All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
3 08, 2016

First Case of Septic Arthritis Diagnosed in a Dinosaur

By |2023-05-05T05:25:56+01:00August 3rd, 2016|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|2 Comments

Hadrosaur Had Septic Arthritis

Scientists writing in the Royal Society Open Science journal have identified the first diagnosed case of septic arthritis in a dinosaur.  The unfortunate animal was a type of duck-billed dinosaur that roamed New Jersey (USA), some seventy million years ago.  Identifying disease and injuries preserved in the fossil record (pathologies) permits scientists to gain valuable insights into the lives of long extinct creatures.  The indeterminate duck-billed dinosaur may have suffered for many years with a debilitating injury.

A Typical Hadrosaurid Hadrosaur

Gryposaurus - Hadrosaur Model available from Everything Dinosaur.

Duck-billed dinosaur model.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Severely Damaged Elbow

The fossilised lower arm bones (ulna and radius) of a plant-eating, duck-billed dinosaur were excavated from sediments that form a component of the Upper Cretaceous exposures of the Navesink Formation (New Jersey).  Both bones show malformation and deformed bone-growth, the result of some form of pathology.  However, it was only when the team subjected the diseased part of the bones to an examination by a non-invasive technique, X-ray microtomography, could the research team, that included palaeopathologist Jennifer Anné, (University of Manchester), make a diagnosis.

The Diseased Ulna of the Indeterminate Hadrosaurid

The diseased ulna of a hadrosaurid.

The pathology of a Hadrosaur ulna showing a large amount of reactive bone growth.

Picture credit: Royal Society Open Science

A Damaged Dinosaur

The photograph above shows the pathological ulna from an indeterminate species of duck-billed dinosaur.  A substantial amount of bone re-growth can be seen on the end of the bone, the portion that is in articulation with the surface of the radius (PRU).  The researchers describe the diseased bone as having a “cauliflower-like” appearance.  The olecranon process that forms the elbow joint is very misshapen and damaged with large, prominent lesions (circled red).  The red box in the diagram shows the portion of the ulna that was subjected to X-ray microtomography.

The research team conclude that this dinosaur would have been in pain and as a facultative biped it would have found movement difficult.  However, bone re-growth suggests that this dinosaur lived for some time with this injury.

New Jersey and Dinosaurs

Although dinosaur fossils from the eastern coast of the United States are much rarer than those from the western USA, New Jersey is regarded by many scientists as the birthplace of American palaeontology.

The very first, scientifically described dinosaur discovery took place close to the town of Haddonfield in New Jersey.  The bones of a large animal were excavated from a quarry and the eminent American scientist Dr Joseph Leidy (University of Pennsylvania), was given the task of studying them.  He defined them as belonging to a member of the Order Dinosauria and erected the genus Hadrosaurus (H. foulkii).

A Model of a Hadrosaurus (CollectA H. foulkii)

New CollectA Models 2023 Hadrosaurus.

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Hadrosaurus dinosaur model.

To view the CollectA range of prehistoric animal models: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

A statue of “Haddy” the Hadrosaur can be seen in Haddonfield, commemorating the discovery of “America’s first dinosaur.”

To read more about “Haddy” the Hadrosaur: A Hidden Gem (Dinosaur Statue).

Septic Arthritis

Having analysed the bones, the most likely explanation for the damaged bone is a form of osteoarthritis, a condition affecting movable joints by deterioration of articular cartilage, bone spur formation and this leads to considerable bone re-growth and remodelling.  Such conditions are usually localised in extant reptiles, whereas in humans, these conditions can spread throughout the body.

It is worth noting that osteoarthritis in extant birds and reptiles is usually associated with other, contributory factors such as trauma, disease or infection.  Based on the images generated by the X-ray scans, the researchers began to eliminate the possible causes such as osteomyelitis (the bone itself is infected) and finally concluded that the pathology probably represents septic arthritis (infected cartilage affecting the surrounding bone tissue).

