Waiting for a plane is tiresome. However, with our interest in fossils there is always the opportunity to go on an impromptu fossil hunt.  For example, whilst at Brandenburg Airport Berlin (Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg – BER), Sue and I passed the time examining the numerous ammonite and other invertebrate fossils preserved in the polished floor tiles of the airport.  We took the opportunity to photograph some specimens including one example that we termed “an ammonite fossil in floor tile”.  To document an example of a fossil preserved in the Jurassic limestone.

Large numbers of ammonite fossils can be found on the polished floor tiles of Berlin Brandenburg airport. The floor is constructed from Jura limestone, and it is highly fossiliferous. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The stone floor of the airport consists of Jura limestone. Builders use this common material in many German public buildings, including airports. For example, during a visit to Nuremberg Airport (Flughafen Nürnberg), we photographed numerous Jurassic fossils preserved in the floor tiles.

An earlier blog post about finding fossils at Flughafen Nürnberg: Fossil Hunting at Nuremberg Airport.

The limestone contains a rich variety of fossils. Visitors can observe the remains of marine invertebrates, including ammonites and belemnites, in the polished surfaces.

An Ammonite Fossil in Floor Tile is Spotted

The suture lines on the shell are clearly visible. Palaeontologists often identify ammonite species by studying the septa and the suture patterns inside the shell. The animal formed septa as internal walls that divided the shell into separate chambers. As the ammonite grew, it built new chambers and sealed the older ones with these walls. Each septum met the outer shell wall and created a line called a suture. When the shell fossilised, these sutures often remained visible after erosion removed the outer shell layer.

The shape and complexity of the sutures help scientists identify different ammonite groups and species. Some species developed simple, gently curved sutures. Other species evolved extremely intricate patterns with frilled or fern-like edges.

Pen-like belemnite fossils are also preserved in the stone.

The CollectA ammonite and belemnite 2020 models next to examples of fossils. These figures are excellent representations of the living animals. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Models of Ammonites and Belemnites

Models of ammonites and belemnites help collectors.  They can be used to help explain what the prehistoric animal probably looked like.  Several companies make these models. For example, the image (above) shows the CollectA Pleuroceras ammonite model and the CollectA belemnite.

To view the range of CollectA prehistoric life models: CollectA Prehistoric Life Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Airports can feel stressful at times. However, we soon discovered an amazing distraction at the Berlin airport. As we walked through the terminal, we spotted beautifully preserved Jurassic fossils in the floor tiles. Moreover, the polished Jura limestone revealed an incredible array of ancient marine organisms. We observed ammonites, belemnites and other invertebrate remains preserved in remarkable detail.”

He added:

“Consequently, the time passed quickly as we searched the floor for more fossils. Every few metres, another specimen caught our attention. We even managed to photograph an ammonite specimen as we went through the baggage check. It turned an ordinary wait at the airport into a memorable fossil hunting experience.”

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

As a child, one of my favourite prehistoric animals was the giant temnospondyl Eryops.  It always brings me pleasure when I come across fossils of this Early Permian predator.  Indeed, just viewing a reconstructed skeleton makes me smile.  When at the London Natural History Museum, I try to make time to see the Eryops megacephalus skeleton on display.

A cast of a Eryops megacephalus skeleton on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

I remember seeing pictures of this strange amphibian in prehistoric animal books.  I marvelled at its huge size and enormous head.  It remains one of my favourite Palaeozoic prehistoric animals.

Recalling pictures of Eryops megacephalus in old books: My Favourite Picture of Eryops.

One day, perhaps a model making company will make a detailed replica of this giant temnospondyl.  Let’s hope so.

For models of Palaeozoic creatures and other prehistoric animals: Prehistoric Animal Models.

April Fool’s Day is the perfect excuse for a little mischievous fun. Every year on the 1st of April, people play practical jokes and the media is full of bizarre news stories that turn out to be hoaxes. However, while jokes are often harmless fun, some deceptions have had a lasting impact on science. Prehistoric pranks can come in various shapes and sizes.  For example, we are aware of bogus new dinosaur model announcements in the past.  Strange chimera consisting of theropods crossed with ceratopsians.  Indeed, we have been asked to help out with museums when they wanted to add a little bit of mischief to their April communications.

