All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
//October
31 10, 2020

New Prehistoric Times Issue 135 Reviewed

By | October 31st, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Magazine Reviews, Main Page|0 Comments

Prehistoric Times Issue 135 Reviewed

The latest edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s offices.  The nights might be drawing in and we may all have a long, dark winter ahead but this magazine is a bright spot in otherwise difficult times.

“Prehistoric Times” Magazine

The front cover features an amazing illustration from Mark Hallett, an American artist whose work has graced many a front cover of this quarterly magazine.   His latest contribution features a cave bear defending her cub from a marauding sabre-toothed cat.  The famous palaeoartist created a model of the animal’s skeletons from which he first produced a pencil catch before finalising his artwork, which was painted specially for “Prehistoric Times”.

The Amazing Front Cover Artwork for Prehistoric Times Issue 135

Prehistoric Times magazine front cover (issue 135)
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” magazine issue 135 (autumn 2020).

Picture credit: Mike Fredericks from artwork by Mark Hallett

Inside the magazine, readers will discover that Mark has penned two articles, a feature on Steppe lion extinction in Europe and a beautifully illustrated piece that discusses interactions between carnivores that shared caves during the Pleistocene Epoch.  The magazine also includes a special feature on the Dutch artist Esther van Hulsen, illustrated with plenty of examples of her work as a professional wildlife and palaeoartist.  Tracy Lee Ford sets out to inspire the next generation of illustrators with a well-crafted contribution that considers how to draw Ankylosaurus, readers can expect plenty of pointers when it comes to recreating scutes and dermal armour.

Zdeněk Burian – Theropods Part Two

Fans of earlier palaeoartists can sink their teeth into the second part of an exploration of theropod illustrations by John Lavas.  As well as documenting some of Burian’s famous artworks there is a helpful introduction that outlines the main components of the Theropoda.  It is thought that Burian was ambivalent towards illustrating tyrannosaurs.  Although much of his theropod illustration work undertaken is now considered outdated, Burian’s work was widely copied.

The Illustration of Tarbosaurus bataar by Burian (1970)

Tarbosaurus bataar by Burian (1970).
An illustration of the Asian tyrannosaur Tarbosaurus bataar (Burian 1970).

Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian

Gregory S. Paul contributes an article considering racism within palaeontology and regular writers Randy Knol and editor Mike Fredericks look at new models and review the latest books about prehistoric animals respectively.

Stegosaurus and Lystrosaurus

The autumn edition also includes special features on Stegosaurus and the hardy dicynodont Lystrosaurus.  Our congratulations to Marcus Burkhardt and Elvind Bovor for their Stegosaurus drawings and to John Sibbick and Chuck Egnaczak for their Lystrosaurus illustrations.  The prose for both articles was penned by the ever reliable Phil Hore.

A Tough, Hardy Survivor – Stegosaurus

Rebor Stegosaurus armatus "woodland" colour variant.
The stunning Stegosaurus “woodland” colour variant from Rebor. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) highlights one of the Rebor Stegosaurus models (Garden – Woodland).

To view the range of Rebor figures: Rebor Models and Figures.

Issue 135 of “Prehistoric Times” Magazine

There is certainly much to be admired in this edition of “Prehistoric Times”, from the latest news related to palaeontology to a Smilodon model build inspired by the cinema (Bruce Horton) and an overview of the “Jurassic Park” inspired work of Ted Brothers.  This is an excellent magazine and a welcome addition to our autumn reading material.

To learn more about “Prehistoric Times” magazine and to subscribe: “Prehistoric Times” Magazine.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that they were looking forward to reading this excellent magazine.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

30 10, 2020

Papo in Perspective

By | October 30th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Everything Dinosaur videos, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Papo in Perspective – Video Review

Everything Dinosaur has worked with the French model and figure manufacturer Papo for many years.  In the UK-based company’s latest YouTube video, Everything Dinosaur, as one of the largest retailers of Papo prehistoric animal models, looks at the recently released Papo Giganotosaurus, explains how to acquire rare Papo models and provides two sure-fire tips to spot a genuine Papo seller.

Putting Papo in Perspective including a Look at the 2020 Papo Giganotosaurus

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

Papo Models in Perspective – A Different Type of YouTube Video

Usually, when Everything Dinosaur creates a video, it is a review of a single prehistoric animal figure.  However, the latest video explains what it is like to work with a model making company.  The new for 2020 Papo Giganotosaurus model is discussed and shown in detail, information on how to pronounce Giganotosaurus (Gig-ah-note-oh-sore-us) is provided, guidance provided by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) is explained.

