All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
2 10, 2025

Everything Dinosaur Nominated for an Excellence in Collaboration Award

By |2025-10-02T08:45:19+01:00October 2nd, 2025|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur is a finalist in the Excellence in Collaboration category at the forthcoming South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.  Mike and Sue have been members of the local Chamber for years. The role of a Chamber of Commerce is to support and represent businesses in south Cheshire. Their goal is to promote the economic growth of their members and the local community.

The company is honoured to have been nominated as a finalist. The award ceremony takes place on the 14th of November (2025).

Excellence in Collaboration.

The UK-based mail order company is a finalist in the Excellence in Collaboration category at the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2025.

The Excellence in Collaboration Category

The Excellence in Collaboration award recognises firms that show dedication.  Businesses that work in collaboration with other organisations to deliver positive outcomes. The development of the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range involved Mike and Sue working with a diverse range of companies, organisations and other bodies.  For example, proof of concept was demonstrated working in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University and Mike worked closely with Manchester Metropolitan University exploring innovation.

Commenting on the work with academics and students Mike stated:

“It was wonderful to be able to work with these universities.  Their contribution proved pivotal in helping to get our own range of prehistoric animal figures off the ground. Furthermore, we were able to work with students and to help them with their studies and we were able to expose them to real issues in the commercial world.”

Unbox history! The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model is the first dinosaur model to have a digital product passport.

Unbox history! The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model is the first dinosaur model to have a digital product passport. In addition, the plan is to remove single use plastic bags from the packaging. The dinosaur model range has been developed through the collaboration of academia, business advisors and commercial companies. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

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

Sue from the company added:

“We are truly honoured and humbled to be a finalist in this category.  Everything Dinosaur collaborates with a wide range of different organisations.  Our nomination is tangible proof of our commitment to supporting the wider community.”

The award-winning and customer-friendly company website: Everything Dinosaur.

1 10, 2025

An Urgent Update for Canadian Dinosaur Model Fans

By |2025-10-01T22:08:11+01:00October 1st, 2025|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Canadian dinosaur model fans may face delivery delays due to strike action at Canada Post. The strike has already affected parcel services across the country.  We have been informed by UK Royal Mail that any items sent but not delivered at the beginning of the strike action are being held by Canada Post until the end of strike action and will be delivered once operations resume.  Unfortunately, we do not know when this industrial action will end.

Royal Mail services to Canada have now been suspended.

We thank the international team at Royal Mail for keeping Everything Dinosaur team members informed.

Royal Mail and Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members have taken steps to help minimise disruption for customers, but due to industrial action in Canada deliveries of parcels to that country will be subject to delays. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Reassuring Canadian Dinosaur Model Fans

We want to reassure Canadian dinosaur model fans that we are monitoring the situation carefully. As soon as normal postal services resume, we will get parcels destined for addresses in Canada sent out. The industrial action is beyond our control, but we understand how important your models are to you. Every order will be packed and ready to move as soon as the opportunity arises.

We will update customers if anything changes.  You can also contact us for advice about your order: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Canadian dinosaur model fans remain very important to us. We value your patience and loyalty during this difficult time.  Hopefully, this industrial action will not impact the festive season.

Our promise is simple. The moment parcels can be despatched, they will be sent without delay.

Thank you for supporting our prehistoric animal range. We look forward to sending your next model very soon.

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

30 09, 2025

Dinosaur Model Display Base Includes Amazing Details

By |2025-09-30T12:08:35+01:00September 30th, 2025|Categories: Everything Dinosaur Evolution|0 Comments

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex display base includes some remarkable detail. The dinosaur’s display base represents a dried-up lakebed that one day will make up a deposit in the famous Hell Creek Formation.  Each crack has been carefully sculpted.  In addition, the base features the three-toed tracks of a theropod.  Furthermore, these tracks have been modelled on genuine tyrannosaur tracks known from the fossil record.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex display base.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex display base features three-toed theropod prints that have been modelled based on real tyrannosaur tracks. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur Evolution is a new range of stunning prehistoric animal models and figures. We are following the fossil record to produce incredibly detailed, highly collectable scale models.

