how we interpret dinosaur biology. Features such as crests, horns, and size differences may not just signal display. They may also reflect deeper demographic patterns.
In short, the study highlights a powerful idea. Numbers matter. If one sex consistently dies younger or matures later, it reshapes behaviour across generations.

Birds offer a living window into dinosaur evolution. By studying them, scientists can better understand the lives of long-extinct species.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bath in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Demographic causes and social consequences of adult sex ratio variation” by Zitan Song, András Liker, Yang Liu, Robert P. Freckleton and Tamás Székely published in Nature Communications.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Scientifically Accurate Prehistoric Animal Models.

A remarkable new study has identified the oldest genetic evidence of domestic dogs, pushing their confirmed history back thousands of years. The research, published in the journal “Nature”, highlights how dogs were already living alongside humans during the Late Upper Palaeolithic. This research examining the oldest domestic dog evidence pushes back the presence of dogs in human society by more than five thousand years.

Scientists analysed ancient DNA from archaeological sites in both the UK and Türkiye. Crucially, specimens from Gough’s Cave (Somerset) and Pınarbaşı date to around 15,800 years ago.

The 14,300-year-old dog jawbone from Gough’s Cave in Somerset. Picture credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.

Picture credit: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

Dogs Living Alongside Ice Age Hunter-Gatherers

Researchers have long suspected that dogs evolved from grey wolves during the last Ice Age. However, early domestication has been difficult to prove. This is because dog and wolf skeletons from this period look almost identical. To overcome this difficulty, an international team, including researchers from Oxford University, studied complete genomes from ancient remains. They compared these with over a thousand modern and ancient dogs along with wolves. Consequently, they confirmed that several Ice Age specimens were indeed dogs. Moreover, the findings suggest that dogs were already widespread. By around fourteen thousand years ago, they had spread across Europe and into western Asia.

Dr William Marsh from the Natural History Museum explained that identifying these early dogs represents a major breakthrough. He noted that the discoveries show dogs were already widely distributed across different regions at the end of the Ice Age.

Early Dogs Spread Rapidly Across Eurasia

Interestingly, the genetic data revealed that these early dogs were closely related to modern European and Middle Eastern breeds. For example, they share ancestry with dogs such as the boxer dog and the saluki. This finding indicates that major dog lineages had already emerged during the Upper Palaeolithic. In contrast, they were less closely related to Arctic breeds like the Siberian Husky.

Dr Lachie Scarsbrook of LMU Munich highlighted the importance of this discovery. He stated that dogs with different ancestries already existed across Eurasia by 15,000 years ago. Therefore, domestication likely began much earlier than previously thought.

He commented:

“This means that by 15,000 years ago, dogs with very different ancestries already existed across Eurasia, from Somerset to Siberia. This raises the possibility that domestication occurred during the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years before the appearance of any other domestic plants or animals.”

To read an Everything Dinosaur blog post from 2020 which explored the long history of human and dog interaction: Dog Evolution Examined in New Genetic Research.

A reconstruction of the 14,300-year-old dog jawbone from Gough’s Cave (Somerset). Picture credit: Tom Anders and Longleat.

Picture credit: Tom Anders and Longleat

A Close Bond Between Humans and Dogs

Although the exact role of these early dogs remains uncertain, there are intriguing clues. For instance, isotope analysis suggests that people at Pınarbaşı fed dogs fish. In addition, some dog remains appear to have been intentionally buried. These findings point to a close relationship between humans and dogs. Furthermore, similar evidence from sites in Europe hints that dogs may have held cultural importance. Scientists also suggest that dogs may have been exchanged between different hunter-gatherer groups. This implies that dogs were not only useful but also valued across distinct communities.

An artistic reconstruction of Pınarbaşı in Türkiye (Turkey) approximately 15,800 years ago based on the work of the University of Liverpool. Picture credit: Kathryn Killackey.

Picture credit: Kathryn Killackey

Oldest Domestic Dog Evidence Marks a Turning Point in Human Prehistory

Overall, this research provides new insight into one of the most important human-animal relationships. Dogs appear to have spread rapidly and become integrated into human societies long before agriculture began. As the study shows, the partnership between humans and dogs likely started during the harsh conditions of the last Ice Age. Ultimately, this bond would go on to shape both species in profound ways.

