All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
3 06, 2024

New for 2024 PNSO Lufengosaurus Dinosaur Models

By |2024-06-04T13:43:00+01:00June 3rd, 2024|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models|0 Comments

The new for 2024 PNSO Lufengosaurus model is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  It is great to see a Chinese manufacturer creating a replica of a Chinese sauropodomorph.  The dinosaur figure is entitled “Yiran the Lufengosaurus” and customers will receive an Everything Dinosaur Lufengosaurus fact sheet with purchases.

The new for 2024 PNSO Lufengosaurus model.

The new for 2024 PNSO Lufengosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The New PNSO Lufengosaurus Model

Lufengosaurus lived in China during the Early Jurassic. Numerous specimens have been discovered. Yang Zhongjian, known in western literature as Chung Chien Young, formally erected the genus in 1941. Two species are currently recognised, Lufengosaurus huenei and a larger species Lufengosaurus magnus. However, there is still debate amongst scientists as to the validity of L. magnus. Fossil specimens ascribed to this species could represent examples of extremely large and old Lufengosaurus huenei.

The PNSO Lufengosaurus is supplied with an A3-sized science-art poster.  In addition, the box includes a sixty-four-page colour booklet.

A trio of PNSO Lufengosaurus models.

Mike of Everything Dinosaur with three Lufengosaurus dinosaur models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of PNSO models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.

The Model Measurements

This new sauropodomorph figure measures twenty-five centimetres long. It stands approximately ten and a half centimetres high. PNSO have not declared a scale for their figure. However, based on a length of six metres for Lufengosaurus huenei, we estimate that this model is in 1:24 scale.

PNSO Lufengosaurus dinosaur model.

The new for 2024 PNSO Yiran the Lufengosaurus figure.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that team members were busy contacting customers about this new model.  He explained that customers who requested a model being set aside for them were now being emailed.

PNSO and Everything Dinosaur are going to be announcing more new for 2024 prehistoric animal figures later this year.

To visit the award-winning and customer friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys, Models and Figures.

2 06, 2024

A New Abelisaurid from Argentina – Koleken inakayali

By |2024-06-03T21:51:05+01:00June 2nd, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

A new species of South American abelisaurid dinosaur has been named by scientists.  It lived in Patagonia around 69 million years ago (Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous.  Named Koleken inakayali it shared its estuarine environment with the much bigger, related abelisaurid Carnotaurus sastrei.  Its discovery and subsequent phylogenetic analysis provides a much needed context for understanding the rate of evolution within ceratosaurian theropods. Koleken helps to reinforce the belief that abelisaurids were the most successful group of large meat-eating dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous of Gondwana.

Koleken inakayali life reconstruction.

A life reconstruction of the newly described abelisaurid dinosaur Koleken inakayali. Picture credit: Gabriel Diaz Yantén.

Koleken inakayali

Most of the fossil material comes from a substantial concretion collected from strata associated with the La Colonia Formation of Chubut Province, southern Argentina.  The concretion contained the posterior portion of the skeleton.  Fragmentary pieces of skull were also recovered.  Analysis of the bones suggests that the fossils represent a subadult animal, which was at least six years old when it died.  Although Koleken lived at the same time as Carnotaurus, the researchers concluded that the fossils represented a new, unique abelisaurid and not a specimen of an immature Carnotaurus.  Several unique characteristics of the bones were identified. Furthermore, Koleken inakayali lacked horns on its skull. Skull horns are a characteristic associated with Carnotaurus.

Rebor Oddities Fossil Studies C. sastrei museum quality skull model.

Carnotaurus possessed a pair of horns on the top of its head. The newly described Koleken inakayali lacked horns.

The picture (above) shows a model of a Carnotaurus sastrei skull from Rebor.

To view the range of Rebor prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Roughened bone surface associated with the nasal area does suggest that this dinosaur may have had some sort of ridge structure running along its snout.

Koleken inakayali material excavated from La Colonia Formation (southern Argentina).

The fossil material was collected from deposits associated with the La Colonia Formation (Chubut Province, southern Argentina). Field team members prepare some of the fossil bones for removal.  Picture credit: María Agustinho.

Coming from Clay and Water

The genus name is derived from Kóleken, a name in the local Teushen language spoken by the native population of central Patagonia that means “coming from clay and water”.  The specimen was found in a sedimentary section dominated by claystone representing an estuarine environment. The trivial or species name honours Inakayal, one of the last chiefs of the native people from central Patagonia (the Tehuelches).  He is known for his resistance against Argentina’s 19th century military campaign, which resulted in the decimation and displacement of native communities from southern Argentina.

