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.

Thank you to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  They kindly provided Everything Dinosaur team members access to a remarkable and rare set of historic photographs.  Researchers from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History have been involved in a new study that reaffirms the validity of the Nanotyrannus genus.  These black and white photographs document the original Nanotyrannus quarry.

Having enquired about a media release that covers this new research, Everything Dinosaur was given access to these rare images.  The photographs provide a visual record of the 1942 fieldwork in Montana led by Dr David Dunkle.  This fieldwork exploring Upper Cretaceous exposures led to the discovery of tyrannosaur skull material that ignited the Nanotyrannus versus juvenile T. rex debate.

One of the photographs of the original Nanotyrannus dig site. Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The Original Nanotyrannus Quarry

The photographs provide a rare glimpse into fossil-hunting in the 1940s.  The story of Nanotyrannus (N. lancensis), begins in the summer of 1942.  Dr Dunkle (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) led a fossil-hunting expedition to plot and explore what are now known to represent Hell Creek Formation exposures.  The team discovered several important fossils, none more so than the tyrannosaur skull fossil material.

Dr David Dunkle of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History who led the 1942 fieldwork exploring Hell Creek exposures in Montana that led to the discovery of the Nanotyrannus skull material known as the “Cleveland skull”. Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The team unearthed the skull of a theropod dinosaur. No other significant theropod bones were found at the site. Although the skull resembled that of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, its true identity remained uncertain. Dr Dunkle recognised the importance of the find. In 1945, the specimen was sent to the Smithsonian Institution. There, palaeontologist Charles Whitney Gilmore assigned it to a new species of Gorgosaurus (G. lancensis).

The Skull Fossil Revisited

Decades later, the skull was re-examined. In 1988, a research team that included Cleveland Museum of Natural History curator Dr Michael Williams proposed a bold reinterpretation. They argued the fossil represented a new genus. They named it Nanotyrannus lancensis, meaning “tiny tyrant from the Lance Formation”.

Comparing the size of a Nanotyrannus skull to that of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex. Dr Williams is holding the Nanotyrannus skull. He and his team believed the “Cleveland skull” represented a new theropod species. Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History

A scientific paper published earlier this month, reaffirmed the validity of the Nanotyrannus taxon.  Histology of the hyoid bone associated with the “Cleveland skull” indicates that this skull represents a skeletally mature animal and not a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s recent blog post about the Nanotyrannus hyoid bone research: New Nanotyrannus Scientific Paper Strengthens Unique Taxon Theory.

This proposal reignited scientific debate. Over time, many researchers suggested the specimen was a juvenile T. rex. Others disagreed. As discussed in our earlier blog post, recent research has once again shifted opinion. Indeed, a paper published earlier this year also indicates that Nanotyrannus is a valid taxon.

To read our blog post about this research: Nanotyrannus – A New Chapter in Tyrannosaur Evolution.

Documenting a Pivotal Moment in the Study of Hell Creek Biota

The old photographs that Everything Dinosaur team members were able to access document the story of the Nanotyrannus discovery.  They provide a unique record of the fieldwork and subsequent research.  The remote dig site in the Badlands of Montana would have been extremely difficult to access.  Furthermore, the image (below) highlights the difficulties of the terrain.

From the archives of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, an original photograph of the 1942 dig site. Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Picture credit: Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked the media team and added:

“We would like to sincerely thank the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sharing these exceptional photographs. They capture a pivotal moment in palaeontological history and bring the 1942 expedition to life. These images remind us that the Nanotyrannus story began in the field, long before the scientific debate, and they underline the lasting importance of museum collections and careful documentation.”

Thanks to museum collections and fresh thinking, the Nanotyrannus story continues to evolve.

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

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

On a visit to the Sedgwick Museum in Cambridge we spotted some baby Mammuthus primigenius teeth on display.  Alongside the teeth was a familiar prehistoric animal figure.  It was a Woolly Mammoth model.  The figure is part of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.  The fossil teeth from a very young Woolly Mammoth were found in a gravel pit near Barnwell (Cambridgeshire).  Many fossils have been found in the Pleistocene gravels at Barnwell.  The site has been extensively documented and researched.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World baby Woolly Mammoth model spotted next to some baby Mammuthus primigenius teeth from Cambridgeshire. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The baby Woolly Mammoth figure provides a connection between the fossil teeth and the actual creature.  We smiled at seeing such a familiar model.