This fascinating research helps to reveal how early humans lived—and how dogs became our earliest companions.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the London Natural History Museum in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Dogs were widely distributed across western Eurasia during the Palaeolithic” by William A. Marsh, Lachie Scarsbrook, Eren Yüncü, Lizzie Hodgson, Audrey T. Lin, Maria De Iorio, Olaf Thalmann, Mark G. Thomas, Mahaut Goor, Anders Bergström, Angela Noseda, Sarieh Amiri, Fereidoun Biglari, Dušan Borić, Katia Bougiouri, Alberto Carmagnini, Maddalena Giannì, Tom Higham, Ophelie Lebrasseur, Anna Linderholm, Marcello A. Mannino, Caroline Middleton, Gökhan Mustafaoğlu, Angela Perri, Joris Peters, Mike Richards, Özlem Sarıtaş, Pontus Skoglund, Rhiannon E. Stevens, Chris Stringer, Kristina Tabbada, Helen M. Talbot, Laura G. Van der Sluis, Silvia M. Bello, Vesna Dimitrijevic, Louise Martin, Marjan Mashkour, Simon A. Parfitt, Sonja Vukovic, Selina Brace, Oliver E. Craig, Douglas Baird, Sophy Charlton, Greger Larson, Ian Barnes and Laurent A. F. Frantz published in Nature.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

Exciting news we have spotted a batch of frogspawn in the office pond.  It is a spawn from a single female, and it was probably laid in the early hours of the morning.  A single frog had been observed in the pond over the weekend.  However, this morning there are at least four frogs present.  We did not want to disturb the frogs, but we did want to photograph the first frogspawn of 2026.

The first frogspawn in the office pond spotted on the morning of the 25th of February. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The First Frogspawn of 2026

The wet January means that the pond is very full.  We suspect the recent cold snap has delayed spawning.  Nevertheless, the first batch of eggs has been laid approximately two weeks earlier than in 2025.  This year’s start of the spawning season is not as early as previously recorded.  For example, in 2024 the first batch of frogspawn was observed on the morning of the 18th of February. This was the earliest date that it had been recorded since we began gathering this information.

Since we began recording egg laying dates there has been a trend for the frogs (Rana temporaria) to spawn earlier each year.  For instance, fifteen years ago the first frogspawn laid was recorded around the third week of March.  Recently, spawning has taken place earlier in the year, several weeks earlier in most cases.  We suspect that this is evidence of a changing climate.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Sue and I do our best to help nature.  We have tended and cared for this small pond and recorded the date of the first frogspawn laid every year since 2008.  In that year, the first frogspawn was recorded around the 16th of March.  Eighteen years later frogspawn is recorded twenty days earlier.  It is our way of measuring the impact of a changing climate.”

The multi-award-winning website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

As the Lunar New Year begins, we pause to celebrate renewal, hope, and partnership. This year, we proudly welcome the Year of the Horse. Across the world, families gather to share meals and exchange good wishes. Streets glow with lanterns. Fireworks light the sky. Meanwhile, homes fill with laughter and optimism for the year ahead.

The Horse symbolises energy, strength, and determination. It represents progress and resilience. Moreover, it reminds us to move forward with confidence and purpose. These qualities resonate deeply with our own journey as we developed the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, we sent messages of goodwill to all our Chinese contacts.

Everything Dinosaur celebrating the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse) with a traditional red and gold image. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Celebrating the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse)

At Everything Dinosaur, collaboration sits at the heart of what we do. We work closely with talented partners and friends in China. Together, we support the diverse and eclectic collecting community.

Therefore, this celebration feels especially meaningful to us. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements. It also allows us to express sincere gratitude.

Over the past year, we have worked side by side on exciting new projects. We have overcome challenges together. Furthermore, we have strengthened relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Such partnerships truly drive innovation.  For example, we launched our own range of dinosaur figures – Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution range is now in stock. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.

As the Year of the Horse begins, we wish all our Chinese colleagues, manufacturers, artists, and friends a joyful and prosperous New Year. May this year bring health, happiness, and continued success. May it also bring new opportunities and fresh inspiration.

Finally, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and hard work. We value our collaboration enormously. We look forward to another remarkable year together.

Happy Lunar New Year, and best wishes for a thriving Year of the Horse!

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animals and Dinosaur Figures.

At Everything Dinosaur, we help our customers.  We received an enquiry asking about whether small dinosaurs possessed eye spots to frighten potential predators.  An explanation was provided, we can only speculate but we tried to give an explanation of deimatic display and aposematism.  Let’s define these terms.

• Deimatic display (deimatism) – this is a defensive behaviour.  An animal suddenly reveals bold, striking patterns and colours such as eyespots.  They intimidate and startle a potential predator.  The sudden flash of a pattern or bold colour surprises the would-be attacker.
• Aposematism is another defensive strategy in which an animal uses conspicuous colours, patterns, or sounds to warn predators that it is toxic, venomous, unpalatable, or capable of defending itself. The signal is persistent reducing the likelihood of attack through predator learning rather than surprise.

