All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
11 12, 2022

The Beautiful Heavy Lance Triceratops Model

By |2024-02-08T08:51:08+00:00December 11th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members have taken time out of their busy schedule to take some photographs of the spectacular Heavy Lance Triceratops model from Nanmu Studio. This beautiful, 1/35th scale, horned dinosaur replica is one of several ornithischian dinosaur models in the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series available from Everything Dinosaur.

Nanmu Studio Heavy Lance Triceratops
The Nanmu Studio Heavy Lance Triceratops (tricolor version) dinosaur model (in lateral view). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Heavy Lance Triceratops Model

The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Heavy Lance Tricolor figure is a fantastic Triceratops dinosaur model in 1:35 scale. The Triceratops model is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Triceratops fact sheet which has been researched and written by Everything Dinosaur team members.

Heavy Lance Triceratops model.
The Triceratops model (Heavy Lance – Tricolor) in anterior view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Triceratops Model Measurements

This stunning replica of perhaps, the most famous horned dinosaur of all, was introduced as part of a trio of Triceratops collectables. The model measures 29 cm in length and that beautifully painted ceratopsian frill is approximately 13.5 cm off the ground.

Heavy Lance Triceratops model in anterior view.
A Triceratops ready to charge! A closer view of the stunning frill on the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Triceratops (tricolor colour variant). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Triceratops regularly features in the top three of our survey looking at the most popular prehistoric animals. We congratulate the design team at Nanmu Studio for their superb horned dinosaur figures. It still amazes us that with our current stock of Triceratops models, we can offer customers more Nanmu Studio Triceratops model variants than the actual number of currently valid species of this iconic Late Cretaceous dinosaur.”

Heavy Lance Triceratops model.
A close-up view of the Nanmu Studio Triceratops Heavy Lance (Tricolor). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the wide range of Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series models in stock, including replicas of horned dinosaurs and other members of the Ornithischia: Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

10 12, 2022

An Amazing PNSO Deinocheirus Review

By |2024-02-08T08:51:30+00:00December 10th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur a detailed PNSO Deinocheirus review accompanied by some additional facts and information about this bizarre Late Cretaceous theropod.

Jacques the PNSO Deinocheirus mirificus

PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus model.
The beautifully painted, feathered theropod – Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.

The reviewer praises PNSO for being able to get this item into production quickly. Jacques the Deinocheirus is described as “a bold but extremely welcome final gift to end their 2022 releases”. The reviewer also commented that this bizarre theropod had an increased profile due to its appearance in the award-winning television series “Prehistoric Planet”.

Super Duck!

William confesses that he was previously not a big fan of the “Super Duck” theropod, but the PNSO figure has persuaded him to add this dinosaur model to his collection. He compliments the design team for the detailed head sculpt, including the articulated jaw and the anatomical accuracy of the dinosaur’s bill. The reviewer marks the head as a 10 out of 10!

PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.
A close-up view of the elongated beak of the Deinocheirus model, this dinosaur has an articulated lower jaw.

PNSO Deinocheirus Review

Turning his attention to the main body sculpt, William compares the hump-backed appearance of this model to the neural spines found in the very distantly related Spinosaurus. The plumage is praised, and the feather sculpting is singled out for additional comment, with the reviewer stating that he would have purchased the model for its excellent plumage alone.

William states that in life Deinocheirus would have been a robust and massive animal and one best avoided by predators as it grazed. The tail fan is complimented although no cloaca could be detected on the figure, the presence of the feathers obscuring this anatomical detail. The long powerful tail reminded the reviewer of the large plumes of feathers found on the wings of ostriches.

PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.
The PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus dinosaur model.

The Forearm and Hindlimbs

The hands with their massive claws are described and the musculature of the forelimbs is commented upon. The integumentary covering is praised with the reviewer stating:

“In case you wonder, yes, PNSO did not slack! All under wings and body feathers are fully recreated in the finest detail.”

The large hip muscles of “Super Duck” are singled out for comment and the robust weight-bearing toes with their blunt claws are praised.

When commenting on the colour scheme chosen for the model, William explains that the tip of the bill is coloured tan brown with the reminder a rich yellow with a dark wash.

The flanks are a mixture of dark grey with black and white edging. The grey colour scheme continues down to the tip of the tail ending in a crown of white feathers with wide, grey and white bands to provide contrast.

William adds:

“The neural spine is reminiscent of a snow-topped mountain peak with a beige border separating the main body colouration.”

PNSO Deinocheirus model measurements.
The PNSO Deinocheirus model measures 29.2 cm long and the head stands some 12.5 cm off the ground.

Providing Further Information on the Deinocheirus Figure

In his detailed review, William provided more information about the PNSO Deinocheirus model:

Scale: 1:32

Length: 11.4 inches

Height: 4.8 inches

In addition, he explained that the figure is supplied with a clear, plastic support stand, along with an A3-sized colour poster, a 64-page, illustrated booklet and a QR code which permits access to a short video about the model.