In addition, even the likes of Sir David Attenborough have been fooled by fossils.  The accomplished naturalist and broadcaster recalls the story of how he was once convinced to purchase a trilobite mating fossil.  The specimen proved to be a fake, a clever concoction prepared by a Moroccan fossil preparator to bump up the price.

Calymene trilobites. Unscrupulous fossil sellers often “customise” fossils to make them more valuable. Even Sir David Attenborough has been caught out by such practices. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

When Science Gets it Wrong

In fact, the world of palaeontology has not been immune to prehistoric pranks and trickery. Over the years, a few famous fossil hoaxes have fooled experts and captured the public imagination. So, as we enjoy April Fool’s Day, it is worth exploring how even scientists can sometimes be misled. Science relies on evidence. However, mistakes can be made when it comes to interpreting the evidence. Occasionally, these mistakes are not accidents at all. Instead, they are deliberate hoaxes designed to mislead.

One of the most famous examples is the so-called “missing link” known as Piltdown Man. In 1912, fragments of a skull were discovered in Sussex, England. At the time, this discovery seemed extraordinary. The remains were claimed to represent a new species of early human, one with both human and ape-like features.  It was not until 1953 that the fossils were definitively proved to be a hoax. The material was identified as a human skull from the Middle Ages, fossil teeth from ape (chimpanzee), and an orangutan jawbone that was a few hundred years old.

As a result, Piltdown Man became one of the greatest scientific hoaxes of all time.

Lessons from a Prehistoric Prank

The Piltdown Man forgery provides important lessons for palaeontologists. Science is not just about discovery; it is also about verification. Because of this case, scientists became more cautious. They now rely on improved techniques and stricter peer review.

Similarly, a fossil from China claimed to be a missing link between birds and theropod dinosaurs. The specimen was given the informal name of “Archaeoraptor”. A sensational article announced this remarkable discovery in an article in “National Geographic” magazine (1999). Subsequently, the specimen was found to consist of several pieces from real fossils that had been rearranged and stuck together to make the material more valuable.

Moreover, the story highlights how expectations can influence interpretation. At the time, many researchers expected a transitional form between terrestrial theropods and true birds to be discovered.

Sinosauropteryx on display – the first feathered dinosaur described. It was described in 1996, and scientists were expecting more feathered dinosaur fossils from China.  This helped set the scene for the “Archaeoraptor” forgery. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Light-Hearted Look at Fossil Discoveries

Of course, not all “fossil surprises” are serious. Every year, museums, universities, and even palaeontology blogs join in April Fool’s Day fun. From imaginary dinosaur species to bizarre fossil discoveries, these playful stories entertain and educate at the same time. At Everything Dinosaur, we have enjoyed joining in over the years. After all, a good-natured joke can spark interest in the Earth sciences. For example, fifteen years ago we were asked to help promote a prehistoric animal exhibition by helping to organise the discovery of a dinosaur bone on a beach in Cumbria.

To read more about this prehistoric prank: Unbelievable! Dinosaur Bone Found at Whitehaven.

April Fool’s Day is an annual reminder to question what we see and read. Whether it is a surprising fossil claim or an unusual news story, it is best to be sceptical. At the same time, curiosity remains at the heart of scientific endeavour. By asking questions and testing ideas, we continue to uncover more amazing evidence about life on Earth.

So, if you come across a “new dinosaur discovery” today, take a closer look. It might just be an April Fool’s trick!

And if it is real—well, that’s even more exciting!

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

Recently, Everything Dinosaur reported upon the discovery and naming of a new species of African spinosaurid.  The theropod has been named Spinosaurus mirabilis.  It is the second species in the Spinosaurus genus to be recognised.  However, the fossil site in Niger will also yield other new dinosaur species.  It is not just the remains of theropod dinosaurs that have been preserved at the Jenguebi locality.  Fossils of sauropods have been discovered too. The Jenguebi sauropod fossils documented by the Spinosaurus mirabilis field team are likely to represent the remains of new taxa.