The eyespots on the frill of the PNSO Torosaurus model are an example of aposematism.  These prominent patterns might deter a theropod dinosaur.

The PNSO Torosaurus 1:35 scale dinosaur model (Aubrey) shown in anterior view. The headshield eyespots and spectacular colouration of this figure are highlighted. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

Deimatic Display and Aposematism

Animals use colour to survive. Two important strategies are deimatic display and aposematism. They are essentially defensive strategies. Deimatic display (deimatism) relies on surprise. An animal suddenly reveals bold colours or eyespots. This moment of shock creates a chance to escape. Many moths and butterflies use this tactic today. The bright colours, usually on the wings, stay hidden until danger appears.

Aposematism is different. It works all the time. Bright colours warn predators in advance. The signals provide information. For example, “I am not good to eat” or “I am venomous”.  These colours are honest warnings, although mimicry also exists in the natural world.

Butterflies demonstrating deimatism. Bright colours and patterns to deter predators. The flashing of their wings cause surprise and startle a potential attacker such as a bird. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We hope our explanations are helpful.  When we consider extinct archosaurs, colouration becomes intriguing. Fossil evidence indicates some archosaurs had complex pigmentation. Some species may have used warning colours. Others may have flashed colours during threat displays. We cannot yet be certain. However, these strategies likely evolved long before modern animals appeared.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal and Dinosaur Models.

Many reptiles around the world are seriously threatened by climate change, but unfortunately it is often difficult to predict their chances of survival. However, a new study published in “Current Biology” demonstrates how Quaternary climate change has affected Australian reptiles. This isolated continent with its unique flora and fauna is threatened by climate change. The scientists were able to plot the effect of climate change on Rankinia diemensis, a small agamid lizard endemic to New South Wales and Victoria.

This new research combines analysis of fossil material from museum collections with genetic data from museum specimens. The team were able to plot population changes over the last twenty thousand years. The collections of natural history museums are a unique resource for studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity and linking the past, present and future of endangered species.

Lead author of the study Dr Till Ramm, a scientist and former doctoral student at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and the Museums Victoria Research Institute in Melbourne, says the research shows that R. diemensis was probably displaced to higher altitudes by the changing climate.

Fossils reveal how climate change threatens Australian reptiles. An Australian Mountain dragon lizard (Rankinia diemensis) photographed in the Grampians National Park, Victoria. Picture credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria.

Picture credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria

The Threat to Australian Reptiles

During the last ice age, approximately twenty thousand years ago, Rankinia diemensis had a much wider distribution in south-eastern Australia. Populations on Kangaroo Island and in the limestone region surrounding the town of Naracoorte in South Australia went extinct. The remaining populations are isolated. If temperatures continue to rise, these lizards will also become extinct.

Using X-ray tomographic imaging techniques to identify tiny fossil fragments and combining this information with genomic data from recent museum specimens, the team was able to track long-term changes in the range of this species and its genetic diversity. The team conclude that populations at lower altitudes have already suffered a decline in genetic diversity, while cooler habitats at higher altitudes are also under threat due to global warming. This makes the Australian Mountain Dragon an indicator species for other reptiles inhabiting the same ecosystem.

Ectothermic animals such as reptiles cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to changes in the climate. Many Asian and Australian taxa are under threat including the largest lizard in the world – the Komodo Dragon.

Ectothermic animals such as the Komodo Dragon are threatened with climate change. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Loss of Reptile Diversity in Victoria

It is also alarming that a particularly large number of reptile species are classified as endangered in the region around the Southern Alps in Victoria. Some other species exhibit similar patterns of decline. Black-and-yellow blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua nigrolutea), Alpine oak skinks (Cyclodomorphus praealtus) and White’s skinks (Liopholis whitii) had bigger ranges in the past. All these species are threatened by climate change.

Co-author of the paper, Professor Johannes Müller (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin) commented:

“By learning from the past, we can make more accurate predictions and decisions for the future. Our findings show how quickly climate change can affect biodiversity and why habitat protection is more important than ever today”.

This research demonstrates the value of the importance of fossil data for the development of conservation strategies.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Climate change predicts Quaternary extinctions and extant genetic diversity in a threatened Australian lizard” by Till Ramm, Emily Roycroft, Jaimi A. Gray, Christy A. Hipsley, Scott Hocknull, Johannes Müller and Jane Melville published in Current Biology.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Scientifically Accurate Prehistoric Animal Models.