PNSO Deinocheirus and Sinopliosaurus
The two, new for 2022 PNSO model arrivals (early November 2022), the PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus (top) and (bottom) the Chongzuo the Sinopliosaurus figure. The free Sinopliosaurus fact sheet can be seen underneath the boxes. Our thanks to William for his comprehensive Deinocheirus review. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

As well as providing a detailed review, William also supplied information on Deinocheirus and the history of its fossil discovery:

  • Time Period – Late Cretaceous 71-69 million years ago
  • Location – Nemegt Basin of the Gobi Desert (Mongolia)
  • Environment – An extensive river delta with a climate similar to that of tropical Africa or South America today

A Polish/Mongolian expedition uncovered the first fossil evidence of this theropod (1965). The fossils consisted of postcranial elements including three dorsal vertebrae and a complete shoulder girdle with the forelimbs, minus the claws from the right hand.

The dinosaur was formally described and named Deinocheirus mirificus in 1970.

William explained that work undertaken between 2012 and 2017 to find more specimens and to recover fossils in private collections led to a comprehensive reassessment of this dinosaur.

Classification: Theropoda.
Clade: Ornithomimosauria.
Family: Deinocheiridae.
Genus: Deinocheirus.
Type species: Deinocheirus mirificus.

Weight: 6-7 tonnes.
Length: 36 feet.
Height: 11-12 feet.

PNSO Deinocheirus Review

Concluding his review William opined:

“Jacques is the greatest Deinocheirus mirificus ever created and if you are a serious collector, it is a must, the model will be the crown jewel in any collection.”

The reviewer also praised the efforts of Everything Dinosaur in sourcing prehistoric animal figures and the rapid delivery service the company offers.

To view the range of PNSO figures and models available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Replicas and Figures.

9 12, 2022

The New Papo Mosasaurus Model

By |2024-02-08T08:51:53+00:00December 9th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur has received the official images for the new for 2023 Papo figures including the new Papo Mosasaurus model. We are now also able to confirm the model’s measurements. The Papo Mosasaurus is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2023.

Papo Mosasaurus model.
Everything Dinosaur will be stocking the delayed Papo Mosasaurus model. It was due to come out at the end of 2022, it is now expected in early 2023.

Papo Mosasaurus Model

Originally scheduled to be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2022, the Papo Mosasaurus model was delayed and is now due to be released next year (early 2023). Many manufacturers have experienced problems with production, partly caused by issues arising from the global pandemic. However, Papo intend to introduce a total of four new figures into their “Les Dinosaures” range next year.

Two dinosaurs (Concavenator and Einiosaurus) are due to come out along with a second marine reptile model (Kronosaurus). There are also two product reissues (Archaeopteryx and Woolly Rhino).

To read more about the new for 2023 Papo figures: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models for 2023.

Mosasaurus Model Measurements

Model measurements have been released by Papo for the new Mosasaurus figure. It will be 25.5 cm in length. The official Papo information also states that the Mosasaurus will be 15 cm in width with a height of 11 cm. We suspect that the width measurement has been taken across the front flippers and the height measurement refers to the height of the tail fluke off the ground.

The Papo Mosasaurus marine reptile model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2023.

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

8 12, 2022

New Daspletosaurus Species Named

By |2022-12-10T18:25:51+00:00December 8th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

A new species of North American, Late Cretaceous tyrannosaur has been announced. It is the third species in the Daspletosaurus genus. Daspletosaurus wilsoni is older than D. horneri, but geologically younger than D. torosus. The skull demonstrates a mix of traits found in primitive tyrannosaurs as well as several more derived characteristics associated with later members of the Tyrannosauridae such as Tyrannosaurus rex.

Writing in the on-line, open access journal PeerJ, the researchers from the Badlands Dinosaur Museum (North Dakota), suggest that the discovery of a tyrannosaur intermediate in age between the previously described species of this genus, supports earlier research identifying several species of Daspletosaurus as a single evolving lineage, and supports the descent of T. rex from this group.

Daspletosaurus wilsoni
Changes in the Daspletosaurus genus over time with three distinct species now identified. Known skull bones of D. wilsoni shown in white. The evolutionary changes in these tyrannosaurs with key anatomical differences listed. Note scale bar = 10 cm. Picture credit: Warshaw and Fowler.

From the Judith River Formation (Campanian Faunal Stage)

The fossil specimen was discovered in 2017. It consists of a partial, disarticulated skull and jaw bones with an exceptional degree of preservation along with vertebrae, a rib and the first metatarsal. The material comes from Judith River Formation exposures in north-eastern Montana. The fossil was found by John Wilson and the species name has been erected in his honour.

The new species displays a mix of characteristics found in more primitive, geologically older tyrannosaurs. For example, D. wilsoni sports a prominent set of horns around the eye, as well as features otherwise known from later members of this group (including T. rex), like a tall eye socket and expanded air-pockets in the skull. In this way, this newly described species represents a transitional form between older and younger tyrannosaur species.