To view the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range of models in stock: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figures.

The baby Mammuthus primigenius model might be small, but so are the baby Woolly Mammoth teeth.

Pleistocene deposits located in East Anglia (UK) have enabled scientists to reconstruct past environments.  Twenty thousand years ago, Cambridgeshire had a climate similar to the Arctic of today.

Cool temperate forests had been replaced by tundra. The limited food resources sustained many cold-adapted mammals including Woolly Mammoths. Fossils of these prehistoric elephants have been found in the gravels at the Barnwell site.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Sedgwick Museum houses a collection of Pleistocene mammal fossils.  The fossils document the fauna during both glacial and interglacial periods when it was much warmer. For example, next to the baby Mammuthus primigenius teeth exhibit, there are some much older hippopotamus fossils.”

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

The media release describing the discovery of the Patagonian theropod Joaquinraptor casali included some amazing photographs. For example, one of the photographs we received showed a megaraptor hand claw from the quarry.  The specimen had already been partially removed from the matrix.  It had already been numbered ready for cataloguing.  In addition, the specimen (a manus ungual), was in remarkable condition.  We think it is the manus ungual from the second digit.

Joaquinraptor hand claw just after excavation. A hand claw of the new megaraptor species Joaquinraptor casali just after its removal from the quarry that yielded this dinosaur. Picture credit: Marcelo Luna, Laboratorio de Paleontología de Vertebrados Dr. Rubén Martínez, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco.

Picture credit: Marcelo Luna, Laboratorio de Paleontología de Vertebrados Dr. Rubén Martínez, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco.

To read our earlier post about the discovery of Joaquinraptor: A New Species of Patagonian Megaraptor is Announced.

A Megaraptor Hand Claw

Members of the Megaraptoridae family had unusual forelimbs. In contrast to abelisaurids and tyrannosaurs their forelimbs were elongated. Furthermore, the digits were also enlarged (digits I and II). Digit I had an enormous claw. The claw on digit II although smaller was also substantial.  In contrast, digit III was considerably smaller and the claw was also much reduced.

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

The scientific paper: “Latest Cretaceous megaraptorid theropod dinosaur sheds light on megaraptoran evolution and palaeobiology” by Lucio M. Ibiricu, Matthew C. Lamanna, Bruno N. Alvarez, Ignacio A. Cerda, Julieta L. Caglianone, Noelia V. Cardozo, Marcelo Luna and Rubén D. Martínez published in Nature Communications.

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

Our thanks to Dr Lukasz Czepiński (Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences) for helping Everything Dinosaur.  We had written a blog post about the scientific description of a new taxon of European rhabdodontomorph. It had been published a few days ago. This dinosaur has been named Obelignathus septimanicus and we contacted one of the authors of the study to request an image showing the Obelignathus septimanicus fossils.  A few days later, we received an email from Dr Czepiński enclosing an image showing the robust dentary of Obelignathus compared to the lower jaws of other rhabdodontomorphs.

Dentaries of selected European rhabdodontomorphs in dorsal and lateral views. The Obelignathus septimanicus fossils (A) are compared with (B) Mochlodon vorosi holotype (MTM V 2010.105.1), a left dentary from the Csehbánya Formation, Iharkút (Hungary; mirrored) with (C) Mochlodon suessi, lectotype (PIUW 2349/2), right dentary from the Grünbach Formation, Muthmannsdorf (Austria). Furthermore, (D) Zalmoxes robustus holotype (NHMUK R3392), right dentary from the Sinpetru Formation, Sânpetru (Romania); along with (E) Rhabdodon priscus, lectotype (MPLM 30), left dentary from the Marnes Rouges Inférieures Formation, la Nerthe (France) and (F) Zalmoxes shqiperorum holotype NHMUK R4900, right dentary from the Sinpetru Formation of Sânpetru (Romania; outline based on the specimen UBB NVZ1-1). Note the scale bar equals 10 cm. Picture credit: Czepiński and Madzia.