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range of prehistoric animal figures: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.

Amazing Detail on a Tyrannosaurus rex Display Base

The footprints on the base of the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model are accurate representations of real trace fossils from the fossil record. That’s the level of detail that has gone into our first figure. The T. rex is scientifically accurate and so are the details on the base.

Join the Evolution! ‪‪‪‪Our aim is to produce a range of incredibly accurate scale models of prehistoric animals.

Introducing Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

Introducing Everything Dinosaur Evolution. A stunning range of prehistoric animal models developed by following the fossil evidence. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are immensely proud of our Tyrannosaurus rex model.  Furthermore, we wanted to extend the same care and dedication to the design of the model’s display base.  With the help of renowned palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax and palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls we have created a fantastic display base for the figure.  In addition, we could not have made the base without the input of award-winning digital sculptor Glen Southern.  The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex and its base have been a real team effort.”

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

29 09, 2025

A Tidy Warehouse Equals an Efficient Company

By |2025-09-30T13:00:56+01:00September 29th, 2025|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Sue from Everything Dinosaur has had a busy few days.  On top of all her other work, Sue has been busy re-arranging the layout of the Everything Dinosaur warehouse.  Lots of deliveries of prehistoric animal models are expected.  Her tessellating skills are being put to good use organising the racking bays and creating space.  In addition, Mike and Sue have been able to set aside cardboard ready to be sent for recycling.

Sue explained that she had wanted to develop the capacity of the warehouse for some time.  Furthermore, additional storage space nearby has been acquired.  With so many product deliveries scheduled, it was imperative that the warehouse layout was improved to permit space for all the new prehistoric animal figures.  Shipments from Haolonggood, PNSO, Rebor, Beasts of the Mesozoic and Bullyland are expected.  Moreover, room has to be created to accommodate the new Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex figures. These models are due to arrive at the Everything Dinosaur warehouse in November.

The Everything Dinosaur warehouse.

The racking arrangements and the location of product pallets have been re-arranged in the Everything Dinosaur warehouse. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Utilising the Space in the Everything Dinosaur Warehouse

Planning skills have been utilised to improve the layout of the warehouse.  Access to racking and pallet bays have improved.  In addition, the company has been able to prepare a large quantity of cardboard ready for recycling.  Sue’s administration and planning skills have enabled more pallet spaces to be created.  The area close to the roller shutter doors has been cleared which will make receipt of goods more efficient.

Commenting on this successful operation Sue stated:

“I have used my planning skills to redesign parts of our warehouse.  Even with several thousand square feet of storage space, we need to ensure that we maximise the space and make the layout more efficient and user friendly.  In addition, I have been liaising with our packaging suppliers to ensure that we can co-ordinate packaging deliveries with our expected shipment arrivals.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

28 09, 2025

Remarkable Joaquinraptor Quarry Images

By |2025-09-27T21:02:19+01:00September 28th, 2025|Categories: Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

This week, the scientific paper announcing the discovery of a new megaraptor from South America was published.  The dinosaur has been named Joaquinraptor casali and it is probably the geologically youngest member of the Megataptoridae described to date.  In the media release there were several field photographs of the Joaquinraptor casali bones.  We were not able to use them all in our blog post about this new theropod. However, we wanted to share them with our readers, so we created a second article.

Joaquinraptor casali bones in field (2019) shown with skeletal reconstruction.

Joaquinraptor casali bones in the field (2019) shown with a skeletal reconstruction. Known fossil material is highlighted in blue. The photograph shows fossils of the new megaraptor dinosaur species Joaquinraptor casali in the quarry, laying in the positions they had laid for approximately 67 million years. A dentary, teeth, ribs, and several other bones are visible. 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 Everything Dinosaur’s earlier blog post about the discovery of Joaquinraptor: A New Species of Megaraptor from Patagonia.