How to Pronounce the Name Giganotosaurus

Papo Giganotosaurus model.
How to pronounce the name of this dinosaur (Gig-ah-note-oh-sore-us).

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Tips on Finding Retired Models

The narrator discusses recent Papo model retirements and explains how Everything Dinosaur keeps the prices of out-of-production replicas reasonable so that collectors can acquire them without having to pay extortionate prices on other websites.  In addition, the narrator acknowledges that dinosaur fans like to get a good look at the actual figure rather than simply relying on the official images sent out by the manufacturer.

Everything Dinosaur’s dedicated team members post up lots of pictures and videos of the actual models on the company’s various social media pages including this blog (see below).

The Papo Parasaurolophus (New Colour Variant) and the Papo Giganotosaurus

Papo Parasaurolophus (new colour variant) and the Papo Giganotosaurus.
The Papo Giganotosaurus and the Papo Parasaurolophus (new colour variant). Photographs of Papo models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We understand that model collectors and fans of the Papo range, like to see the figures themselves rather than rely solely on the official Papo images.  We take lots of photographs of the new models and figures in our own studio and produce some videos too.  This provides collectors with the opportunity to gain an impression of the actual models.  We also try to photograph new replicas next to other models from the same product range, by doing this, viewers can get a better understanding of the size and potential scale of any figure.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Comparing Figures – The Papo Giganotosaurus and the Papo Brown T. rex

Papo Giganotosaurus and T. rex.
The new for 2020 Papo Giganotosaurus is shown next to the popular Papo brown T. rex figure. The Papo Giganotosaurus (left) and the Papo brown T. rex (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

How to Spot a Genuine Seller of Papo Models

In Everything Dinosaur’s Papo inspired video, we provide advice on how to spot a genuine Papo seller.  Unfortunately, this popular brand has led to a number of factories copying Papo model designs and offering poor quality figures via dubious websites that have left many model collectors out of pocket and disappointed.

Look for the Correct Papo Logo on Product Images

Spotting a genuine Papo supplier.
How to spot a genuine Papo supplier – look for the correct Papo product logo.  Look for the blue Papo logo. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Checking that the website is using the up-to-date Papo logo helps to verify a genuine supplier.  In the video we also advise viewers to check the site for any customer ratings and reviews.  Everything Dinosaur is the only 5-star, independently rated, specialist seller of prehistoric animal models and figures.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s Papo inspired video, visit our YouTube channel: Subscribe to Everything Dinosaur on YouTube.  We recommend that you subscribe.

To purchase genuine Papo prehistoric animal models from a genuine Papo supplier: Papo Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Models.

29 10, 2020

New DNA Study Highlights Ancient Relationship Between Us and Dogs

By | October 29th, 2020|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Main Page, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Dogs Really are Our Oldest Friends

An international team of scientists including researchers from The Francis Crick Institute (London), University College Dublin, Ludwig Maximillian University (Munich), Stockholm University (Sweden) and Liverpool John Moores University, have collaborated together in order to sequence a total of 27 ancient dog genomes in a bid to unravel the evolution of the domestic dog.  Dogs are widely believed to be the first animal to be domesticated, but very little is known about their population history and to what extent population changes are linked to humans.

Writing in the academic journal “Science”, the researchers present evidence that there were different types of dogs more than 11,000 years ago in the period immediately following the last Ice Age.

One of the Ancient Dog Skulls Compared to the Skull of a Modern Wolf

Mapping ancient dog DNA.

Mesolithic dog skull (left) compared to wolf skull (right).

Picture Credit: E. E. Antipina (Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences)

By sequencing the ancient DNA from the 27 specimens, some of which lived around 11,000 years ago, the team found that by the end of the last Ice Age before any other animal had been domesticated, there were already at least five different types of dog with distinct genetic ancestries.

This study suggests that the diversity observed between dogs in different parts of the world today originated when all humans were hunters and gatherers.

Commenting on the significance of this research Pontus Skoglund (The Francis Crick Institute) stated:

“Some of the variation you see between dogs walking down the street today originated in the Ice Age.  By the end of this period, dogs were already widespread across the northern hemisphere.”