Picture credit: Czepiński and Madzia

Obelignathus septimanicus Fossils

Examination of a robust dentary (specimen number MDE D30) led to the establishment of this new taxon. The stout jaw inspired the researchers when it came to naming this new dinosaur. The genus name honours the immensely strong Obélix from the Asterix the Gaul series and the Latin word for jaw.

The jaw fossil had been discovered in 1990. In 1991, French palaeontologists Jean Le Loueff and Eric Buffetaut assigned it to the genus Rhabdodon but erected a new species R. septimanicus. The species name honours Septimania the historical name of this part of France from Roman times.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s original blog post about the scientific description of O. septimanicus: “Obélix Jaw” – A New Late Cretaceous Ornithopod Dinosaur.

Life restoration of newly described rhabdodontid dinosaur Obelignathus septimanicus in the Late Cretaceous environment recorded in the ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation in southern France. A pair of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs can be seen lurking in the background. Picture credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska.

Picture credit: Edyta Felcyn-Kowalska

We also received an image showing a life reconstruction of Obelignathus septimanicus (see above).

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of one of the authors (Łukasz Czepiński), in the posting up of these images.  Thank you Dr Czepiński for your assistance.  We wish you every success with your research.

The scientific paper: “Exploring the diversity and disparity of rhabdodontomorph ornithopods from the Late Cretaceous European archipelago” by Łukasz Czepiński and Daniel Madzia published in Scientific Reports.

Visit: Everything Dinosaur for dinosaur toys and prehistoric animal figures.

A trip to the London Natural History Museum back in 2023 permitted team members to get up close to a remarkable Camarasaurus exhibit.  The mounted cast of Camarasaurus fossils towers over visitors.  It is one of the largest exhibits in the dinosaur gallery.  The cast is a replica of fossils excavated from the famous Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation.  It remains one of our favourite sights at the London Natural History Museum.

The Camarasaurus exhibit at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from the UK-based mail order company commented:

“The dinosaur gallery at the Museum is quite dark.  It is difficult to take photographs due to the lighting conditions.  However, we wanted to take a photograph of the head and the cervical vertebrae.  Luckily, we were able to pick out some of the beautiful features of the ornate ceiling and the detailed carvings on the columns.  The London Natural History Museum not only houses rare treasures such as the Camarasaurus exhibit, it is also an incredible building.”

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

The Camarasaurus Exhibit

Camarasaurus fossils are the most common sauropod fossils known from the famous Morrison Formation.  Camarasaurus was formally named and described in 1877 (Cope). Currently, four species are recognised. We suspect this mount represents cast materials from the collection of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.  Several models of this iconic dinosaur have been made.  For example, Safari Ltd have made a model of Camarasaurus.

The award-winning Wild Safari Prehistoric World Camarasaurus dinosaur model.

This dinosaur model was voted the best new dinosaur model by readers of “Prehistoric Times” magazine.

To view the Safari Ltd range of prehistoric animal figures: Safari Ltd – Prehistoric World Models.

Moreover, Haolonggood recently introduced Camarasaurus figures.  In addition, PNSO have added a Camarasaurus to their impressive range of figures. The PNSO Njor the Camarasaurus figure measures thirty-five centimetres long. In addition, it stands an impressive twenty-four centimetres tall. It is supplied with an A3 Sci-Art poster and a sixty-four-page, full-colour booklet. Naturally, we also send out a free Camarasaurus fact sheet with this excellent sauropod figure.

The PNSO Camarasaurus model (Njor) in anterior view.

To view the range of PNSO models and figures: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

The beautiful Bridgewater Hall is one of the UK’s premier concert venues.  It was officially opened in 1996.  The venue hosts over three hundred performances a year including classical music, rock, pop, jazz, world music and much more.  The Hall is home to the famous Hallé orchestra. It also hosts the BBC Philharmonic orchestra regularly.  However, it is also home to some remarkable fossils too.  The Bridgewater Hall fossils can be found in the floor of the Stalls Foyer.  The stone floor consists of limestone, and it contains the fossilised remains of numerous marine invertebrates.

Fossils are evident in the stone floor of the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. The stone is limestone, and it comes from Germany. These polished slabs preserve the remains of Jurassic invertebrates including gastropods and cephalopods such as nautiloids and ammonites. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The fossiliferous limestone can be found in many buildings. For example, the concourse at Nuremberg Airport (Nürnberg, Germany) is made from the same stone.