What Caused the Injury?

If the septic arthritis was brought on by an injury then this begs the question, what caused the injury in the first place?  Sadly, the seventy-million-year-old dinosaur arm bones don’t provide any clues.

Jennifer Anné commented:

“It could have started out that it did have arthritis.  It could have gotten a cut, or broken that joint, and then had an infection.  It’s a hard-knock life for any wild animal.”

X-ray Microtomography Scans (Longitudinal and Transverse Scans) Showing Disease Presence in the Ulna

Probably septic arthritis in a dinosaur.

Signs of injury and disease in the bones of a dinosaur.

Picture credit: Royal Society Open Science

Scanning the Hadrosaurid Ulna

The picture above shows the scans of the hadrosaurid ulna in various views (a-d).  The area scanned is shown on the picture on the white background in the lower left portion of the image.  Locations for the transverse sections (a-d) are indicated by red lines on the longitudinal section.  Reactive bone growth can be identified and is circled in pictures c and d.  Abnormal bony projections at the attachment sites for ligaments (enthesiophytes) can be seen in a and c (indicated by red arrows).  These abnormal bony growths are a sign of stress.  Dead bone (necrosis) can be seen along the proximal articulation surface and is highlighted by a red circle in picture b.  Scale bar for all images ten mm.

Dr Anné stated that the use of non destructive and non-invasive techniques such as X-ray microtomography is having a big effect on palaeopathology.

She added:

“As a result, how we’re approaching diagnosing is changing, it’s letting us look at more individuals, so we have a higher chance of finding things.”

2 08, 2016

JurassicCollectables Reviews Rebor “Breeze”

By |2023-05-05T05:15:51+01:00August 2nd, 2016|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur videos, Main Page|0 Comments

A Cute and Adorable Baby Utahraptor (Rebor Breeze)

JurassicCollectables have produced another video review, this time it is a brief review of the Rebor Scout series Utahraptor “Breeze” and it provides dinosaur fans with an opportunity to see for themselves how the Rebor Scout series is evolving.  The 1:35 scale Utahraptor figure has been introduced alongside “Stan” the 1:18 scale baby Velociraptor model by Rebor.  Some breaking news for fans of Rebor models, expect Everything Dinosaur to have in stock the limited edition Bronze-look raptors and the new Velociraptor figure “Winston” very shortly.

Rebor “Breeze” Video Review

Although, this video review focuses on “Breeze”, the adult Utahraptor – “Wind Hunter” figure by Rebor also features.  Also, look out for a regular appearance by “off-colour Alan”.

The Unboxing Video Review by Jurassic Collectables – “Breeze”

Video credit: Jurassic Collectables

In the brief video, (it lasts a fraction under four minutes), the narrator guides the viewer through the details that can be seen on this carefully sculpted replica.  Described as “adorable”, the baby Utahraptor makes a fine addition to any dinosaur figure collection.  The paint job is described as “quite defined” and the wet, glossy look that the eyes have is highlighted.

JurassicCollectables on YouTube

JurassicCollectables have a wonderful YouTube channel packed full of dinosaur model reviews and other very informative videos.  They have just achieved 50, 000 subscribers, that’s a fantastic achievement, our congratulations to everyone at JurassicCollectables.

Visit the YouTube channel of JurassicCollectables here: JurassicCollectables on YouTube, Everything Dinosaur recommends that dinosaur fans subscribe to the JurassicCollectables channel.

The Rebor Baby Utahraptor Model “Breeze” – Scout Series

The Rebor baby Utahraptor "Breeze"

The Rebor “Breeze” dinosaur model in the Scout series.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Rebor Utahraptor and Rebor “Breeze” Models

“Breeze” ties in with the wind motif of the Utahraptor range from Rebor, the adult replica is called “Wind Hunter”, a reflection on the fact that these predators were probably very fast runners.  How fast is difficult to determine, but speeds in excess of forty kilometres an hour have been suggested by some palaeontologists.