Jenguebi Sauropod Fossils

The newspaper headlines might have focused on the new Spinosaurus species.  After all, it is a remarkable discovery, however the fossil quarry in a remote part of Niger (Africa) preserves evidence of an inland Cretaceous waterway that teemed with life.

The picture below shows two field team members (Paul Sereno and Daniel Vidal) recording details of sauropod limb bones in November 2019.  The deposits at this site are associated with the Farak Formation.   The strata dates from the first faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian).  The Jenguebi sauropod fossils are approximately ninety-five million years old.

Field team members document sauropod fossil bones in November 2019 at the Jenguebi locality. Picture credit: M. Irving.

Picture credit: M. Irving

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier blog post about Spinosaurus mirabilis: New Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus Species is Described.

The Farak Formation

Sauropod fossil remains are already known from the Farak Formation. For example, fossils ascribed to the titanosaur Aegyptosaurus have been found. In addition, the remains of a rebbachisaurid have been discovered.  The newly discovered sauropod fossils, including limb bones may lead to a revision of the sauropod taxa associated with the Farak Formation.

We look forward to learning more about the remarkable vertebrate fossils found at this important locality.

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

The scientific paper: “Scimitar-crested Spinosaurus species from the Sahara caps stepwise spinosaurid radiation” by Paul C. Sereno, Daniel Vidal, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Evan Johnson-Ransom, María Ciudad Real, Stephanie L. Baumgart, Noelia Sánchez Fontela, Todd L. Green, Evan T. Saitta, Boubé Adamou, Lauren L. Bop, Tyler M. Keillor, Erin C. Fitzgerald, Didier B. Dutheil, Robert A. S. Laroche, Alexandre V. Demers-Potvin, Álvaro Simarro, Francesc Gascó-Lluna, Ana Lázaro, Arturo Gamonal, Charles V. Beightol, Vincent Reneleau, Rachel Vautrin, Filippo Bertozzo, Alejandro Granados, Grace Kinney-Broderick, Jordan C. Mallon, Rafael M. Lindoso and Jahandar Ramezani. Paper published in the journal Science.

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

A Titanites giganteus fossil on display!  Everything Dinosaur team members photographed a giant ammonite fossil.  It was an exhibit at the Grant Museum of Zoology in London. It is a spectacular specimen.  This species is known from Upper Jurassic sediments. It is one of the largest ammonite taxa known in the UK.

A giant ammonite fossil Titanites giganteus on display at the Grant Museum of Zoology (London). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Titanites could grow to huge sizes.  Some species can reach a shell diameter of more than one metre.  However, Titanites giganteus specimens are normally around sixty to seventy centimetres in diameter. Ammonites were cephalopods. It is likely to have come from Dorset from a Portland Stone quarry.  The picture (below) shows a life reconstruction of an ammonite.  It is the Bullyland ammonite figure.

The Bullyland replica ammonite model.  A wonderful example of this extinct cephalopod.

To view the range of Bullyland figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Bullyland Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Large ammonite fossils are rare, but they can still be found in parts of southern England today.  The Portland Stone is limestone, and invertebrate fossils are relatively common.  However, finding a well-preserved Titanites fossil would be the find of a lifetime.”

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

Searching for fossils usually means visiting cliffs, quarries, or coasts. However, sometimes remarkable specimens can be found in unexpected places. During a visit to Germany, Mike of Everything Dinosaur found himself fossil hunting inside Nuremberg Airport. Numerous Jurassic fossils at Nuremberg airport were observed.

A cross-section of a cephalopod fossil spotted in the floor at Nuremberg airport (Germany). The specimen is probably an ammonite. However, the lack of clear suture lines prevents discounting this fossil as a nautiloid. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Hunting for Jurassic Fossils at Nuremberg Airport

This region of southern Germany is famous for its limestone quarries.  The strata were formed in the Jurassic and consist largely of marine deposits.  Limestone is used in many buildings in the region. Consequently, the stones used in the construction date back to the Jurassic. When these limestones are cut and polished, fossil details often become strikingly visible. As a result, the airport floor itself becomes a fossil display.

