Haolonggood intends to introduce two new Chasmosaurus models. These horned dinosaur figures are expected in stock at Everything Dinosaur later in the spring. This manufacturer intends to continue to produce ceratopsian models. Recently, the company added Kosmoceratops, Sinoceratops and Nasutoceratops to their growing model range. As with other Haolonggood figures, the Chasmosaurus replicas will be available in a choice of two colour schemes.
Haolonggood will continue the trend of producing ceratopsian figures with the addition of a pair of Chasmosaurus models.
As with other Haolonggood figures, two colour variants of Chasmosaurus will be offered. There will be a green-coloured version and another Chasmosaurus with a reddish/brown colour scheme. Both figures will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur probably later this spring.
As with other Haolonggood figures the Chasmosaurus will be available in a choice of two colours.
Haolonggood Chasmosaurus Models
The taxon Chasmosaurus (C. belli) was erected in 1902 (Lawrence Lambe). Fossil material associated with this genus heralds from the Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation in Alberta (Canada). Specimens show a wide variety of morphological variation in the skull. This has led to confusion over the taxonomic placement of a number of fossil specimens. They could represent examples of Chasmosaurus or perhaps other, related ceratopsians such as Mojoceratops.
“Chasm Lizard” an illustration of Chasmosaurus belli. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that Haolonggood had only been making this range of figures since 2020. The company has added a variety or ornithischian figures including hadrosaurs and ceratopsians. In terms of horned dinosaurs, Haolonggood had added several figures including Kosmoceratops and Pachyrhinosaurus. However, the company had yet to add a replica of Triceratops (T. horridus) to this range.
The spokesperson added:
“Currently, we have five different Haolonggood ceratopsian figures in stock. When we get the Chasmosaurus, this will make it six. Each dinosaur is supplied in two, contrasting colour schemes.”
The CollectA Polacanthus model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur soon. Only one species is currently assigned to this genus (P. foxii). In the past, several species were erected. However, a formal review of armoured dinosaur fossils associated with the Wealden Group (Raven et al 2020) clarified the placement of ankylosaurian fossil material. Much of the fossil material has now been assigned to other taxa or declared too indistinct to be confidently assigned at the genus level.
The 2024 CollectA Polacanthus Model
The new for 2024 CollectA Polacanthus figure reflects the recent review of the British Wealden Group ankylosaurs. It represents the very latest scientific interpretation of this iconic dinosaur which was named in 1865.
This dinosaur is famous for its shield of armour located over the hips. This is referred to as the sacral shield or sometimes the pelvic shield. In the holotype the sacral shield measures 108 cm in length. It is approximately 90 cm wide. Most descriptions of the raised bosses and dermal armour associated with the sacral shield refer to four rows of osteoderms on each side of this pelvic shield. These features do not seem to be present in the holotype fossil material.
The sacral shield on the new CollectA Polacanthus does reflect quite accurately the holotype material. For example, the largest bosses associated with the sacral shield of Polacanthus foxii are located in the corners at the distal end of the shield. These large bosses have been reproduced in the new CollectA figure.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained:
“The sacral shield on the CollectA Polacanthus model does reflect the morphology of the holotype. The bosses and osteoderms present on the sacral shield of the model follow the layout as depicted in the 19th century lithographs. In addition, we think that CollectA were given access to additional images of the actual fossils. This helped the design team to recreate the model with a high degree of accuracy.”
The CollectA Polacanthus model in 1:20 scale is due to arrive at Everything Dinosaur later this year.
Six new for 2024, Haolonggood dinosaur models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Four horned dinosaurs and a pair of lambeosaurines. Our warehouse received a shipment of Haolonggood figures. The pair of Tlatolophus galorum models have arrived along with the pair of Sinoceratops figures. In addition, the two Haolonggood Kosmoceratops (Cai Fu and Cai Qing) are also available.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture above shows the Tlatolophus pair (top) and the Sinoceratops (middle). The two Kosmoceratops models, the red and grey models are shown (bottom).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that it was wonderful to have these six new dinosaur models in stock.