Lead author of the scientific paper Diego Pol (Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Buenos Aires), commented:

“The new dinosaur is represented by a partial skeleton that includes several skull bones, an almost complete set of back bones, a complete hip, several tail bones and almost complete legs”.

The carcase of Koleken inakayali was probably transported by a river to an estuary, where it was buried shortly after its death.  The first fossils were discovered in 2015.  Although far from complete, this specimen will help palaeontologists assess how different parts of the skeleton of abelisaurids and their close relatives changed over time.

Co-author of the paper, Fernando Novas (Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia), explained:

“We analysed the evolutionary relationships of abelisaurids and their closest relatives, the noasaurids, and found periods of time in which these groups changed rapidly and other periods in which their evolution remained almost at a standstill.”

Koleken inakayali fossils being cleaned.

Fossilised bones of Koleken being cleaned and prepared for further study. Picture credit: María Agustinho.

Abelisaurids Coexisted

The discovery of this new abelisaurid expands our knowledge about Late Cretaceous theropods of South America.  Koleken demonstrates that several species of abelisaurids coexisted in the same environments during the Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous.  It also shows that abelisaurids were extremely diverse compared to other types of dinosaur.  Abelisaurids were probably the dominant carnivores.  The larger Carnotaurus sastrei was probably the apex predator, whilst Koleken inakayali at around four to five metres in length, probably filled a secondary predator niche.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We are learning more about ancient palaeoenvironments and the animals that existed within them.  Perhaps, the African plains today can provide an analogy.  You could consider Carnotaurus as fulfilling the role of a lion in this ecosystem, with Koleken filling a secondary predator niche such as a leopard.”

For Dominic

Team members from Everything Dinosaur met a remarkable young dinosaur fan called Dominic recently.  Dominic knew that a new species of meat-eating dinosaur had just been announced and was keen to learn more about Koleken.  We promised that we would dedicate our blog post about this new dinosaur to him.  Perhaps Dominic’s mum could ask him to draw Koleken inakayali.  We would very much like to see how Dominic interprets this new dinosaur discovery.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia in the compilation of this article.

For Dominic.

The scientific paper: “A new abelisaurid dinosaur from the end Cretaceous of Patagonia and evolutionary rates among the Ceratosauria” by Diego Pol, Mattia Antonio Baiano, David Černý, Fernando E. Novas, Ignacio A. Cerda and Michael Pittman published in cladistics.

1 06, 2024

Beautiful and Amazing Dinosaur Cakes

By |2024-06-04T06:26:50+01:00June 1st, 2024|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members are constantly amazed by how talented our customers and fans of dinosaurs can be.  For example, when attending the special screening of “WHY DINOSAURS?” in Sheffield, we spotted some incredible dinosaur cakes.  As part of the red carpet reception, a selection of dinosaur themed cakes had been prepared.  They were beautiful.  One cake depicted a scene from the movie “Jurassic Park”.  This was extremely appropriate, after all, we were attending a film premiere.

A Jurassic Park themed dinosaur cake.

A stunning scene from Jurassic Park which is entirely edible. At the screening of “WHY DINOSAURS?” in Sheffield Everything Dinosaur team members spotted some amazing dinosaur cakes. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Wonderful Dinosaur Cakes

Team members were able to talk to the talented couple who had created the wonderful dinosaur cakes.  It was explained that every part of the “Jurassic Park” cake was edible.  Even the soil and rocks could be eaten.  We praised the bakers and marvelled at the little cupcakes with a three-toed dinosaur footprint on top.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We were amazed at the detail that the bakers had managed to recreate. The cakes were beautiful, and it was a shame that they had to be cut up, but we can confirm they tasted as good as they looked.”

To visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Amazing dinosaur cakes.

For the special screening of the “WHY DINOSAURS?” documentary some superb dinosaur themed cakes had been made. All very tasty too. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Film Premiere

Everything Dinosaur has sponsored the UK screenings of a remarkable dinosaur documentary entitled “WHY DINOSAURS?”.  We were fortunate to be able to take a break from our busy schedule and attend the Sheffield screening.  It was fantastic to be able to meet so many talented and creative people.  We even got to meet the bakers and to hear how they had made these wonderful dinosaur cakes.

The Everything Dinosaur spokesperson added:

“Our congratulations to all involved in the film premiere. We appreciate how much work goes into an event such as this. It was a wonderful evening and Everything Dinosaur is proud to have been involved.”