The picture (below) shows an ammonite model next to a polished section of an ammonite fossil.  The model is from the Bullyworld model range.

To view the range of Bullyworld prehistoric animal figures in stock: Bullyworld Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Bullyland ammonite model is often used in museum displays to depict the living animal next to fossil material. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

While walking through the terminal, Mike paused to examine the polished stone tiles. Embedded within them were clear examples of Jurassic marine invertebrates. These included coiled ammonites, nautiloids, and numerous belemnite guards. Each fossil is a record of life from a Jurassic marine environment.

A close-up view of one of the numerous Jurassic Fossils at Nuremberg airport. The specimen in question is very probably an ammonite. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Fossils Under Your Feet

Importantly, thousands of travellers walk across these stones every day. Yet, most never notice the scientific treasures beneath their feet. This highlights how fossils can surround us in everyday environments, not just museums or at dig sites.

So, where have you spotted a fossil in an unexpected place? Perhaps in a building, pavement, or even a kitchen worktop? We would love to hear your discoveries.

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

Our thanks to the media team at the Elevation Science Institute for providing Everything Dinosaur with images of juvenile diplodocid fossil skin. These remarkable fossils have yielded exciting new insights into sauropod integument. For example, scanning electron microscopy has revealed evidence for colour patterning in sauropod skin. For the purpose of this study the fossil material was ascribed to the Diplodocus taxon.  However, the researchers state that subsequent analysis might lead to a re-evaluation of the taxonomic classification.

Scanning electron microscopy reveals two distinct microbodies within the potential outermost epidermal layer. The first has an oblong-shape and has been interpreted as evidence of melanosomes. The nature of the second disc-shaped microbody is unclear, but their flat shape is reminiscent of platelet melanosomes, though they are smaller in size.

Elevation Science staff member holding a sample of Diplodocus fossilised skin Picture credit: Skye Walker/Elevation Science Institute.

Picture credit: Skye Walker/Elevation Science Institute

Analysing the Integumentary Covering of a Juvenile Diplodocid

This is the first reported evidence of colour patterning in a sauropod.  Preserved microbodies with different shapes in the fossil scales of juvenile sauropods is interpreted as fossil melanosomes within preserved epidermis.  Sauropods could have been as brightly coloured as birds. The study was published earlier this month.  Lead author Tess Gallagher is from the University of Bristol. Other organisations involved in the research include The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Cincinnati Museum of Center (Ohio) and the Elevation Science Institute (Montana).

Elevation Science staff member holding Diplodocus skin in the Cincinnati Museum Center Paleo Prep Laboratory. Picture credit: Katie Hunt/Elevation Science Institute.

Picture credit: Katie Hunt/Elevation Science Institute

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Fossilized melanosomes reveal colour patterning of a sauropod dinosaur” by Tess Gallagher, Dan Folkes, Michael Pittman, Tom G. Kaye, Glenn W. Storrs and Jason Schein published in the Royal Society Open Science.

For sauropod models and other dinosaur figures: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Everything Dinosaur thanks the Elevation Science Institute for providing some remarkable photographs of fossilised sauropod skin.  The photographs were supplied as part of a media release reporting on the study of juvenile diplodocid integument.  The fossil material originates from the Mother’s Day Quarry (Montana, USA).  The deposits are part of the famous Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic deposits).  The paper provides the first evidence of colour patterning in sauropod dinosaurs.

In situ skin impression photo. Picture credit: Skye Walker/Elevation Science Institute.

Picture credit: Skye Walker/Elevation Science Institute

The picture (above) shows a sauropod skin fossil exposed on the surface of the dig site.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the scientific paper: Sauropod Dinosaur Skin Study Reveals Colour Patterning.

Integumentary Fossils

Integumentary fossils such as the ones used in this new study representing sauropod skin help to provide an understanding of sauropod physiology. In addition, ideas about life reconstructions and their colouration can be presented.  Writing in the open-access Royal Society Open Science, the researchers used scanning electron microscopy to reveal two fossilised epidermal layers in the diplodocid scales.  These layers varied in their microbody and carbon density.