To see “Breeze” the Rebor Scout baby Utahraptor dinosaur model and the rest of the Rebor range at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

 In the JurassicCollectables video, the narrator explains the colour scheme on the figure and highlights the fine detail of the feathery coat.  Naturally, these “raptors” could not fly but the feathers probably had a dual role.  In youngsters such as “Breeze” the feathery coat provided insulation, mature adults (such as the Rebor “Wind Hunter”), probably used their feathers, especially the tail feathers and any long quills on the arms, for display and signalling.

Everything Dinosaur and JurassicCollectables

Our thanks to JurassicCollectables for this super video review and we look forward to hearing about their 100,000th subscriber!

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article that includes the excellent video review by JurassicCollectables of “Stan” the Rebor baby Velociraptor, click the link below:

The video review: JurassicCollectables Reviews the Scout Series Velociraptor Model by Rebor.

To read an article about the discovery of a new type of large-clawed, South American “raptor”, although not closely related to dromaeosaurids like Velociraptor and Utahraptor: Murusraptor – Getting Our Claws into the Megaraptora.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.

1 08, 2016

Thirsty Woolly Mammoths of St. Paul Island

By |2023-05-05T05:07:56+01:00August 1st, 2016|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Geology, Main Page|0 Comments

St. Paul’s and Wrangel Island Woolly Mammoth Populations

This week has seen the publication of research undertaken by an international team of scientists led by academics from the University of Pennsylvania, that explains the demise of one of the last populations of Woolly Mammoths to have lived on Earth.

Mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) survived on the remote Alaskan island of St. Paul until around 5,600 years ago (+/- 100 years or so), whilst their mainland cousins were extinct by about 10,500 years ago.  Writing in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” (United States), the researchers conclude that a warming climate which led to rising sea levels caused the amount of freshwater available to fall dramatically, in essence the Woolly Mammoths died of thirst.

Study Suggests Some of the Last of the Woolly Mammoths were Unable to Quench Their Thirst

Mammoths died of thirst on St. Paul Island.

Lack of freshwater is suspected to have led to the demise of the Woolly Mammoth population on St. Paul Island.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) was created using Papo Woolly Mammoth models.

To view the Papo “Les Dinosaures” range: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

The Island of St. Paul in Relation to Wrangel Island

Readers of this blog will probably know that the very last population of Woolly Mammoths to have existed, survived on Wrangel Island until about 4,300 years ago (although an extinction date of as recently as about 1,700 B.C. has been proposed).

Both St. Paul Island and Wrangel are remote locations deep within the Arctic circle, however, there are considerable differences between these two islands and whilst scientists such as Professor Russell Graham (University of Pennsylvania) and lead author of the St. Paul Island study, propose that a lack of drinking water led to the St. Paul’s Island Mammoth population dying out, debate remains as to the probable cause of the Wrangel Island extinction.

In both cases the presence of humans impacting on the population of Mammoths can be ruled out, these hairy elephants were long gone before the first humans visited these isolated, desolate places (once sea levels rose).

The Location of St. Paul Island in Relation to Wrangel Island

The location of the last of the Woolly Mammoths (St. Paul Island and Wrangel Island).

The dark grey areas represent today’s landmass, the light grey areas show the extent of the Bering Land Bridge (Beringia).

Picture credit: PNAS with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur

St Paul Island and Wrangel Island

The picture above shows the approximate position of the Bering Land Bridge (Beringia) in light grey compared to the landmasses of Siberia and Alaska today (dark grey).  At its maximum during the Quaternary glacial intervals, the land joining Asia to North America would have been over six hundred miles wide, over the last 20,000 years rising sea levels led to the eventual loss of a land link between the continents of North America and Asia.

St. Paul Island was part of the southern portion of Beringia. Today, it is located in the Bering Sea.  In contrast, the much larger Wrangel Island is found in what was the northern portion of Beringia and it is located today in the Arctic Ocean.