31 05, 2024

Unique Insight into an Ancient Late Triassic Landscape

By |2024-05-30T10:24:58+01:00May 31st, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Geology, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Researchers, including scientists from the University of Bristol have undertaken extensive fieldwork to determine the fauna of a Late Triassic landscape.  The excavation and study of hundreds of microvertebrate fossils from Lavernock Point (close to Cardiff and Penarth), has enabled the research team to construct a picture of the palaeoenvironment of South Wales around 200 million years ago.

A Terrestrial Environment Close to a Tropical Sea

Dinosaurs and other tetrapods lived on a tropical lowland beside the sea.  Dinosaur trackways are known from Barry and other sites close to Lavernock Point.  These trace fossils and the recent discovery of dinosaur bones has helped shed light on the history of dinosaurs in Wales.

Evidence of dinosaurs in the Late Triassic landscape of Wales.

Evidence of dinosaurs in the Late Triassic landscape of South Wales. A tridactyl (three-toed) footprint, one of many trackways and prints associated with the Dinosauria known from South Wales. Picture credit: Cindy Howells at the National Museum of Wales.

A Late Triassic Landscape

The cliffs at Lavernock Point contain shales and limestone deposits that were laid down in a warm, tropical sea.  Bonebeds are found at several levels of the strata.  These locations contain the remains of fish including sharks, marine reptiles and occasionally dinosaurs.

Whilst most of the dinosaurs were small, when compared to their Jurassic descendants, recent marine reptile discoveries indicate that there were giants in the ecosystem.  For example, fossilised jawbones indicate the presence of enormous ichthyosaurs, some of which may have been the size of the largest extant whales.

To read a recent blog post about giant Triassic ichthyosaurs: Ichthyotitan A Colossus of the Late Triassic.

Owain Evans, a former student at Bristol University led the research.

He explained:

“The bone bed paints the picture of a tropical archipelago, which was subjected to frequent storms, that washed material from around the surrounding area, both in land and out at sea, into a tidal zone. This means that from just one fossil horizon, we can reconstruct a complex ecological system, with a diverse array of marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and placodonts in the water, and dinosaurs on land.”

A life reconstruction of a pair of Ichthyotitan severnensis.

A giant pair of Ichthyotitan severnensis. Giant marine reptiles swam in the shallow seas surround a tropical archipelago.  Picture credit: Gabriel Ugueto.

The researcher added:

“I had visited the coast at Penarth all my life, growing up in Cardiff, but never noticed the fossils. Then, the more I read, the more amazing it became. Local geologists had been collecting bones since the 1870s, and most of these are in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.”

Continuing the Research Begun in the 19th Century

Cindy Howells, the Curator of Palaeontology at the National Museum of Wales (Cardiff) highlighted the significance of the fossil discoveries at Lavernock Point.  The strata and the fossils contained therein have been studied since the 19th century.

Cindy commented:

“The presence of dinosaur fossils at the site ensure that it remains one of the most significant localities for palaeontology in Wales.”

Two Important Discoveries

Two significant discoveries were made by the research team during the fieldwork at Lavernock.  Firstly, an osteoderm from a placodont was discovered.  Placodonts were a type of marine reptile that thrived during the Triassic.  Secondly, a gular bone from the skull of a coelacanth was found.

Co-author of the scientific paper and the research supervisor Dr Chris Duffin explained:

“The remains of coelacanths and placodonts are relatively rare in the UK, which makes these finds even more remarkable. These two fossils alone help build a broader picture of what the Rhaetian in the UK would have looked like.”

Scale drawing of a Coelacanth. What is a Coelacanth?

A scale drawing of a Coelacanth.  The gular bone is located between the dentaries of primitive fish such as Coelacanths.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaurs of the Late Triassic Landscape

Professor Michael Benton from Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, another co-author of the study added:

“The volume of dinosaur remains found at Lavernock is extremely exciting, and is a chance to study a complex, and often mysterious period in their evolutionary history. We have identified the remains of a large Plateosaurus like animal, along with several bones which likely belonged to a predatory theropod.”

This is exciting news, team members at Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to hearing more about these recent dinosaur fossil discoveries.  Perhaps, a new species of Welsh sauropodomorph will be described.