Extracting Genetic Information from Skeletons

By extracting genetic information from the skeletons of ancient dogs the team were able to analyse the DNA they found providing a window into the past.  They were able to show that over the last ten millennia these early dog lineages mixed and moved giving rise to the dogs we know today.  For example, the researchers calculated that early European dogs were initially diverse, most likely originating from two highly distinct populations, one related to Near Eastern dogs and another cluster related to dogs from Siberia.  However, at some point this diversity was lost, as it is not found in European dogs today.

Lead author Anders Bergström, a post-doctoral researcher at The Francis Crick Institute commented:

“If we look back more than four or five thousand years ago, we can see that Europe was a very diverse place when it came to dogs.  Although the European dogs we see today come in such an extraordinary array of shapes and forms, genetically they derive from only a very narrow subset of the diversity that used to exist.”

Newly Published Research Suggests Some of the Variation Seen in Dogs Today Dates Back to the Last Ice Age

A trio of Japanese hunting dogs.

Japanese hunting dogs, some of the variation seen in dogs today can be traced back to the last Ice Age.

Comparing Human Evolution to Dog Evolution

The researchers also compared the evolution in dog population to changes in human evolution, lifestyles and migrations.  In many cases comparable changes took place, likely reflecting how humans would bring their dogs with them as they migrated across the world.  However, this study also identified that dog evolution and human history do not mirror each other.  The loss of European dog diversity is not reflected in human population studies.

Co-author Ron Pinhasi (University of Vienna), added:

“Just as ancient DNA has revolutionised the study of our own ancestors, it’s now starting to do the same for dogs and other domesticated animals.  Studying our animal companions adds another layer to our understanding of human history.”

This newly published research might provide a fresh perspective on the early history of dog populations and their relationship with our own species, but still, many questions remain.  Dogs may have been the first animal to become domesticated, likely originating from wolves that associated with humans, however, when and how the first wolves became dogs is still not known.

The scientific paper: “Origins and genetic legacy of prehistoric dogs” by Anders Bergström, Laurent Frantz, Ryan Schmidt, Erik Ersmark, Ophelie Lebrasseur, Linus Girdland-Flink et al published in the journal Science.

28 10, 2020

Microscopic Analysis of Pterosaur Teeth Provides Guide to Diet

By | October 28th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Members of the Pterosauria Undergo Dental Examination

Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for some, but for seventeen different species of pterosaur, a microscopic analysis of wear on the teeth has provided palaeontologists with a fresh perspective on the diets and lifestyles of these enigmatic flying reptiles.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham and the University of Leicester’s Centre for Palaeobiology Research studied dental wear patterns preserved on the fossilised teeth of the specimens and then compared these wear patterns to those found on the teeth of living reptiles including crocodilians and monitor lizards whose diets are known.

A Newly Published Scientific Paper Reveals New Data on the Diets of Pterosaurs

Pterosaur ecology, a fresh insight into the diets of the Pterosauria.

Pterosaur feeding strategies.  A study of dental microwear provides a new perspective on the diets of flying reptiles.

Picture Credit: Mark Witton

The researchers were able to demonstrate for the first time how microscopic dental wear analysis can be used to inform palaeontologists about the diet of an extinct animal but to also challenge existing ideas and perceptions about lifestyle and behaviour.

The scientific paper detailing their results are published in the academic journal “Nature Communications”.

Lead author of the study, Dr Jordan Bestwick (University of Birmingham’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences), commented:

“Most existing ideas about what pterosaurs ate come from comparisons of the shapes of their teeth with those of living animals.  For example, if the animal had conical teeth like a crocodile, we might assume it ate fish.  But this approach has obvious shortcomings – the teeth of pandas and polar bears, for example, are similar, but comparing them wouldn’t give us an accurate picture of their diets.”

Did Some Super-sized Pterosaurs Eat Dinosaurs?

Powerful necked Hatzegopteryx feeds on a dinosaur.

Transylvanian giant azhdarchid pterosaur Hatzegopteryx sp. preys on the rhabdodontid iguanodontian Zalmoxes.

Picture Credit: Mark Witton

Durophagus Diets

The analysis showed that modern reptiles with rougher wear on their tooth surfaces are more likely to have eaten crunchy things, such as shelled invertebrates – beetles or crabs.  Eating hard-shelled animals or creatures with a tough exoskeleton such as some types of insect is referred to as durophagy.  Reptiles which eat mainly soft items, such as fish, have smoother tooth surfaces, which show less wear.  By applying the technique to pterosaurs, the scientists were able to comment on the likely diet of each species.