To read an article about finding fossils at Nürnberg Airport: A Jurassic Fossil Hunt at an Airport.

Bridgewater Hall Fossils

Gastropod and cephalopod fossils can be found preserved in the stone floor.  The stone came from Germany, and it dates from the Jurassic.  The Bridgewater Hall might be synonymous with classical music, but it does also host the occasional rock concert.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur appreciate the rock to be found at this remarkable venue.

We wonder whether many members of the audience spot these remnants of a time long past, and the evidence of a lost world preserved beneath their feet.

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

Many people enjoy fossil hunting. It is a fascinating hobby. However, we are not the only higher primate that finds fossils. Recently, Everything Dinosaur team members heard of a group of geladas at the Bristol Zoo Project that discovered an ammonite fossil in their enclosure. The bachelor group of geladas dug up a rock to play with, the stone contained an ammonite fossil.

The ammonite fossil discovered by the geladas. Probably from Lower Jurassic sediments, the Avon area is well-known for its Late Triassic and Early Jurassic fossils. Picture credit: Bristol Zoo Project.

Picture credit: Bristol Zoo Project

Geladas Discover an Ammonite Fossil

Geladas (Theropithecus gelada) are a genus of Old World monkey (Catarrhini), native to the Ethiopian Highlands. They are sometimes referred to as “bleeding-heart monkeys” because of their distinctive, heart-shaped chest markings. These robust animals are almost entirely terrestrial. Their diet in the wild mostly consists of grasses. They are extremely social animals and form large, gregarious groups.

Members of the bachelor group were observed playing with a large stone. This turned out to be a fossil ammonite. Geladas often display stone handling, which is a play and foraging behaviour seen in some primates, however the discovery of a fossil is a first for the group.

A pair of geladas in their enclosure. These Old World monkeys found a fossil. Picture credit: the Henstridge Family/Bristol Zoo Project.

Picture credit: The Henstridge Family/Bristol Zoo Project.

Males typically weigh around fifteen to eighteen kilogrammes. Females are smaller. Today, most scientists place the gelada in its own genus. However, genetic studies indicate an affinity with the baboon (Papio). The fossil record of these animals suggests that they evolved during the Pliocene. Several taxa have been described including the much larger Theropithecus brumpti which is known from the late Pliocene of Ethiopia.

Modern geladas have even been reported to use stones for “drawing,” using a stone to mark a surface and even using their finger to spread and adjust the colour. The manus (hand) of the gelada is extremely similar to our own hand. They possess long thumbs, a strong index finger, and the highest thumb-to-digits ratio among catarrhines.

The Bristol Zoo Project is home to six male gelada, Kito, Hobbit, Harshit, Kidame, and recent newcomers Leena, and Takeze who all live in a special area designed to replicate their native landscape in the Ethiopian highlands. The long grasses, rocks and climbing platforms, give them good vantage points and plenty of areas to forage.   Furthermore, the underlying rocks have provided the opportunity for these intelligent animals to develop their own fossil collection.

Discovering Ammonite Fossils

Ammonites are extinct molluscs (subclass Ammonoidea). They are closely related to extant cephalopods such as the cuttlefish.  Their fossils are common in Mesozoic-aged sedimentary rocks.  They are important zonal fossils helping with the relative dating of geological formations.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur have quite a big collection of ammonite specimens that they have collected on their fossil hunting adventures.

An ammonite partially eroded out of a nodule. We think this is an example of Dactylioceras commune.  Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

It turns out that we hominins are not the only primate with an interest in collecting fossils. Ironically, Everything Dinosaur team members have just despatched some ammonites to fossil collectors based in Dorset.  The strongly ribbed models we sent to the fossil collectors represent the ammonite genus Arietites (we think).   These ammonite fossils are found in rocks from the Lower Jurassic.  The fossil found by the geladas shows large, prominent ribs.  Perhaps, this too is a specimen of Arietites.

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

The picture above shows a polished ammonite fossil next to the Bullyland ammonite figure.  This model is extremely popular with the fossil hunting fraternity in Lyme Regis.

To view the Bullyland range of prehistoric animal models: Bullyland Models.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of the Bristol Zoo Project in the compilation of this article.