The majority of the study focuses on the abundant microfossils found in the cliffs.  These fossils include fish teeth, scales and bone fragments.  By studying thousands of fossils, the research team were able to identify the key species that lived in the tropical sea.  In addition, the team can estimate relative population densities.  This permits them to construct food webs and learn more about the fauna present in the Late Triassic landscape.  It is likely that more dinosaur fossil discoveries will be made in the future.

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

The scientific paper: “Microvertebrates from the basal Rhaetian Bone Bed (Late Triassic) at Lavernock, South Wales” by Owain Evans, Christopher J. Duffin, Claudia Hildebrandt, and Michael J. Benton published in the Proceedings of the Geologist’s Association.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

28 05, 2024

Pterosaur Bone and Amazing Adaptations for Powered Flight

By |2024-06-16T12:39:17+01:00May 28th, 2024|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Pterosaur bone fossils show some remarkable adaptations for powered flight. The bones were light, air-filled and often they had extremely thin walls.  The Pterosauria comprises the first vertebrates to have evolved powered flight. The wings of pterosaurs were formed by a membrane of skin and tissue that stretched from the ankles to an enormous fourth digit on the hand.  Their evolutionary origins remain unclear.  Some palaeontologists postulate that the first flying pterosaurs evolved during the Middle Triassic.

To read an article about the possible ancestry of the Pterosauria: Unravelling the Ancestry of the Pterosaurs.

pterosaur bone exhibit.

The shape of the pterosaur wing and evidence of wing membranes. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The image (above) shows the shape and the anatomy of the pterosaur wing.  This is a photograph of an exhibit on display at the Manchester Museum of Natural History.  We suspect that this is a cast.  The pterosaur genus represented by this exhibit is probably Rhamphorhynchus.  The thin and delicate wing bones can be clearly observed.

Rhamphorhynchus model

Wild Safari Dinos Rhamphorhynchus figure.

The picture (above) shows a Rhamphorhynchus pterosaur model.  It is a long-tailed flying reptile. The figure is from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World model range.

To view the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range: Safari Ltd Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Pterosaur Bone Structure

Pterosaur bones were lightweight but strong. Their skeletons show a number of adaptations for powered flight. For example, they possessed large, keeled breastbones that anchored powerful flight muscles. The bones were hollow and air-filled similar to those of birds. The bone walls were extremely thin.

Pterosaur bone.

A close-up view of the thin-walled and hollow pterosaur bone model on display at the Frankfurt Museum of Natural History. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows the internal structure of a pterosaur bone.  It is probably a cast.  The bone contains struts that help to strengthen it, but most of the internal space would have been filled with air.  The walls of the bone are extremely thin.  The large notch on the underside would have been for muscle attachment.  Pterosaur bones provide a proportionately higher muscle attachment surface area compared to most other reptiles.

Quetzalcoatlus exhibit.

An enormous Quetzalcoatlus fossil cast on display. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

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

23 05, 2024

Baobab Tree Origin and Dispersal Explained in New Scientific Paper

By |2024-05-22T15:36:00+01:00May 23rd, 2024|Main Page, Photos|0 Comments

The baobab tree origin has been explained in a newly published scientific paper in the journal Nature. The researchers plotted the genome of this amazing tree.  The iconic baobab (Adansonia genus) is synonymous with the island of Madagascar. These spectacular, large and long-lived trees have influenced human culture. They have inspired traditions, folklore and are a symbol of the culture of many indigenous people. The researchers were able to sequence the genome of all eight extant species. The scientists postulate that the ancestor of the extant species arose in Madagascar.

A grove of magnificent baobab trees

A grove of magnificent baobab trees.  Research has been undertaken to plot the genome and trace baobab tree origin.  Picture credit: Alex Antonelli (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

The Origin of the Baobab Tree

Colloquially known as “upside-down trees”, baobabs have a lot of cultural significance.  These huge trees with their diminutive canopies are also sometimes called the “tree of life”.  The scientists plotted the genomes of the eight recognised species and then worked out their evolutionary links and speciation.  The scientific paper is the result of a collaboration between researchers from Wuhan Botanical Garden (China), Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew, UK), University of Antananarivo (Madagascar) and Queen Mary University of London (UK).

Remarkably, the research demonstrates that baobab trees dispersed over vast distances, reaching both Africa and Australia. Over time an astonishing array of pollination mechanisms have evolved exploiting lemurs, bats and hawkmoths for a reward of sweet nectar.

The Adansonia genus originated relatively recently, however, the ancestral lineage of these trees can be traced back into the Cretaceous.

baobab tree origin.