Joaquinraptor casali Bones Photographed

When visitors view dinosaur fossils in a museum they appear, smooth, free from cracks and clean. The Joaquinraptor casali bones photographed at the dig site look different. Skilled technicians spend many hours preparing each fossil for display. They carefully remove rock, repair breaks, and restore missing areas. As a result, the finished fossils look polished and ready for study or exhibition. However, this final appearance is very different from how the bones first look when they are carefully excavated in the field.

Fossils of the new megaraptor species Joaquinraptor casali in the quarry.

Fossils of the new megaraptor species Joaquinraptor casali in the quarry. 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

The picture (above) shows the jumble of fossil bones in the quarry.  The field team take care to extract the fossils. In addition, they map their precise location and gather data on the fossil matrix.

Fragile Bones and Delicate Work in the Field

At the quarry, the Joaquinraptor casali bones are fragile, fragmented, and often extremely difficult to expose. Field team members work slowly with small tools to expose each piece. Dirt, dust, and natural cracks make the fossils appear rough and incomplete. Only after careful cleaning and conservation do these remains reveal their true form. This process highlights the remarkable journey from excavation site to museum gallery.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The media release we received contained some incredible photographs of the quarry.  We wanted to highlight the care and dedication it takes to extract fossils in the field.  Moreover, the fossil material comes from the uppermost part of the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation.  These field photographs are significant as the strata is most likely late Maastrichtian.  This suggests that Joaquinraptor lived close to the Cretaceous/Palaeogene boundary.  Therefore, the Megaraptoridae persisted until the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.”

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: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

27 09, 2025

Evolution Logo More Visible After Website Changes

By |2025-09-28T20:53:37+01:00September 27th, 2025|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

We made the Everything Dinosaur Evolution logo in our website header more visible. We changed it from gold to white.  Both these colours are within the Everything Dinosaur Evolution brand identity guide.  However, a white logo on a dark green background is easier to see.  The gold logo in the header was not clear.  The contrast between its colour and the background was not big enough. The change makes the Evolution logo more visible.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution logo becomes more visible.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution logo becomes more visible. The original logo in the “palaeo gold” colouration did not stand out against the dark green background. The original layout can be seen in this image. For visitors with sight issues, the logo did not stand out against the dark background. It was not visible enough. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike and Sue have changed the logo colour to improve site visibility and accessibility.

Making the Everything Dinosaur Evolution Logo More Visible

Replacing the gold logo with a white one improves accessibility.  Therefore, visitors with impaired vision can recognise it faster and navigate with confidence. High contrast helps everyone. Moreover, white on dark backgrounds reduces eye strain and confusion. Consequently, users locate key actions sooner and feel more comfortable and in control. Accessibility is not only about compliance. Importantly, it improves brand clarity and trust. Furthermore, clear icons shorten journeys and increase on-site engagement.

A social media icon for the Everything Dinosaur Evolution section of the Everything Dinosaur website.

The social media buttons in the header of the Everything Dinosaur website have been changed. The Everything Dinosaur Evolution button is now in white. This makes the icon more visible. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Commenting on this change, Mike stated:

“It might only be a small step, but we want to make our site more accessible.  We recognise we have a long way to go, but we have made changes to improve the contrast between a logo and the background.  The Everything Dinosaur Evolution icon is more visible in the header section. Please review your own header if you have a website. If contrast is weak, brighten it. This will make a difference for those in the community who have impaired vision.”

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

26 09, 2025

Highlighting the Remarkable Arthropleura in the Garden

By |2025-09-29T15:10:42+01:00September 26th, 2025|Categories: Photos|0 Comments

One of the pleasures of visiting the London Natural History Museum gardens is the opportunity to spot exhibits that many visitors overlook.  For example, tucked away in an area of ferns we spotted a display board highlighting one of the largest invertebrates of all time – Arthropleura.  Several species have been named but the type species is Arthropleura armata.  The display board makes particular reference to A. armata. Fossils of this species seem to be confined to the base of the Westphalian to the top of the Stephanian – western European sub-divisions of the Carboniferous.

The display board at the London Natural History Museum gardens highlighting Arthropleura armata.