The spokesperson added:
“Many factories concentrate on producing replicas of theropod dinosaurs. Collectors like a bit of variety and it great to see ornithischian dinosaurs being highlighted by Haolonggood. These figures may all represent Cretaceous dinosaurs, but they are geographically dispersed. Sinoceratops is known from China, whilst Tlatolophus fossils were found in Mexico. Kosmoceratops fossil material comes from the western United States.”
Royal Mail intend to introduce a set of Mary Anning stamps. The set of four stamps feature a portrait of the pioneering palaeontologist and three fossil finds. The stamps have been launched at the same time as a set of prehistoric animal stamps.
The Royal Mail Mary Anning stamps can be purchased individually or as a special presentation set for collectors.
Ichthyosaurus communis and Other Significant Fossils
One of the stamps illustrating fossil discoveries features Ichthyosaurus communis. This was the first species within the Ichthyosaurus genus to be erected (De la Beche and Conybeare, 1822).
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The image (above) shows a typical replica of an ichthyosaur. This marine reptile was a sleek and agile predator with a body shape similar to that of extant dolphins. The dolphin/ichthyosaur body morphology is often cited as an example of convergent evolution.
The model is from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.
The stamps feature three prehistoric animals connected to Mary Anning. Ichthyosaurus communis (top) a complete fossilised juvenile, purchased from Mary Anning circa 1835. Dapedium politum a species of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) collected by Mary Anning circa 1829 (middle). Plesiosaurus macrocephalus (bottom), a near-complete, articulated juvenile collected by Mary Anning in 1830.
A Portrait of Mary Anning
The set of stamps also includes a portrait of Mary Anning. The date of the painting remains unknown, but it has been suggested that it was painted before 1842. It is housed at the Natural History Museum (London). Unfortunately, the name of the artist who created this portrait of Mary in her best clothes was not recorded.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“It is wonderful to see Royal Mail recognising the contribution to palaeontology and geology by Mary Anning. We hope these beautiful Mary Anning stamps and the presentation set will spark an interest in the Earth sciences.”
New PNSO dinosaur models along with two new Rebor dire wolf figures feature in the latest Everything Dinosaur newsletter. Joining these prehistoric animal models are two new for 2024, Schleich dinosaurs. The newsletter features, Aymen the Spinosaurus and Zabad the Edmontosaurus. In addition, the PNSO Alamosaurus model (Samuel) is highlighted.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Aymen the Spinosaurus (PNSO)
Making the newsletter headlines is the new PNSO Aymen the Spinosaurus figure. Zabad the Edmontosaurus was also in the latest PNSO delivery. This Edmontosaurus model has been praised as it has an accurate manus (hand) complete with a hoof-like toe. Fresh stock of the popular PNSO Alamosaurus figure has also arrived. Both models are included in the newsletter promotion.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the wide range of PNSO prehistoric animal figures available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
Rebor Dire Wolf Figures
The latest Everything Dinosaur newsletter also includes details on the two Rebor dire wolf figures “Havallagata” and “Low Roar”. These magnificent models of a Pleistocene predator have just arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse.
Schleich Dinosaurs in the Everything Dinosaur Newsletter
The two most colourful figures to feature in the Everything Dinosaur newsletter are the two Schleich figures. Both the red Brachiosaurus and the new for 2024 Schleich Stegosaurus have been painted in attractive, vibrant colours.
To view the range of Schleich dinosaurs available from Everything Dinosaur: Schleich Dinosaur Models.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson welcomed the arrival of these new figures and commented:
“Our company newsletter helps to keep customers informed about new prehistoric animal models coming into stock.”
At Everything Dinosaur, we receive quite a lot of emails from customers and fans of prehistoric animals. Many of these emails are requests asking for more information about prehistoric animal figures. However, customers also contact us wanting help with answering a specific query about extinct creatures and life in the past. For example, we were recently asked what animals alive today are the closest relative of the eurypterids?