The ancestor of the eight species of baobab tree known today most likely radiated from Madagascar. Two species underwent amazing long-distance geographical dispersal. One species reached Africa, the other species reached Australia. Picture credit: Queen Mary University of London.

Uncovering the Evolutionary History of the “Tree of Life”

Co-author of the paper, Professor Andrew Leitch (Queen Mary University of London), stated:

“We were delighted to be involved in this project uncovering patterns of baobab speciation in Madagascar followed by the astonishing long-distance dispersal of two species, one to Africa and another to Australia. This was accompanied by the evolution of some fascinating pollination syndromes involving hawkmoths, lemurs and bats.”

At Everything Dinosaur, we are aware of the impact of the baobab tree on collectors trying to build prehistoric animal dioramas.  We had been asked on numerous occasions on where customers could find a replica of an Adansonia.  Many diorama makers wanted to feature baobab trees amongst other prehistoric plants such as cycads and horsetails.  CollectA introduced a baobab tree model after the successful introduction of a ginkgo and cycad tree replica.

The CollectA design team deserve credit for creating a baobab tree model.

CollectA baobab tree.

The CollectA baobab tree model introduced circa 2015. This tree replica was added to the company’s African model range but has proved popular with model makers creating prehistoric scenes.

The CollectA model range that includes replicas of ancient trees and plants: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

The CollectA baobab tree replica is part of the company’s African model range.  It stands an impressive thirty-five centimetres high.  The newly published scientific paper (Wan et al) has uncovered a definitive link between the baobabs in Madagascar and the species found in Africa.

Fellow co-author Dr Ilia Leitch (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew explained:

“This work has uncovered new insights into the patterns of speciation in baobabs and shows how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.”

Baobab trees.

A stunning display of baobab trees. A new study published in the journal “Nature” has identified the origins of this iconic tree and explained its widespread dispersal. Picture credit: Alex Antonelli (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Important Implications for Conservation

Past populations of Malagasy baobabs may have been influenced by competition from other types of trees and changes in local sea levels. The researchers also highlight important concerns regarding the conservation status and protection of several endangered baobab species.

Husband and wife team Andrew and Ilia Leitch added:

“We were delighted to be involved in this project uncovering patterns of baobab speciation in Madagascar before the astonishing long-distance dispersal of two species, one to Africa and another to Australia. The work also provides new insights into how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.”

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that this new study highlights the amazing evolutionary history of the baobab tree.  In addition, the genome mapping has highlighted the need to carefully monitor the remaining populations of some critically endangered baobab species.

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

The scientific paper: “The rise of baobab trees in Madagascar” by Jun-Nan Wan, Sheng-Wei Wang, Andrew R. Leitch, Ilia J. Leitch, Jian-Bo Jian, Zhang-Yan Wu, Hai-Ping Xin, Mijoro Rakotoarinivo, Guy Eric Onjalalaina, Robert Wahiti Gituru, Can Dai, Geoffrey Mwachala, Ming-Zhou Bai, Chen-Xi Zhao, Hong-Qi Wang, Sheng-Lan Du, Neng Wei, Guang-Wan Hu, Si-Chong Chen, Xiao-Ya Chen, Tao Wan and Qing-Feng Wang published in Nature.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Models of Prehistoric Animals and Plants.

16 05, 2024

Amazing Ichthyotitan Jawbones Go on Display and Hollywood Comes to Bristol

By |2024-05-16T22:18:01+01:00May 16th, 2024|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Movie Reviews and Movie News|0 Comments

The recently described Ichthyotitan jawbones are going on display and Everything Dinosaur sponsors a film all about dinosaurs.  Everything Dinosaur is proud to announce that they will be sponsoring the internationally acclaimed documentary “WHY DINOSAURS?” when it comes to the UK. Four special screenings have been announced – London, Sheffield, Bristol and the Lyme Regis fossil festival.

The special screenings will take place next month (June 2024), and the Bristol event has been scheduled to coincide with the giant jawbones of Ichthyotitan going on display.

The "Why Dinosaurs?" movie poster.

Four special screenings of the award-winning documentary “WHY DINOSAURS?” in the UK.  Everything Dinosaur is one of the sponsors of “WHY DINOSAURS?”.

Ichthyotitan Jawbones

The Bristol screening will take place on the evening of Wednesday June 5th. It will be hosted by The Bristol Aquarium. The fossilised remains of the giant marine reptile Ichthyotitan will be on display at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, to coincide with this exciting event.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about Ichthyotitan: Ichthyotitan a Huge Triassic Marine Reptile.