The display board at the London Natural History Museum gardens highlighting Arthropleura armata. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Arthropleura armata

The gold-coloured model was probably created prior to the publication of the recent scientific paper that revealed details of the head of this arthropod for the first time.  For example, the antennae were comprised of at least seven segments, and the compound eyes were club-shaped and on stalks.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier blog post about new fossil discoveries providing fresh insight into the head of Arthropleura: Newly Described Fossils from France Reveal the Head of Arthropleura.

The information on the board does not give exact size measurements, these remain controversial.  However, it is stated that it is the largest known land invertebrate. The comment about its great size was partly caused by the higher oxygen levels in the atmosphere is also controversial.  Some palaeontologists who have examined trackways and fragmentary body fossils, suggest a body length in excess of two and half metres.  The size of Arthropleura having been frequently attributed to higher atmospheric oxygen levels during the Carboniferous.

Intriguingly, the dated Arthropleura fossils do not align with the evidence to indicate higher concentrations of oxygen.  For instance, the largest known body fossil dates from an interval where oxygen levels were only about 20% higher than they are today.

Arthropleura may have reached an enormous size due to the large amounts of food (decaying plants and animals) in the equatorial environment or simply because it lacked competition.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We enjoyed visiting the Natural History Museum gardens.  Everyone rushes around and wants to see the Diplodocus statue.  However, for us, the pleasure was in finding those little out of the way, tucked away snippets of information that highlight the rich diversity of the fossil record.”

If you were to find an Arthropleura in the garden, that would be something remarkable.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

25 09, 2025

An Eofauna Mastodon Model Review: Stunning Accuracy and Breathtaking Detail

By |2025-09-27T21:52:45+01:00September 25th, 2025|Categories: Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to model collector William who sent in a review of the Eofauna Scientific Research Mastodon model.  William is a big fan of the Eofauna figures.  For example, his review praises this model. The Eofauna Mammut americanum model is a triumph of scientific accuracy and artistry. At 1:35 scale, this museum-quality replica offers collectors both beauty and precision. From its first impression, it is clear this is not a toy but a serious figure for dedicated enthusiasts and collectors.

The Eofauna American mastodon figure.

The Eofauna American mastodon figure.

A Head Sculpt with Remarkable Detail

The head sculpt is especially impressive. The replica captures the powerful skull shape of Mammut americanum with precision. Its curved tusks are finished in an aged ivory tone, while the trunk is posed naturally to suggest movement. Bright, glossy eyes bring the face to life, giving the figure a sense of intelligence and presence. The body highlights Eofauna’s commitment to realism. The chest is broad, the limbs are strong, and the stance suggests gentle motion. Every wrinkle and fold of the skin has been sculpted with care. Subtle muscle definition adds weight and realism, while the textured hide hints at the strength and power of this animal.

To view the range of Eofauna Scientific Research models in stock: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

The Eofauna Mammut americanum

The reviewer highlighted the natural colours and textures.  He explained that the colours of the model add depth. Rich brown tones blend with darker and lighter shades to create a natural, earthy effect. Tiny details, such as grain on the tusks and folds in the skin, enhance the sense of authenticity. The suggestion of coarse fur across the flanks adds yet another layer of realism. William added that collectors will appreciate the extras.

It is supplied with a bonus card featuring artwork and information about this enigmatic prehistoric proboscidean. In addition, Everything Dinosaur send out a free fact sheet with sales of this model. The packaging is sturdy and designed to protect the figure in transit, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.

Praise for Everything Dinosaur

William also praised Everything Dinosaur. From secure packaging to rapid delivery, he highlighted our dedication to collectors. The company’s commitment to customer service and educational outreach sets it apart. Our efforts keep collectors informed, inspired, and supported.

The reviewer concluded that the Eofauna Mammut americanum is a masterpiece. It blends artistry with science, creating a model that captures the spirit of a lost giant. For collectors, it is an essential addition to any serious collection.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked William for his review and stated:

“The Eofauna models are popular with collectors. Our thanks to William for his super review.”