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Answering a Question About Eurypterids
Eurypterids were members of the Arthropoda phylum. Specifically, they are part of the Subphylum Chelicerata (pronounced kel-iss-ser-rat-ah), which also contains the spiders, mites, scorpions and horseshoe crabs. These animals have a pair of jointed appendages that are located in front of their mouths (chelicerae – kel-iss-ser-ray). For most, they are modest feeding appendages such as seen in horseshoe crabs. In the spiders these chelicerae form venom injecting fangs. In some eurypterids such as the Pterygotidae, these appendages evolved into giant pincers designed for grabbing prey.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Scorpiones or Xiphosurans?
Scientists remain uncertain as to whether extant scorpions or xiphosurans such as the horseshoe crab are the closest living relatives to the extinct eurypterids. Scorpions share a similar body plan, although scorpions are entirely terrestrial. Xiphosurans share the aquatic habit and also have an anatomy that is similar to the “sea scorpions” in some respects. Eurypterid feeding was probably more similar to that of xiphosurans.
The question of phylogeny remains unresolved. The lack of soft tissue preservation in “sea scorpions” and the flattened nature of most eurypterid fossils have hampered research. The absence of a clear eurypterid analogue from living chelicerates may indicate that the eurypterids occupied an ecological niche that was intermediate between xiphosurans and the Order Scorpiones.
Our thanks to editor Mike Fredericks who sent to Everything Dinosaur the artwork for the next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine. This quarterly magazine is famed for its beautiful cover art. Many noteworthy palaeoartists have contributed over the years. The front cover artwork for issue 149 is no exception. The illustration featuring Styracosaurus albertensis is stunning!
We look forward to reading about the artist behind this remarkable image when issue 149 arrives.
Picture credit: Mike Fredericks
“Prehistoric Times” Magazine
The spring issue (149) will feature an in-depth interview with palaeontologist Jordan Mallon. Dr Mallon is based at the Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa, Canada). He specialises in studying dinosaur ecology and has been involved in the naming and scientific description of several fossil species, including a horned dinosaur – Spiclypeus shipporum. Although both members of the Ceratopsia clade and contemporary, Styracosaurus and Spiclypeus were not closely related. The centrosaurine Styracosaurus albertensis is known from the Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation of Alberta, (Canada). In contrast, the chasmosaurine Spiclypeus shipporum is known from the Judith River Formation of Montana (United States).
The model (above) is the articulated Spiclypeus shipporum in the Beasts of the Mesozoic series.
The other prehistoric animal to be featured in the spring edition is the pterosaur Tapejara. Readers can expect a comprehensive profile of this Early Cretaceous flying reptile. Tapejara is famed for its huge head crest. We are looking forward to viewing all the reader submitted artwork illustrating this spectacular member of the Pterosauria.
In addition, details will be provided of new books chronicling the life and work of the influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. Issue 149 will also feature the latest instalment of the excellent series penned by Jon Lavas discussing the artwork of Burian.
The work of English palaeoartist Bob Nicholls is also featured. Bob illustrated the wonderful “Dinosaur Behavior” which was launched late last year. This excellent dinosaur book was written by Professor Mike Benton (University of Bristol). Published by Princeton University Press “Dinosaur Behavior” is a beautifully illustrated and highly informative guide to the Dinosauria.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Spring Issue of “Prehistoric Times” Coming Soon
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that they were looking forward to reading the next edition of “Prehistoric Times”.
The spokesperson added:
“This magazine is an institution! It contains well-written articles featuring leading academics and scientists along with fabulous profiles of prehistoric animals and updates on fossil discoveries as well as model collecting. The artwork submitted by readers is amazing!”
The prosauropods were popularised by the German palaeontologist Friederich von Huene in response to his work studying the extensive Plateosaurus fossil finds discovered in a clay quarry at Trossingen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany). Much of our understanding of the Prosauropoda has been informed through study of Plateosaurus fossil material.
Once thought to be facultative bipeds. These dinosaurs would normally walk on all fours, but if they so desired they could adopt a bipedal stance. Detailed analysis of the manus and forelimbs demonstrated that the hands could not be rotated to set the palms on the ground. The lack of an ability to pronate the hand suggests that Plateosaurus and its close relatives were bipeds.