Dr Bestwick added:

“Our analysis has yielded some fascinating insights into individual species, but also into some of the bigger questions around how these pterosaurs evolved and whether their lifestyles were more similar to those of extant birds or reptiles.  Evidence from dental microwear analysis can shed new light on this debate.”

Professor Mark Purnell, Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Leicester explained:

“This is the first time this technique has been applied in this way to ancient reptiles, and it’s great to find it works so well.  Often, palaeontologists have very little to go on when trying to understand what extinct animals ate.  This approach gives us a new tool, allowing us to move from what are sometimes little more than educated guesses, into the realms of solid science.”

Examining the Diet of Rhamphorhynchus

In one example, the team examined the teeth of Rhamphorhynchus, a long-tailed pterosaur from the Jurassic period.  Researchers found that juvenile Rhamphorhynchus had insect-based diets, whereas their adult counterparts – about the size of a large seagull – were more likely to have eaten fish.  This suggests a species in which the adults took little care of their young (precocial behaviour) – a behaviour that is common in reptiles and is not exhibited by birds.

A Rhamphorhynchus Fossil Specimen (R. muensteri)

Rhamphorhynchus fossil (R. muensteri)

A Rhamphorhynchus fossil from the Upper Jurassic sediments of Solnhofen (Germany).

Picture Credit: Peabody Museum of Natural History/Yale University

Looking at Pterosaur Evolution

The research team also investigated whether their analysis could shed light on how different species of pterosaurs evolved.  The first pterosaurs evolved during the Triassic and they survived until the very end of the Mesozoic some 66 million years ago, becoming extinct at the same time as their archosaur relatives the dinosaurs.  In that time, according to the dental microwear analysis, there was a general shift in diet from invertebrates such as insects, towards a more meat or fish-based diet.

Commenting on the potential significance of this dietary shift, Dr Bestwick stated:

“We found that the earliest forms of pterosaurs ate mainly crunchy invertebrates.  The shift towards eating fish or meat coincides with the evolution of birds.  We think it’s possible, therefore, that competition with birds could explain the decline of smaller-bodied pterosaurs and a rise in larger, carnivorous species.”

It is an intriguing thought, although the fossil record of the Pterosauria is far from complete and there is a degree of bias towards the most productive pterosaur-fossil bearing strata such as deposits associated with the Crato and Santana Formations of the Early Cretaceous, which prevents a detailed assessment of pterosaur diversity over the duration of the Mesozoic from the Norian onwards.

Natalia Jagielska, a PhD researcher in pterosaur palaeontology based at the University of Edinburgh, (not involved in this study), commented that the research adds much-needed clarity to the behaviour and ecological role of pterosaurs in ancient food webs.

“Pterosaurs are a fascinating group of Mesozoic reptiles with astounding diversity in tooth morphology.  This study is important for contributing to the idea that young Rhamphorhynchus were independent invertebrate hunters before becoming fish consumers, rather than being fed and nurtured by parents, like birds.  Or that in pterosaur-rich environments, like the Late Jurassic Bavarian lagoons, pterosaur species have partitioned to occupy variations of dietary niches.”

The authors of the scientific paper are confident that this new research will provide a benchmark assisting in the interpretation of the diet of long extinct reptiles and in doing so, will lead to an improved understanding of ancient ecosystems.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the contribution of a media release from the University of Birmingham in the compilation of this article.

27 10, 2020

Eofauna Announce a New Triceratops Species

By | October 27th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|2 Comments

Eofauna Announce a New Triceratops Species

The talented team at Eofauna Scientific Research in collaboration with Everything Dinosaur have revealed their latest prehistoric animal model.  The sixth model in this exciting series is a replica of a Triceratops.  It is not a model of Triceratops horridus or indeed T. prorsus, but a representation of a probable third species, one that has not yet been formally described.

This exciting new model is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2021.

The Eofauna Scientific Research Triceratops sp. Replica

Eofauna Scientific Research Triceratops Model

The big reveal – the sixth model in the Eofauna series is that of a species of Triceratops.

Picture Credit: Eofauna Scientific Research

Confusing Triceratops

“Three-horned Face” might be one of the best known of all the Dinosauria, but from a palaeontological perspective we have a lot to learn about this denizen of the famous Hell Creek Formation of North America.  As many as sixteen different species of Triceratops have been recognised in the past, today, we have just two, Triceratops horridus and the geologically younger Triceratops prorsus.  The new Eofauna model is based on an, as yet, unnamed species that shows characteristics of both T. horridus and T. prorsus, not surprisingly really as its fossils are found in sediments below where Triceratops prorsus fossils are located and above the layers associated with Triceratops horridus.