Dr Dean Lomax, the lead author of the scientific paper was busy this week helping to install the Ichthyotitan jawbones in their new home.

Installing the Ichthyotitan jawbones.

The Ichthyotitan jawbones going into their display case.  A curious Megaloceros looks on as the team installs the fossil bones. Picture credit: University of Bristol.

Fragmentary bones representing part of the jaw of an enormous ichthyosaur were found along the Somerset coastline. The first discovery was made by Paul de la Salle in 2016. Father and daughter Justin and Ruby Reynolds discovered more material in 2020. The bones are from a Late Triassic ichthyosaur estimated to have been about the size of an extant Blue Whale!

Commenting on the film and fossil display, Dr Dean Lomax stated:

“As an 1851 research fellow here at the University of Bristol, I wanted to bring the film to the city and give people an opportunity to walk the red carpet and watch this exciting dinosaur movie. Moreover, I’m very excited to say that the bones of the recently announced Ichthyotitan, the giant ichthyosaur co-discovered by then-11-year-old Ruby Reynolds and announced last month [in April], will also be on display at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, to coincide with the screening of “WHY DINOSAURS?”.

Ichthyotitan jawbones on display

Dr Dean Lomax, Ruby Reynolds, Deborah Hutchinson, Carol Skiggs, Justin Reynolds and Paul de la Salle inspect the new Ichthyotitan exhibit. Picture credit: University of Bristol.

The website of Dr Dean Lomax: British Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax.

“WHY DINOSAURS?”

The Bristol screening of “WHY DINOSAURS?” will take place on the evening of Wednesday June 5th.

This award-winning documentary follows dino-obsessed teenager James Pinto and his father on a global search to try to understand why people are fascinated with the Dinosauria. In their quest they interviewed more than sixty-five experts from various fields related to dinosaurs, including leading scientists and artists among Jurassic Park fans.

The documentary explores themes from museum displays to blockbuster films. It attempts to discover what fascinates us about these prehistoric creatures. James Pinto, who narrates the film, explained:

“This movie explores the myriad ways in which people connect with dinosaurs, providing a unique look into the lives and careers of those who study them.”

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models, it was only fitting that Everything Dinosaur should become involved with this amazing project.

Dinosaur fans lucky enough to attend the Bristol screening will have a rare opportunity to meet and interact with palaeontology experts.  Kallie Moore, the co-host of PBS Eons, Jessica Lippincott of the Wyoming Dinosaurium Project, and acclaimed palaeontologist, author and presenter Dr Dean Lomax, who is also a scientist at the University of Bristol will be in attendance.  Dr Lomax is interviewed in the documentary and is also an Executive Producer.

Details of the 4 "Why Dinosaurs?" screenings.

Details of the four “WHY DINOSAURS?” screenings.

Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur will be attending the Sheffield screening on June 1st.

Tickets for Dinosaur Fans

The event at the Bristol Aquarium will commence at 6pm with a red-carpet reception with the film documentary starting around 7.15pm. The evening will conclude with an engaging question and answer session giving the audience an opportunity to delve deeper into the making of the documentary and the scientific wonders it explores.

Producer, editor and filmmaker Tony Pinto was excited to be bringing this amazing project to the UK.  He went onto state:

“It isn’t the traditional computer-generated dinosaur reconstructions and celebrity-narrated prehistoric documentary. Instead, we introduce the genuine voices of working palaeontologists, science communicators, artists, and dinosaur fanatics to tell a brief history of palaeontology and explore the world’s fascination with dinosaurs in popular culture.”

Everything Dinosaur sponsors film documentary screenings.

Everything Dinosaur is one of the sponsors of the UK screenings.

Tickets are available from £15 to £20. This fantastic event promises to be a thrilling journey into the age of dinosaurs, appealing to enthusiasts of all ages.

For tickets visit: “WHY DINOSAURS?” – Buy Tickets.

15 05, 2024

A New Feefo Feedback Template for Everything Dinosaur

By |2024-05-16T16:21:56+01:00May 15th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur receives hundreds of customer comments and feedback.  The company has been registered with the independent ratings and review platform Feefo for seven years.  We are grateful for all the feedback that we receive.  Recently, Feefo introduced a range of upgrades and improvements that made sharing customer reviews on social media platforms easier.  The upgrades included the introduction of a new Feefo feedback template.  This template can be customised to show the Everything Dinosaur logo.