Scientists have identified a new species of marsupial in Australia. Unfortunately, this Bettong species is probably already extinct. Fossils found in caves of the Nullarbor and southwest Australia led to the discovery.  The study, published in the journal “Zootaxa” involved studying specimens from several Australian museums and universities.  In addition, Bettong taxa specimens from the London Natural History Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History were also examined.

Bettongia head illustration. Picture credit: Nellie Pease.

Picture credit: Nellie Pease

The research involved Curtin University, Murdoch University and the Western Australian Museum. The researchers identified a brand-new Bettong species (Bettongia haoucharae) and two subspecies of Woylie.

Assessing Bettong Taxa and the Ecological Role of these Marsupials

Bettong taxa belong to the marsupial order Diprotodontia. This order also contains the extinct giant Diprotodon, a relative of wombats and koalas. Fossils of Diprotodon remind us of Australia’s remarkable, prehistoric biodiversity.

CollectA introduced a 1:20 scale replica of a male Diprotodon last year (2024).  This prehistoric animal figure helped to inform and educate collectors about Australia’s unique fauna.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Diprotodon model.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

Woylies, also known as Bettongs, are ecosystem engineers. They dig for fungi and turn over several tonnes of soil every year. This activity helps plants germinate and promotes soil health and healthy habitats. However, these marsupials are critically endangered.

New Discoveries About Australia’s Unique Wildlife

PhD student at Curtin University and lead author of the study, Jake Newman-Martin explained that this research led to the identification of a completely new Bettong species and two subspecies of Woylie.  Sadly, some Bettong taxa may have already died out, even before we knew they existed.

The research divided the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies. This split is vital for conservation. It will guide future breeding and translocation projects designed to boost population numbers and genetic health.

Skulls of Bettong taxa from this investigation: (A) Bettongia ogilbyi sylvatica, (B) Bettongia ogilbyi odontoploica, (C) Bettongia penicillata, (D) Bettongia ogilbyi ogilbyi, (E) Bettongia haoucharae, and (F) Bettongia ogilbyi francisca. Note scale bar = 2 cm. Picture credit: Curtin University.

Picture credit: Curtin University

Fossils Provide New Clues

Co-author Dr Kenny Travouillon (Western Australian Museum) described the research methodology. The team measured skulls, teeth and bones from both Australian and UK collections. They confirmed distinct species and expanded the known diversity of these small marsupials.

The study highlights the value of examining fossils and using genetic tools. By combining these methods, scientists can unlock hidden diversity and shape conservation strategies for endangered marsupials.

The Implications for Species Conservation

The new Nullarbor species has been given the scientific name Bettongia haoucharae. Researchers plan to work with Indigenous communities to agree on an appropriate name. The word “woylie” itself comes from the Noongar language.

This research shines a spotlight on how much of Australia’s biodiversity has been lost. At the same time, it does offer hope. By identifying new species, scientists can establish more effective conservation plans.

Lead author of the study, Jake Newman-Martin, a PhD student in Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences examining the preserved remains of a specimen. Picture credit: South Australian Museum/Instagram.

Picture credit: South Australian Museum/Instagram

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“New discoveries such as this remind us how much we still do not know about extant animals.  This newly discovered marsupial reminds us that just like the Diprotodon, animals are still vulnerable to extinction.  The research reminds us of what can vanish.  Conservation programmes are vital if we are to avoid more losses.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from Curtin University in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “A taxonomic revision of the Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) species complex and description of the subfossil species Bettongia haoucharae sp. nov.” by Jake Newman-Martin, Kenny J. Travouillon, Natalie Warburton, Milo Barham and Alison J. Blyth published in Zootaxa.

Today, I spotted a Mottled grasshopper. Its scientific name is Myrmeleotettix maculatus. This insect is found throughout England from April through to October. Its patches of brown and grey provide excellent camouflage in its grassland habitat.  Remarkably, these insects have the ability to breakdown plant materials in their guts without producing greenhouse gases.  Research is currently being undertaken into whether this ability could lead to the development of new types of biofuel.

A rare but very welcome late summer visitor. A Mottled grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Mottled Grasshopper

Grasshopper, crickets and their relatives belong to the insect order Orthoptera.  The ancestors of modern members of this diverse and widespread order are thought to have originated in the Carboniferous.

The Mottled grasshopper thrives in dry, open habitats.  It is widespread in England and, like many insects the warm spring and hot summer have helped numbers increase.  Its markings help to camouflage it amongst dry grass. If it does get spotted by a predator the Mottled grasshopper has a powerful jump.