Wrangel Island is over seventy times bigger than St. Paul Island, in the past both these islands were considerably bigger but with a warming climate in the latter stages of the Pleistocene and into the Holocene Epoch, sea levels rose and St. Paul Island in particular began to shrink.  The island is presently, around forty square miles in size, the researchers used a variety of techniques to plot the ingress of sea water and the decline of freshwater on the island over the last fifteen thousand years.

The Reduction of St. Paul Island from the Late Pleistocene to the Present Day

St. Paul Island 15,000 years ago to the present day.

The shrinking of St. Paul Island over the last fifteen thousand years.

Picture credit: PNAS

Shrinking Islands

The picture above shows a palaeogeographical map compiled by the research team that plots the reduction in the size of St. Paul Island over the last 15,000 years or so.  The red dot in the centre of the island (present size is outlined in brown), represents Lake Hill, a small, freshwater lake from which a series of sediment cores were extracted so that the scientists could trace the history of the location and how changes in climate affected the fauna and flora of the island.

The sediment cores (taken in 2013), built on data generated from core samples taken back in the 1960s and they have provided a number of independent indicators to suggest that the Mammoth population survived until around 5,600 years ago.

The flora of St. Paul Island remained relatively unchanged, however, the scientists were able to deduce that St. Paul Island shrank rapidly due to rising sea levels until about 9,000 years ago.  It continued to shrink, albeit more slowly until around 6,000 years ago but declining freshwater sources and a generally drier climate with reduced precipitation from around 7,850 years ago to the time of the Mammoth’s extinction was probably the cause of the demise of this elephant population.

Independent Indicators of Mammoth Extinction

  • Analysis of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to provide an understanding of the ancient flora of the environment and how a drying climate and rising sea levels impacted upon it.
  • The level of fungal spores that are associated with animal dung (coprophilous fungal spore types).  Three types of fungal spore were studied, this fungi would have thrived on Mammoth dung, the sudden elimination of the fungal spores from the core samples indicate a mega fauna extinction.
  • Micro fossils such as those of water fleas (indicating freshwater) and pollen grains along with diatoms (different types of algae some of which are associated with sea water).
  • Magnetic susceptibility, in arbitrary units (AU) of Lake Hill sediments from the cores, this data looks at the differences between different types of sediment and from this an understanding of changes in the palaeoenvironment over time can be mapped.
  • Radiocarbon dating, isotope degradation analysis and analysis of protein remnants from St. Paul Island Mammoth remains.

Given the variety of information sources, the “best fit” for the Mammoth extinction is approximately 5,600 years ago (+/- 100 years).

The Mammoths Contributed to Their Own Downfall

As sources of freshwater dwindled, so the Mammoths would have congregated around the remaining waterholes.  More intensive, localised Woolly Mammoth activity would have accelerated the fall in water levels.  Vegetation would have been consumed therefore exposing sediments that would have been washed into the lakes and ponds thus degrading the water quality, reducing water levels further and exacerbating the already acute water shortage.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Extant Indian elephants can consume as much as two hundred litres a day, sometimes more if it is a lactating female.  We suspect Mammoths too, had a high demand for drinking water.  A concentration of mega fauna around remaining sources of drinking water on St. Paul Island would have probably accelerated the extinction.  It is also likely, that with large animals having to survive on an ever diminishing landmass, the elephant population was already probably under considerable environmental stress.”

Lead author of the PNAS paper, Professor Russell Graham explained a likely extinction scenario:

“They [the Mammoths] were milling around, which would destroy the vegetation, we see this with modern elephants.  This allows for the erosion of sediments to go into the lake, which is creating less and less fresh water.  The Mammoths were contributing to their own demise.”

The scientific paper: “Timing and causes of mid-Holocene Mammoth extinction on St. Paul Island, Alaska”.

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