A new Feefo feedback template for Everything Dinosaur

The new Everything Dinosaur Feefo post template. This template is part of the upgrades and improvements made by the Feefo team making it easier to share reviews and customer comments. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The New Feefo Feedback Template

Everything Dinosaur is able to incorporate their own logo and branding into the new Feefo feedback template.  The company receives a large number of reviews.  However, we only post a small proportion on our social media pages like Facebook.  The new template helps to reinforce our branding and our relationship with our customers.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This new customised Feefo feedback template, makes it easier to share genuine customer reviews on-line.  We are fortunate to have received hundreds of Google reviews as well as thousands of reviews on our own website, however, it is great to have the independently verified Feefo reviews too.  We intend to post up these Feefo reviews on our Facebook page.”

Everything Dinosaur has been awarded Feefo’s top award for customer service.  This accolade is called the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.  The UK-based mail order company has won this award every year since it was introduced.

Platinum Trusted Service Award 2024

Everything Dinosaur has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2024.

So far this year, over one hundred and twenty customer reviews have been posted up by Feefo.   Over three hundred reviews were received in the previous year.  In addition, the Feefo site logged over six hundred product reviews sent in by Everything Dinosaur customers.

To visit the award-winning and user friendly Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.

12 05, 2024

A Profile of Everything Dinosaur Created by New Technology

By |2024-05-12T10:54:07+01:00May 12th, 2024|Main Page|0 Comments

At Everything Dinosaur, we like to explore the future as well as the past.  After attending a recent training seminar, team members became involved in testing some of the latest aspects of artificial intelligence (AI).  One of the tasks we set the technology was to write a short article celebrating the ninety-eighth birthday of Sir David Attenborough.

To read this article: Happy 98th Birthday Sir David Attenborough.

It was decided to set the artificial intelligence software a more challenging task.  Could they write a company profile of Everything Dinosaur?

Are these the best dinosaur models?

Everything Dinosaur supplies a quality selection of prehistoric animal figures. Could AI write a profile of this award-winning company?  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

AI Generates a Company Profile

When asking the software to create a company profile a more nuanced approach would be needed. For example, the term “Everything Dinosaur” might result in the software trying to write about everything to do with the Dinosauria.  However, appropriate and careful questioning enabled the computer software to complete the task.

The AI generated company profile:

Title: Everything Dinosaur: Unearth the Wonders of Prehistoric World

Introduction:

Welcome to Everything Dinosaur, a vibrant and captivating company dedicated to igniting the spark of curiosity and fascination for the prehistoric realm. With our diverse range of products, educational resources, and unwavering passion, we strive to inspire the young and the young-at-heart to explore the captivating world of dinosaurs and ancient lifeforms.

Company Overview:

At Everything Dinosaur, we are driven by our love for palaeontology and our commitment to spreading knowledge about Earth’s extraordinary past. As avid enthusiasts ourselves, we have brought together an extensive collection of dinosaur-themed products, including meticulously crafted replicas, educational toys, books, puzzles, and more.  All designed to engage and educate dinosaur lovers of all ages.

Our Mission:

Our primary mission is to make learning about dinosaurs and palaeontology an enjoyable and enriching experience. We believe that by fostering curiosity and understanding, we can nurture a lifelong love for science and natural history. Through our products and resources, we aim to bring the wonders of the prehistoric world to the fingertips of enthusiasts, educators, and families worldwide.

Everything Dinosaur logo

The Everything Dinosaur logo. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Expertise, Quality, Community and Education

Expertise and Quality:

We take pride in our commitment to authenticity and accuracy. Our team of experts meticulously researches and collaborates with renowned palaeontologists to ensure that our products reflect the latest scientific discoveries. From lifelike models to scientifically accurate educational materials, we strive to provide the highest quality resources that captivate and educate.

Community and Education:

We believe in the power of community. We actively engage with educators, museums, and passionate individuals to promote dinosaur education globally. Our comprehensive website serves as a hub for knowledge, featuring articles, blog posts, and educational resources that delve into the remarkable world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a budding palaeontologist, a parent seeking educational toys, or simply captivated by the allure of dinosaurs, Everything Dinosaur is here to inspire and educate. Through our friendly approach, commitment to accuracy, and dedication to fostering a love for palaeontology, we strive to make learning about dinosaurs an adventure that enriches lives and fuels imaginations. Join us in uncovering the mysteries of the prehistoric world at Everything Dinosaur!

ENDS

Note

The AI software chose to spell palaeontology using the Americanised format.  We changed this spelling to reflect British (English) spelling). Furthermore, human beings added the images associated with this article.