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

24 09, 2025

A Beautiful, Bronze Diplodocus Statue

By |2025-09-28T16:27:26+01:00September 24th, 2025|Categories: Photos|0 Comments

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur visited the London Natural History Museum gardens and photographed Fern the Diplodocus.  The bronze Diplodocus on display is a copy of “Dippy” the famous Diplodocus exhibit that was on display in the Hintze Hall.  Hintze Hall is the largest public gallery space in the Museum.  The Diplodocus exhibit was removed in 2017 and replaced by “Hope” the skeleton of a twenty-two-metre-long Blue whale that is suspended from the ceiling.

To read a blog post from 2017 about the refurbishment of Hintze Hall: A Whale of a Time at the London Natural History Museum.

“Dippy” a Diplodocus cast presented to the London Natural History Museum in 1905 embarked on a tour of the UK.  However, plans were in place to include a statue based on this exhibit in the gardens that surround the iconic building.  The gardens tell the story of evolution and provide a green space away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Fern the Diplodocus

The project to erect a bronze Diplodocus statue outside enabled palaeontologists and engineers to correct some of the mistakes in the original Hintze Hall “Dippy”.  For example, the bones were realigned to give the bronze statue a more natural stance. The position of the hip bones was also changed so as to bring them into a more natural position.  In addition, the feet were placed in a more anatomically accurate position.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Dinosaurs walked on their toes.  They have a digitigrade stance.  When the bronze Diplodocus statue was being cast and assembled the palaeontologists were able to supervise the positioning of the feet.  The were able to pose the feet in a more anatomically correct position.  Sauropods like Diplodocus did not have their feet flat against the floor in a plantigrade stance.  This was seen in the old “Dippy” exhibit.  Instead, the feet of the bronze cast have been raised slightly.  The foot has been arched up slightly because when Diplodocus roamed the planet in the Jurassic, it had a big pad of tissue under each foot, similar to the foot pad of an elephant.  These pads helped to support the dinosaur’s huge weight.”

The head of Fern the Diplodocus.

A close-up view of the head of Fern the Diplodocus statue on display in the gardens of the Natural History Museum London. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Adjusting the Atlas

The replica of Diplodocus known as “Dippy” had another error in its construction.  The small vertebra in the neck closest to the skull was erected upside down. This bone in the neck (C1 vertebra) is called the Atlas.  It connects the skull to the spine.  When creating and assembling the bronze statue, museum staff were able to ensure the Atlas was orientated the right way up. For a dinosaur with such a long neck, it is important to get the cervical vertebrae correct.

Rebor recently introduced a beautiful Diplodocus (D. carnegii) model. This model, known as “Artist Proof”, was supplied with two interchangeable necks.  Collectors were encouraged to paint their own models.

The Rebor "Artist Proof" Diplodocus is supplied with two interchangeable necks.

The Rebor “Artist Proof” Diplodocus is supplied with two interchangeable necks.

The picture (above) shows the incredible Rebor Diplodocus figure “Artist Proof”.  It is an amazing replica of this famous Late Jurassic sauropod.

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

Mike from Everything Dinosaur added:

“Fern the Diplodocus attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. However, few people know how the original 1905 cast was altered when this statue was erected. It is a most imposing exhibit.  Moreover, the gardens are often less crowded, especially early in the morning, compared to the Museum. This permits visitors to get a lot closer to an iconic Diplodocus.”

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

23 09, 2025

A New Species of Patagonian Megaraptor is Announced

By |2025-09-27T15:10:08+01:00September 23rd, 2025|Categories: Palaeontological articles|0 Comments

A new species of Patagonian megaraptor has been described.  Joaquinraptor casali provides further insight into this enigmatic Cretaceous dinosaur family.  The fossil material casts light on these giant-clawed theropods, as this is only the second member of the Megaraptoridae family to have been discovered with extensive skull remains.  The study has been published in the journal “Nature Communications”.

Intriguingly, the field team found a crocodyliform humerus between the lower jaw bones of Joaquinraptor.  This suggests that that the new megaraptor may have been eating the crocodyliform when it died.  However, this is only an assertion, it is not definitive.  The limb bone could have ended up lodged between the dentaries as a result of being washed into the submerged mouth of the dinosaur’s carcase.