A Teaser Image was Released by Eofauna and Everything Dinosaur Prior to the Formal Announcement

What's the next model from Eofauna?

Can you tell what it is yet?  Teasing about the new Eofauna Scientific Research figure.

Picture Credit: Eofauna Scientific Research

Confused?  Here’s a brief outline of the science…

Identifying Different Species of Horned Dinosaur

The Ceratopsia provide palaeontologists with a bit of a headache (deliberate pun intended), when it comes to distinguishing species.  Many species have been erected based on the shape of their skulls and their cranial ornamentation – spikes, horns and frills, but these features change as the animals grow and mature.   Hence the long running debate as to whether Torosaurus is a distinct genus or merely very old examples of Triceratops.  Working out species is often compounded when ideas relating to sexual dimorphism are incorporated into the mix.

In helping to identify a species, a number of conditions need to be met, such as:

1).  The fossils thought to represent a single species need to come from closely associated stratigraphic layers and from the same area.

2).  A range of specimens representing different individuals of different ages are required to help to rule out variations due to ontogeny (different stages of growth and maturity).

3).  Ideally intermediate specimens should exist that combine features of older and younger related species within the stratigraphic column.

Stratigraphic Placement of Hell Creek Formation Triceratops

Stratigraphic placement of Hell Creek Formation Triceratops.

Stratigraphic placement of Hell Creek Formation Triceratops reveals trends in cranial morphology, helping to confirm species.

Picture Credit: Scannella et al

The Eofauna Triceratops Figure

The new Triceratops model from Eofauna has been inspired by fossil finds associated with the middle portion of the Hell Creek Formation (M3).  The design team have incorporated findings from the study of Triceratops bones such as specimen number UCMP 128561 and MOR 3027 (underlined in blue on the diagram above), that reveal a suite of anatomical characteristics intermediate between T. horridus and T. prorsus.

Although the lower, middle and upper portions of the Hell Creek Formation cover a relatively short period of geological time (around 2 million years), extensive research has revealed that the two currently recognised species of Triceratops are separated stratigraphically and that over time, there was a transformation in the Triceratops lineage with T. horridus evolving into T. prorsus with an intermediate species stage.  In biology, the gradual transition of one species into another within a population is referred to as anagenesis.

Our congratulations to Eofauna Scientific Research, we often praise model making companies for introducing new figures based on fossil specimens that have only recently been described, but in this case, Eofauna have gone further, they have produced a model of a dinosaur that has yet to be formally described demonstrating an informed perspective on vertebrate palaeontology.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2014 when the scientific paper was published: How Triceratops Got its Horns and Beak.

For a comprehensive overview of the Triceratops genus in respect to identifying new species:

The scientific paper: “Evolutionary trends in Triceratops from the Hell Creek Formation, Montana” by John B. Scannella, Denver W. Fowler, Mark B. Goodwin and John R. Horner published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

The Eofauna Triceratops sp. model is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2021.

To view the current range of Eofauna models available from Everything Dinosaur: Eofauna Scientific Research Models and Figures.

26 10, 2020

New PNSO Models Borealopelta and Atopodentatus

By | October 26th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

New PNSO Models Borealopelta and Atopodentatus

Today, Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with their partners at PNSO announce the introduction of two more prehistoric animal figures in the PNSO mid-size model range.  Say hello to Gavin the Borealopelta and Zewail the Atopodentatus marine reptile.

New from PNSO – Gavin the Borealopelta Armoured Dinosaur Model

PNSO Borealopelta armoured dinosaur model.

PNSO Borealopelta dinosaur model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

New from PNSO – Zewail the Atopodentatus Marine Reptile Model

PNSO Atopodentatus model.

Zewail the PNSO Atopodentatus model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta Dinosaur Model

PNSO have been busy introducing several new figures, joining Caroline the Corythosaurus, Audrey the Lambeosaurus, the stunning Tuojiangosaurus and Gaoyuan the Microraptor is a figure of a Borealopelta (B. markmitchelli), named and described in 2017 from a single specimen and regarded as one of the best preserved armoured dinosaur fossils known to science.

A View of the Armour on the Back of the PNSO Borealopelta Model

PNSO dinosaur model (Borealopelta).

PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta dinosaur model.  The beautifully detailed armour on the back of this dinosaur figure can be seen.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The front portion of the dinosaur had been preserved in an articulated state and in three-dimensions and the design team at PNSO have taken great care to reproduce the layout of the armour on their dinosaur figure.