Grasshoppers and other types of insect such as termites are being carefully studied as they have remarkable digestive systems.  They can break down tough cellulose and lignin in their guts without producing greenhouse gases.  This area of scientific enquiry could lead to alternative biofuel sources to replace fossil fuels.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It was a rare but welcome visitor.  Insects such as grasshoppers are more often heard than seen.  However, we were delighted to spot this Mottled grasshopper.  Its ancestors might have evolved long before grass and other angiosperms, but its ability to digest tough plants might help us to devise new biofuels. It might be small, but insects could have a big role to play in the future of our species.”

So, next time you see a Mottled grasshopper, take a moment to marvel at the amazing natural world that we often overlook.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

Today, May the 23rd is World Turtle Day! A time to celebrate these amazing reptiles and to remember lost species such as the Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George”.  Turtles, tortoises and terrapins belong to the order Testudines.  These are ancient creatures with an extensive fossil record.  Their evolutionary origins and the development of the carapace and plastron has puzzled palaeontologists.

Remembering the Pinta Island Tortoise “Lonesome George”

One of these creatures that we recall is “Lonesome George”, the last Pinta Island giant tortoise.  He became a symbol of conservation efforts.  Sadly, this giant tortoise died in 2012.  Conservation efforts continue with global programmes inspired by the last of his species. His story reminds us of the importance of protecting endangered species.

Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2012 reflecting on the loss of “Lonesome George”: Reflecting on the Passing of “Lonesome George”.

The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in lateral view. The model measures 30 cm long and stands 20 cm high. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows a 1:6 scale model of the Pinta Island giant tortoise known as “Lonesome George”.  This beautiful model was introduced in 2023 by Rebor.

To view the Rebor range of models: Rebor Figures.

Recently, ideas about the evolution of these reptiles have been revised.  In addition, some researchers have suggested that the carapace and the plastron evolved not for protection but developed to assist with burrowing and living underground.

Turtle evolution complicated by new fossil discovery: Turtle Evolution Revised by New Study.

To read an article about the evolution of the carapace: Did the Turtle Shell Evolve to Assist with Burrowing?

World Turtle Day

Turtles, tortoises and terrapins play vital roles in our ecosystems. Sadly, many taxa are under threat with numerous species facing extinction.  World Turtle Day was first celebrated at the turn of the century.  It was created to highlight these animals and the need to protect and conserve species.  Furthermore, it provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and commemorate those dedicated conservationists that work so hard to protect habitats.

Take a moment today to appreciate tortoises, turtles and their relatives. Together, we can make a difference. Happy World Turtle Day!

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

The dry weather might be proving difficult for farmers and much of the country might need rain, but the warm weather attracted an unusual visitor to the office pond.  A Broad-bodied chaser dragonfly was observed resting on foliage by the pond’s edge.  Whilst this squat dragonfly might be relatively common in England, this is the first time we have recorded this species at this location.

It was difficult to take a photograph.  The insect was not keen on the plethora of damselflies that were around the rapidly dwindling water source.  We cannot remember the water level being so low at this time of year. However, it still is a haven for wildlife attracting all sorts of insects and the occasional bird that descends for a drink or a bath.

We will continue to monitor the water levels in the pond, and we will try and top it up with rainwater, should we indeed have any rain to speak off.

A welcome visitor a Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa) dragonfly resting on an old fern frond over the office pond. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Small ponds play a vital role in supporting wildlife by providing essential habitats for a variety of species. The office pond has attracted dragonflies, water beetles, pond skaters, frogs and birds. These aquatic environments serve as breeding grounds and shelter for many small animals. They foster biodiversity and enhance the local ecosystem’s health.

A Broad-bodied Chaser

The golden-brown abdomen suggests that this is either a female or an immature male. This dragonfly (Libellula depressa) is common throughout England and Wales but rarer in northern England. It can be seen from April and throughout the summer months. Dragonflies and their ancestors are ancient creatures.  Their fossil record goes back to the Carboniferous.

The ancestors of modern dragonflies evolved during the Late Carboniferous. Some of these Carboniferous insects were giants. For example, Meganeuropsis permiana known from the Early Permian had a wingspan in excess of seventy centimetres.

Rebor added a dragonfly figure as an accessory to the company’s Compsognathus model that was introduced in 2016.

Rebor Compsognathus – Sentry.  This figure, introduced in 2016 included a dragonfly model as an accessory.

To view the range of Rebor models and figures in stock: Rebor Models and Figures.

Commenting on the dragonfly visitor, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We do our best to encourage wildlife to the office pond.  We have planted many more flowers to attract insects.  In addition, we have planted more cover close to the pond to provide hiding places and shelter for small animals.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.