Joaquinraptor casali life reconstruction.

Joaquinraptor casali life reconstruction. The new megaraptor dinosaur species Joaquinraptor casali in what is now central Patagonia, Argentina roughly 67 million years ago. The carnivore holds a crocodyliform (= extinct crocodile relative) front leg in its mouth, in keeping with the discovery of a crocodyliform forelimb bone between the lower jaws. Picture credit: Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Picture credit: Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

The upper arm bone of the crocodyliform bears tooth marks and the bone was touching some of the megaraptor’s teeth.  So, some kind of interspecific interaction seems likely. Perhaps, the theropod and the crocodyliform were fighting.  For example, the two predators could have been battling over a food resource.

Joaquinraptor casali and crocodyliform limb bone.

Possible evidence of diet or predation in the new megaraptor dinosaur species Joaquinraptor casali. (a) Dentaries (= tooth-bearing lower jaw bones) of Joaquinraptor and an associated crocodyliform (= extinct crocodile relative) forelimb bone in the position in which they were found, prior to their separation in the laboratory. Detail (b) view showing a portion of the croc forelimb bone in contact with the teeth of Joaquinraptor. The croc bone (c) after its separation from the Joaquinraptor dentaries. Picture credit: Lucio M. Ibiricu et al.

Picture credit: Lucio M. Ibiricu et al

Joaquinraptor casali

Joaquinraptor seems to be quite typical for a megaraptor.  It had a long, low skull lined with serrated teeth and powerful forelimbs. The two innermost talons of the hand were tipped with large claws.  The genus name honours Joaquín, the son of the first author (Lucio M. Ibiricu) and the informal name given to the locality when the skeleton of the taxon was discovered (Valle Joaquín). Dr Gabriel Andrés Casal inspired the species epithet.  Dr Casal has made a significant contribution to our understanding of Cretaceous dinosaurs from Argentina.  In addition, he was responsible for the formal recognition and naming of the formation from which this megaraptorid was recovered (the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation).

Joaquinraptor casali bones preserved.

A skeletal reconstruction of the new megaraptor dinosaur species Joaquinraptor casali showing the bones preserved (in blue). Other parts of the skeleton and body outline silhouette are based on closely related species. Photos of many of the preserved bones in various views surround the skeletal reconstruction. Skeletal reconstruction by T.K. Robinson and Andrew McAfee. Picture credit: Lucio M. Ibiricu et al.

Picture credit: Lucio M. Ibiricu et al

The Geologically Youngest Member of the Megaraptoridae

The researchers estimate that Joaquinraptor was around seven metres in length.  It probably weighed a tonne. This newly described theropod is also likely to be the geologically youngest megaraptor ever discovered.  Megaraptors survived until the end of the Cretaceous, 66 million years ago.  The partial, skeleton comes from the Chubut Province (southern Patagonia).  It was studied by Dr Lucio Ibiricu of Argentina’s Instituto Patagónico de Geología y Paleontología, and several other scientists including Dr Matt Lamanna of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Dr Lamanna commented:

“At the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, we’re always seeking to better comprehend the history of life on our planet.  Every year, our team of experts conducts field work all over the world, helping to ensure that we’re on the cutting edge of research.  New revelatory dinosaur discoveries, like Joaquinraptor casali, deepen our understanding of how extraordinary creatures lived and advance understanding of the natural world, both past and present.”

Joaquinraptor fossils in the field (2019).

Fossils of the new megaraptor dinosaur species J. casali in the quarry, laying in the positions they had laid for approximately 67 million years. A dentary, teeth, ribs, and several other bones are visible. Picture credit: Marcelo Luna, Laboratorio de Paleontología de Vertebrados Dr. Rubén Martínez, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

An analysis of a cross section of the tibia revealed that this dinosaur was at least nineteen years old when it perished. However, whilst the researchers considered the specimen to have been sexually mature, it was not fully grown.

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 Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

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