What Scale is the PNSO Borealopelta?

Although, the PNSO mid-size model range does not normally have a declared scale, based on the measurements of the Borealopelta fossil specimen from the Suncor Energy Millennium Mine (holotype number TMP 2011.033.0001), Everything Dinosaur team members estimate that this 17.6 cm long model is in approximately 1:32 scale.

PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta Model Measurements

PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta dinosaur model.

PNSO Borealopelta dinosaur model dimensions.  Based on a model length 17.6 cm the PNSO Borealopelta figure is in approximately 1:32 scale.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta Dinosaur Model

PNSO Gavin the Borealopelta armoured dinosaur model.

The PNSO Borealopelta dinosaur model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

This figure along with the other new PNSO models will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus Model

The second new prehistoric animal model that Everything Dinosaur announce today is a replica of the peculiar Middle Triassic marine reptile from south-western China called Atopodentatus (A. unicus).  It is great to see a Chinese model making company continuing their trend for producing prehistoric animal figures representing prehistoric animals whose fossils were found in China, in this case Yunnan Province.

The PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus Marine Reptile Model

PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus model.

PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus marine reptile model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The taxonomy of this bizarre reptile remains uncertain.  The unusual jaws and teeth suggest a diet of seaweed and algae similar to that of the extant marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands.  With fossils dating from around 245 to 242 million years ago, the scientists responsible for naming and describing Atopodentatus proposed that this was the oldest record of herbivory within marine reptiles.

The Amazing Jaws and Teeth of the PNSO Atopodentatus Model

The PNSO Atopodentatus marine reptile model.

The impressive head of the bizarre marine reptile Atopodentatus model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

PNSO Atopodentatus Model Measurements

The beautifully sculpted Atopodentatus model measures a fraction over 14 centimetres in length.  Based on an examination of the largest fossil specimens of A. unicus, Everything Dinosaur team members estimate that this figure is in approximately 1/20th scale.

PNSO Atopodentatus Model Measurements

PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus model dimensions.

The PNSO Zewail the Atopodentatus model measures a fraction over 14 cm long which suggests that this figure is in approximately 1:20 scale.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Both Gavin the Borealopelta and the PNSO Atopodentatus model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur soon.

In the meantime, to view the range of PNSO models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.

25 10, 2020

Last Recommended Posting Dates (Christmas 2020) – Important Information

By | October 25th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Last Recommended Posting Dates (Christmas 2020)

There are just over sixty days until the 25th of December.  We expect that many of our customers have started their Christmas shopping early.  We commend them for their forward planning as during the COVID-19 global pandemic we expect that much more festive season shopping will be carried out on-line.  In addition, given the strain on the world’s logistics, delivery and mail services we strongly advise customers to get their shopping completed early.  We are anticipating a huge surge in parcel shipping over the next few weeks and if customers want to avoid delays, then our advice is to shop early.

To assist our customers, we enclose the latest information from Royal Mail on the last recommended posting dates for Christmas.

Last Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas 2020 (Royal Mail)

Last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2020.

Everything Dinosaur posts up information about the last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2020.  Information provided by Royal Mail.

Table Credit: Royal Mail

Please note: the latest recommended posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Everything Dinosaur team members recommend that in these uncertain times it’s advisable to post as early as possible to ensure your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time.

Helping to Provide a Stress Free Christmas Shopping Experience

A stress free time shopping for dinosaur themed gifts.

Everything Dinosaur helping to take the stress out of Christmas shopping.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Tips and Advice for Sending Christmas Gifts

Everything Dinosaur has increased packing resources to accommodate this busy time of year.  In addition, we have introduced Sunday packing to ensure that parcels can be picked, packed and despatched rapidly.

As always, our enthusiastic and dedicated staff quickly respond to emails  and we have produced a chart providing information on the last safe posting dates for Christmas parcels and gifts sent from the UK overseas (see above).

Here are some tips and advice to ensure you have a happy and stress free mail order experience:

1). Remember to include the house name or house number with the delivery address information that you provide with your order.

2). Check the postcode/zip code with care.

3). Before finally hitting the “submit” button to send an order to Everything Dinosaur, we suggest you check the delivery address for one last time.

4). Remember, with PayPal and our own website’s ordering process, customers can include a message to Everything Dinosaur in the order message box.  You can use this message box to let us know about any special delivery circumstances that you might have.