“Flat Lizard” replica. The Bullyland Plateosaurus model.
The picture (above) shows the now retired Bullyland Plateosaurus model. Plateosaurus is depicted as a quadruped, however, studies have shown that since this dinosaur could not pronate its wrists (turn the hand so that the palm could be placed on the ground), it probably was bipedal. Ironically, Bullyland’s original Plateosaurus figure was depicted rearing up onto its hind legs. The quadruped Bullyland Plateosaurus model was probably inspired by a Plateosaurus diorama at the Naturkundemuseum Stuttgart, Germany. The Plateosaurus models in the diorama are portrayed as quadrupeds. Bullyland’s range of prehistoric animal figures has been developed in partnership with the Naturkundemuseum Stuttgart.
A rearing Plateosaurus model from the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs series.
The picture (above) shows the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Plateosaurus replica. This model was first introduced into the not-to-scale CollectA Prehistoric Life model range in 2011. It is widely thought to be a more accurate representation of the Plateosaurus genus than the Bullyland figure.
Huene, based on his studies of the Trossingen fossils, proposed that the Plateosaurus taxon was closely related to the Sauropoda. He erected the Sauropodomorpha clade. He proposed that this clade consisted of all the sauropods and their closest ancestors. Huene suggested the Prosauropoda, which means “before the sauropods”, be established which would include Plateosaurus and its close relatives.
A specimen of a Plateosaurus with fossil material mounted in life position. This is part of a display at the Senckenberg Nature Museum (Frankfurt, Germany). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Prosauropod Term Replaced by Non-sauropod Sauropodomorph
Gigantism in the Sauropodomorpha has been associated with the development of a fully quadrupedal stance. The grasping hands were lost as body size increased. Sauropods evolved column-like eggs to help support their increased bodyweight. This was thought to have occurred in the Early Jurassic. However, the discovery of massive Triassic sauropodomorphs such as Lessemsaurus and Ingentia prima demonstrates that sauropodomorph gigantism predates the Triassic-Jurassic boundary. The transition from being probable omnivores to a fully herbivorous diet occurred during the Late Triassic in some sauropodomorph lineages.
Basal sauropodomorphs are, generally, considered smaller-bodied and defined by their obligatory bipedalism. Facultative to habitual quadrupedality appears to have evolved by the Late Triassic. The paucity of the fossil record inhibits our understanding of the ancestry of the Sauropodomorpha.
Prosauropod as a scientific term has fallen out of favour. Definitions of prosauropods as having five digits on the manus with three claws and the concept of facultative bipedalism have largely become redundant. The idea that prosauropods are the direct ancestor of the sauropods has been discounted by many palaeontologists. Most modern phylogenetic studies break the Prosauropoda up into several families with shared anatomical traits that evolved separately and may represent a gradual transition to the generally larger, fully quadrupedal and herbivorous sauropodomorphs. Instead, the term non-sauropod sauropodomorph has taken precedence.
Cladistic and phylogenetic analysis have demonstrated that the taxa within the Prosauropoda corresponds to the Plateosauridae family as both contain the same genera.
A beautiful set of Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps is being introduced. The main set will feature prehistoric animals including Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops and Stegosaurus. A second set of stamps is also going on sale commemorating the life and works of Mary Anning.
Celebrating Two Hundred Years Since the Formal Description of Megalosaurus
2024 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the formal, scientific description of a prehistoric animal that was later to be classified as a dinosaur. The theropod dinosaur Megalosaurus was named and described in 1824 by the Reverend William Buckland who was president of the Geological Society of London. The binomial species name Megalosaurus bucklandii was erected in 1827. This was the first scientific account in the western world of a dinosaur. Megalosaurus features on a pair of stamps along with the roughly contemporaneous marine reptile Cryptoclidus.
Megalosaurus was for a long time a taxonomic waste basket. Theropod fossils from different strata were assigned to this taxon. The only definitive Megalosaurus remains come from Oxfordshire (England).