Visit the award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

11 05, 2024

Glaswegian Prehistoric Shrimp Fossil Revealed to be New Species

By |2024-05-09T22:03:19+01:00May 11th, 2024|Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

The people of Glasgow have been recognised as a new species of prehistoric crustacean has been named in their honour.  The newly described taxon has been named Tealliocaris weegie.  The small but robust shrimp was part of a marine ecosystem that thrived in what was to eventually become Scotland over 330 million years ago.  The scientific paper describing this “wee beastie” was published in the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions.

Tealliocaris weegie fossil

The Tealliocaris weegie fossil. Picture credit: The Hunterian/University of Glasgow.

Tealliocaris weegie

This little shrimp was preserved in shale, the remnants of an ancient Carboniferous seabed.  The fossil comes from the world-famous site from which the Bearsden Shark (Akmonistion zangerii) was excavated in the early 1980s.

To read an article from 2015 on the Bearsden Shark: Rare Scottish Prehistoric Shark is Honoured.

Both the Bearsden Shark specimen and an example of the Tealliocaris weegie shrimp fossil can be seen on display at The Hunterian, University of Glasgow.

The Glaswegian shrimp was originally thought to be a variant of another species but is now known to belong to a different genus, which meant it warranted its own scientific name. The authors of the paper (Dr Neil Clark and Dr Andrew Ross) thought that it would be appropriate to name the new species in honour of the people of Greater Glasgow and in the local dialect.

Dr Neil Clark examines a dinosaur footprint.

Dr Neil Clark Curator of Palaeontology at the Hunterian University of Glasgow. Picture credit; The Hunterian/University of Glasgow.

 

Dr Neil Clark, Curator of Palaeontology at The Hunterian, explained:

“It is quite rare that any fossil is recognised as a new species and particularly the fossilised remains of a shrimp. I am especially proud, as a Glaswegian myself, that we were able to name a fossil shrimp Tealliocaris weegie. Named after the people of Glasgow, this must surely be one of the oldest ‘Weegies’ at over 330 million years old.”

Professor Rob Ellam FRSE, Emeritus Professor at the University of Glasgow and Editor of the Transactions journal added:

“This new species of fossil crustacean is basically a tiny fossil version of what we eat as scampi today.  This paper goes to show that there is still great science to be done with fossils that can be discovered on our own doorstep. Moreover, naming one of the new species Tealliocaris weegie shows that there is still room in the serious world of professional palaeontology and scientific publishing for a welcome bit of light-hearted Glaswegian banter.”

Professor Rob Ellam FRSE.

Professor Rob Ellam. Picture credit: The Hunterian/University of Glasgow.

An Exceptionally Rare Form of Fossil Preservation

These prehistoric shrimps, fish, sharks, and other animals lived in an equatorial lagoon when Scotland straddled the equator during the Carboniferous. The exceptional preservation suggests that the bottom of the lagoon was anoxic (low in oxygen) thus preventing scavengers from destroying the remains and allowing the fossils to remain intact through the millions of years before being excavated.  Bacterial decay of the shrimps in anoxic conditions has promoted the replacement of the soft tissues by calcium phosphate. This very rare form of preservation can be found in deposits known as Konservat Lagerstätte.  This is a German term used to describe a highly fossiliferous deposit with exceptional specimen preservation.

Co-author Dr Andre Ross, the Principal Curator of Palaeobiology at National Museums Scotland stated:

“This new species of crustacean, along with others collected recently from the Scottish Borders, now in the collections of National Museums Scotland, add to our knowledge of life at the beginning of the Carboniferous, 350-330 million years ago, when back-boned animals were starting to colonise the land.”

Dr Andrew Ross Principal Curator of Palaeontology at National Museums Scotland.

Co-author of the scientific paper Dr Andrew Ross Principal Curator of Palaeontology at National Museums Scotland. Picture credit: Phil Wilkinson.

The Bearsden site and other nearby locations are extremely important to palaeontologists.  The preservation of specimens is remarkable.  In some fossils, the muscles and blood vessels can be observed in the partially decayed bodies of the crustaceans as a result of being preserved in phosphates.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from The Hunterian Museum (Scotland) in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Caridoid crustaceans from the Ballagan Formation (Tournaisian, Lower Carboniferous) of Willie’s Hole, Chirnside, Scottish Borders, UK” by Neil D. L. Clark and Andrew J. Ross published in the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions.

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

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