5). Everything Dinosaur’s website makes it easy for you to specify a different delivery address to your billing address, perhaps you want to send to a relative or even to a work address.

6). If you do decide to send an item to your work address, (assuming that you are not working from home), please ensure that you include the company name in the delivery address information. Please remember to check the postcode or zip code.

7). If you think it will help, you can always specify a neighbour’s address, or a designated safe place where the parcel can be delivered to if you will be out when the delivery is likely to take place.

Our team members are available to provide assistance and further advice, just email: Email Everything Dinosaur.

For all your dinosaur models, toys and gifts visit: Everything Dinosaur’s Website.

24 10, 2020

The Popular Papo Giganotosaurus

By | October 24th, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Papo Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Model

Everything Dinosaur team members are preparing to announce more new prehistoric animal models for 2021 from our various manufacturing partners.  However, we are aware that there is some unfinished business when it comes to new figures and replicas for this year (2020).  We are currently working on a YouTube video that will inform viewers about the latest situation surrounding Papo model production and their six new prehistoric animals that were scheduled to be introduced over the last few months.

A Close View of the Head of the Recently Introduced Papo Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Model

Papo Giganotosaurus dinosaur model.

The Papo Giganotosaurus dinosaur model, one of six new figures planned for 2020 by the French model manufacturer.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Papo Giganotosaurus model is one of five dinosaur models that were due to be introduced in 2020.  The other models are a replica of Chilesaurus, Stygimoloch and new colour variants of the Papo feathered Velociraptor and the Parasaurolophus.

Production was disrupted and we are still waiting to receive the feathered Velociraptor as well as the magnificent Megaloceros model, but we are confident that we the remaining figures will be in stock before Christmas.  Ironically, the Megaloceros model was originally planned to be the first of the new for 2020 replicas to be introduced (May 2020), but the global COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in production plans.

The Giganotosaurus figure stands approximately twenty centimetres tall and it is around 18 centimetres long.  It features in a new YouTube video that Everything Dinosaur team members have been working on entitled “Papo in Perspective”.

A Dinosaur Model in Need of a Hug (Papo Giganotosaurus Replica)

A studio shot of the Papo Giganotosaurus dinosaur model.

The pose of the Papo Giganotosaurus dinosaur model gives the impression that this dinosaur needs a hug.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Papo models available from Everything Dinosaur: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

In this new video, due to be published shortly, team members at Everything Dinosaur review the Papo Giganotosaurus model and provide information about recent Papo retirements and ask viewers to suggest new prehistoric animal models for the French company to make for introducing in 2022.

The Influence of Zdeněk Burian

In the video review, we look at the influence of the famous Czech artist Zdeněk Burian on the design team at Papo.  For example, the pose of the Giganotosaurus reminded team members of a 1950 illustration of the palaeofauna of the Morrison Formation painted by Burian.  The theropod in the painting Antrodemus valens, is now thought to be nomen dubium, the fossil material previously ascribed to this doubtful genus most likely representing an Allosaurus.

The Classic Artwork of Zdeněk Burian –  Stegosaurus stenops Confronts a Pair of Theropod Dinosaurs

Stegosaurus stenops threatened by a pair of Antrodemus valens.

The classic depiction of a Late Jurassic scene by Burian (1950).  Team members think that the pose of the 2020 Papo Giganotosaurus was influenced by the artwork of Zdeněk Burian.

Picture Credit: Zdeněk Burian

23 10, 2020

A New Model from Eofauna Scientific Research

By | October 23rd, 2020|Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|5 Comments

A New Model from Eofauna Scientific Research

Those dedicated and talented team members at Eofauna Scientific Research will be introducing a new prehistoric animal model in 2021.  A teaser campaign has been launched.  As with previous product announcements from this amazing model-making company, there is no instant reveal, instead today, we see the start of a teaser campaign.

A Sixth Model from Eofauna Scientific Research – Can you Guess What it Might Be?

Teaser campaign launched for the next Eofauna Scientific Research figure.

A teaser campaign has been launched today for the sixth model in the Eofauna Scientific Research series.  The model will be available in early 2021.  Can you guess what it might be?

Picture Credit: Eofauna Scientific Research/Everything Dinosaur

Six of the Best!