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows a model of Megalosaurus bucklandii from PNSO.
The eight prehistoric animal stamps were created by Joshua Dunlop, a digital concept artist based in Exeter (Devon). A second set of stamps features a portrait of the pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning. In addition, three stamps have been created that show photographs of fossils associated with Mary Anning and the Lower Jurassic rocks of Lyme Regis.
The list of dinosaurs featured:
Tyrannosaurus
Triceratops
Stegosaurus
Diplodocus
Iguanodon
Megalosaurus
In Collaboration with the London Natural History Museum
The Royal Mail prehistoric animal stamps were created in collaboration with the London Natural History Museum.
North American dinosaurs are featured (Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus and Diplodocus). Prehistoric animals known from fossil discoveries from southern England are also included. Each pair of stamps show a similar image but from a different prehistoric animal’s perspective. For example, one pair of stamps depicts a herd of Iguanodon escaping a forest fire whilst a flock of startled pterosaurs (Coloborhynchus) fly overhead.
Everything Dinosaur Comments
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“These are beautiful stamps. The eight prehistoric animal stamps show four different scenes, and they are designed to be viewed as pairs. For instance, the Tyrannosaurus stamp shows this theropod attacking a Triceratops. In contrast, the Triceratops stamp shows the horned dinosaur fending off a lunge from the Tyrannosaurus.”
Recently, Everything Dinosaur team members wrote a blog post summarising the findings of the latest scientific paper on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. This paper (Myhrvold et al), outlined some drawbacks in using bone density analysis to infer an extinct animal’s habits and lifestyle. They outlined some errors and omissions in a previous study that concluded Spinosaurus and Baryonyx walkeri, were capable of submerging and hunting underwater.
An Extensively Studied Theropod
Named and described in 1915 (Stromer), Spinosaurus aegyptiacus has been the subject of intense research over the last decade. It was perhaps the longest theropod dinosaur of all. Some palaeontologists have estimated that S. aegyptiacus was up to fifteen metres long. Its mode of hunting and behaviour has come under detailed scrutiny since a detailed description, based on new fossil material was published in 2014.
This paper proposed that Spinosaurus was a semi-aquatic, obligate quadruped.
Palaeontologists continued to debate whether Spinosaurus aegyptiacus and its near relatives were underwater predators, or shoreline stalkers. The 2014 research paper proposed that although Spinosaurus was a capable swimmer it was not a fully aquatic, underwater predator.
However, in 2020 a paper published in the journal Nature described Spinosaurus caudal vertebrae. These bones suggested that S. aegyptiacus had a broad tail. This could be used to propel itself through the water.
The picture (above) shows the Papo limited-edition Spinosaurus aegyptiacus figure. This model depicts Spinosaurus as a quadruped and emphasises the broad, deep tail.
However, in 2022 a scientific paper was published in the journal “eLife” that challenged the aquatic lifestyle. Palaeontologists led by scientists from the University of Chicago argued that Spinosaurus and Baryonyx walkeri would have been unstable when surface swimming. They also concluded that these dinosaurs would be too buoyant to dive and remain fully submerged.
Also, in 2022 another assessment using a statistical analysis of bone density proposed that Spinosaurus could dive and stay submerged (Fabbri et al). The heavy bones acted like ballast. This anatomical adaptation is seen in extant birds such as penguins and also in some mammals like manatees. These researchers also argued that some other spinosaurids, such as Suchomimus lacked these dense bones and were probably waders.
The new study (Myhrvold et al), criticised the complex statistical methodology (pFDA) used in the bone density study. The team concluded that the study undertaken by Fabbri et al had measurement errors and was flawed. It was not possible to infer an aquatic habit for spinosaurids based on this data.
The researchers demonstrated that it is important to use consistent and objective criteria to decide which species to include and exclude, as well as how to classify their behaviour. The findings also demonstrate the importance of taking measurement errors and individual variations into account when assessing bone density.
The debate over the lifestyle and habits of spinosaurids is likely to continue. We look forward to the next instalment in this long-running debate.