The presence of two preserved microbodies with different shapes in the fossil scales of juvenile sauropods is interpreted as fossil melanosomes within preserved epidermis. Sauropods could have been more colourful than previously thought.

One of the authors of the study Tess Gallagher (University of Bristol) discussed this research when she met up with us at DinoCon. We congratulate Tess and the rest of the team on their remarkable research, and we wish them every success with their future studies.

Researcher Tess Gallagher at the Mother’s Day Site in 2023 with a Diplodocus femur. Picture credit: Elevation Science Institute.

Picture credit: Elevation Science Institute

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “Fossilized melanosomes reveal colour patterning of a sauropod dinosaur” by Tess Gallagher, Dan Folkes, Michael Pittman, Tom G. Kaye, Glenn W. Storrs and Jason Schein published in the Royal Society Open Science.

For sauropod models and other prehistoric animal figures: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Tristan the T. rex skeleton celebrates ten years at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.  Since its arrival on December 16th 2015, it has received over five million visitors.  The specimen, representing the first original fossil Tyrannosaurus rex to be exhibited in Europe at the time, has proved to be a huge success.  It has had a measurable impact on tourism in the German city.

Tristan the T. rex exhibit on display at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Picture credit: Carola Radke Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.

Picture credit: Carola Radke Museum für Naturkunde Berlin

Specimen Number MB. R. 91216 (Tristan the T. rex)

The fossil (specimen number MB. R. 91216) is one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons known to science.  Approximately, one hundred and seventy bones have been preserved.  It has proved to be an extremely popular exhibit. In the years before the coronavirus pandemic (2016–2019), the museum recorded up to 821,489 visitors annually thanks to Tristan (Tristan Otto). The millionth visitor was recorded as early as March 2017.

This iconic fossil has been the subject of numerous television documentaries.  For example, in 2017 naturalist Chris Packham narrated an hour-long documentary on how this twelve-metre-long tyrannosaur was shaping thinking about Tyrannosaurus rex.

To read our article about this broadcast: Tyrannosaur Specimen to Feature in New Television Documentary.

The exhibit’s loan to the Natural History Museum in Copenhagen (2020–2022) and its return in August 2022 made headlines.  On the last day, prior to the exhibit closing for packing and shipping to Denmark, Tristan the T. rex received over twenty-five thousand visitors.

A Treasure Trove for Scientific Research

The Tyrannosaurus rex specimen known as Tristan acquired its nickname simply because it was discovered by a private collector called Tristan Otto during excavations in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana in 2010.

The skull is almost complete.  It is one of the best-preserved tyrannosaur skulls known.  As such, it is a treasure trove for research. For instance, detailed scans of the skull have allowed palaeontologists to reconstruct tyrannosaur nerve fibres and permitted insights into the sense of smell. Traces of disease discovered, including evidence of a bone tumour and toothache, also provide rare insights into the individual life of this animal. Its deep black colouring, typical of fossils from the Hell Creek Formation in Montana (USA), gives it additional visual impact.  Tristan the T. rex has become an icon.

Analysis of fossil material helped Everything Dinosaur team members to reconstruct a scientifically accurate, 1:33 scale replica of Tyrannosaurus rex.  This model has been widely praised by palaeontologists and model collectors.

Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model on top of its beautiful box. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.

Accessible to Scientists

Despite being privately owned, Tristan is fully accessible to scientists.  Research can continue using this specimen.  It has been catalogued and secured for long-term research and exhibition.  This is an exemplary model of co-operation between public bodies and private ownership.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This tyrannosaur specimen is an excellent example of how a museum and a patron can work together for the benefit of science.  The specimen might be privately owned but it is on public display and also accessible to the scientific community.”

Tristan the T. rex remains a strong brand ambassador for the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.  A total of 5,764,218 people have visited Tristan Otto since 2015.  These visitor numbers demonstrate the lasting appeal of the “King of the Tyrant Lizards”.

Happy tenth anniversary Tristan.

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

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