At present, there are five prehistoric animal figures in the Eofauna Scientific Research range.  The first model to be introduced was the Steppe Mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) in the autumn of 2017.  This stunning 1/40th scale model was followed a few months later by a beautiful 1/35th scale replica of a Straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus).  Fans of dinosaur models did not have long to wait, as the third figure to be introduced was Giganotosaurus (Giganotosaurus carolinii), which came out in January 2019.  In October of that year, the third model of a prehistoric proboscidean was launched – a 1/35th scale model of a Deinotherium (Deinotherium giganteum).  The excitement had hardly subsided, when just a few weeks later, a fifth model was introduced, a replica of the Middle Jurassic sauropod Atlasaurus (A. imelakei).

The Current Range of Eofauna Scientific Research Models – Another Addition Coming Soon

Eofauna Scientific Research models (2020).

As of late October 2020, the Eofauna Scientific Research range consists of five figures, but a new model will be introduced in early 2021.

Picture Credit: Eofauna Scientific Research/Everything Dinosaur

Here is a summary of the figures introduced to date:

  1. Steppe Mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) launched autumn 2017.
  2. Straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) launched summer 2018.
  3. Giganotosaurus (Giganotosaurus carolinii) launched January 2019.
  4. Deinotherium (Deinotherium giganteum) launched October 2019.
  5. Atlasaurus dinosaur model (Atlasaurus imelakei) launched November 2019.

What is the sixth model in the series?  From the one image released so far there is not much to go on, but have a guess?

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We had known about this figure for some time, but it is always exciting for us when we can post up teaser images about a new introduction from this fascinating and highly detailed series.  We look forward to sharing more pictures with our fans and followers and of course participating in the “big reveal” in the very near future.”

In the meantime, fans of dinosaur models and collectors of prehistoric animal figures can find the current Eofauna Scientific Research range here: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

22 10, 2020

The New PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus Dinosaur Model

By | October 22nd, 2020|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Press Releases|0 Comments

PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus Dinosaur Model

PNSO have added another replica of a famous North American duck-billed dinosaur to their mid-sized model range.  Recently, Everything Dinosaur revealed that a Lambeosaurus was being introduced.  Today we announce a figure named Caroline the Corythosaurus.  It has been revealed this morning with Everything Dinosaur and PNSO co-ordinating the release of images of this, the latest edition to the PNSO prehistoric animal model portfolio.  Everything Dinosaur will be stocking this model and we hope to announce very soon when this model will be available.

The PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus Dinosaur Model

PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus dinosaur model.

The new PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus dinosaur model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Graceful Dinosaur Model

This beautifully designed hadrosaur with its long slender legs gives the impression of a very graceful dinosaur.  The proportions of the forelimbs in relation to the hind legs reflect the extensive fossil material associated with this genus.  Regarded as a facultative biped (walking on all fours, but capable of adopting a bipedal stance when required, for example to flee from a predator), this dinosaur is estimated to have weighed more than three tonnes and reached a body length in excess of nine metres.

The New PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus Measures 27 cm Long

PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus model.

The PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus dinosaur model is approximately 27 cm long and that beautiful “helmet” is around 10.5 cm off the ground.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

As the PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus measures approximately twenty-seven centimetres long, it can be suggested that this figure is in approximately 1:33 scale, although PNSO does not officially declare a scale for their mid-sized model range.

A Stunning Replica of “Helmet Lizard”

The first species of Corythosaurus (C. casuarius), was formerly named and described in 1914 (Barnum Brown).  It is known from numerous skeletons including complete skulls, all of which are associated with Late Cretaceous (Campanian faunal stage) strata of Alberta, Canada.  That famous semicircular skull crest has been painted a combination of seafoam green and orange.  This is a stunning replica of “helmet lizard”.

A Close-up View of the Magnificent Head of the PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus Dinosaur Model

PNSO Corythosaurus dinosaur model.

A close-up view of the carefully crafted head of the PNSO Corythosaurus dinosaur model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Eagle-eyed dinosaur model collectors will note that this model is number 28 in the series, whereas Gaoyuan the Microraptor, which will be available from Everything Dinosaur around mid-November is model number 29.  The PNSO Tuojiangosaurus replica we announced on October 16th, 2020 is model number 34.  From this, it can be deduced that more PNSO models are likely to follow.  Rest assured model collectors, Everything Dinosaur team members will do their best to keep you up to date with new PNSO figures.

The Packaging for the New PNSO Corythosaurus Dinosaur Model

PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus packaging.

The packaging for the PNSO Caroline the Corythosaurus dinosaur model.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur will be providing more information about when this exciting new figure will be in stock.

In the meantime, to view the current range of PNSO figures: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.

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