Daspletosaurus wilsoni dentary.
The right dentary of BDM 107 (the holotype). Picture credit: Warshaw and Fowler.

Daspletosaurus wilsoni

Several tyrannosaurs have now been named from the Upper Cretaceous of North America. The researchers note that many of the species are very closely related, forming consecutive sequences where one species evolves into another species over time. When one ancestral species evolves into a second descendant species, this is referred to as anagenesis, as opposed to cladogenesis when successive branching events produce many species that are closely related to each other but not direct descendants of a single species.

The authors of the scientific paper conclude that anagenesis might be the driver of evolutionary change within the Dinosauria at the end of the Cretaceous rather than cladogenetic evolutionary models.

Daspletosaurus Replicas

The first species of Daspletosaurus (D. torosus) was named and described in 1970, the second species, the geologically youngest species, D. horneri was named in 2017. Few models of this tyrannosaur existed but in 2013 CollectA added a Daspletosaurus model to their Prehistoric Life model range. More recently (2021), Safari Ltd introduced a Daspletosaurus figure into their Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.

To view the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range of models available from Everything Dinosaur: Safari Ltd Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World Daspletosaurus dinosaur model
The new for 2021 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Daspletosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

The scientific paper: “A transitional species of Daspletosaurus Russell, 1970 from the Judith River Formation of eastern Montana” by Elias A. Warshaw and Denver W. Fowler published in PeerJ.

7 12, 2022

Beasts of the Mesozoic 1:18 Scale Figures

By |2022-12-08T11:47:22+00:00December 7th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

The new range of Beasts of the Mesozoic 1:18 scale, articulated dinosaur models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This new range consists of three theropod figures and three, bird-hipped dinosaurs (ornithischian dinosaurs).

Beasts of the Mesozoic
The new for late 2022 Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated dinosaur models in 1:18 scale. Six figures in the series to collect. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Beautiful Packaging

The models in this new series are beautifully packaged and each figure is supplied with additional components to allow the dinosaur to be posed in a variety of ways. Each of the articulated figures measures approximately 10.2 cm in length (4 inches).

Beasts of the Mesozoic 1:18 scale figures
The product packaging for the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Velociraptor mongoliensis 1:18 scale figure (front and back view of the packaging). A fact card about Velociraptor has been incorporated into the product packaging. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Beasts of the Mesozoic

The Beasts of the Mesozoic range includes replicas of “raptors” and more recently a series of articulated horned dinosaur figures were introduced. The range of smaller, 1:18 scale figures consists of:

  • Velociraptor (V. mongoliensis) with 15 points of articulation.
  • Psittacosaurus (P. mongoliensis) with 11 points of articulation.
  • Linheraptor (L. exquisitus) with 15 points of articulation.
  • Dromaeosaurus (D. albertensis) with 15 points of articulation.
  • Protoceratops (P. andrewsi) – named in 1923 with 12 points of articulation.
  • Protoceratops (P. hellenikorhinus) – named in 2001 with 12 points of articulation.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur exclaimed:

“It is wonderful to get these amazing, articulated dinosaur figures into stock. Team members have been busy alerting customers who had enquired about them, they are certainly beautiful models – six of the best!”

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Range of Articulated Scale Models and Figures

To view the extensive range of Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated scale models and figures, take a look at this section of Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models and Figures.

6 12, 2022

Modern Lizards in the Triassic

By |2022-12-08T10:20:48+00:00December 6th, 2022|Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

A fossil specimen found in a cupboard at the Natural History Museum (London) proves that there were modern lizards in the Triassic. The Squamata (lizards and snakes), were thought to have had their evolutionary origins in the Middle Jurassic, but analysis of this previously undescribed specimen pushes back the origins of this Order by tens of millions of years.

The partial skull of the stem lizard shown in lateral view. Picture credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell, Mike Benton and Natural History Museum UK.

A Gloucestershire Quarry

The fossil was collected along with other reptile specimens from a quarry near to Tortworth in Gloucestershire, it was labelled “Clevosaurus and one other reptile”. Clevosaurus material, whilst not common, is well-known from Triassic-aged rocks from the south-west of England, particularly in Avon and Gloucestershire. Clevosaurs are members of an ancient Order of reptiles called the Rhynchocephalia, of which there is only one extant genus today, the Tuatara. Although they may resemble lizards, they are distinct and not members of the Squamata.

Fossil of a Modern Lizard
The whole specimen showing the skull (left) and skeleton (base of specimen). Picture credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell, Mike Benton and Natural History Museum UK.

X-ray Scans and Computer Models

At the time the fossil was collected, the technology did not exist to permit scientists to investigate the specimen in detail. Writing in the academic journal “Science Advances” the researchers conclude that based on the detailed X-ray scans (computerised tomography) of the fossil and the computer-generated models that resulted, the fossil represents a basal member of the reptilian lineage that would lead to modern snakes and lizards.

Modern lizards
CT scan showing the left side of the stem lizard head with bones in different colours beside the fossil showing the right-hand side. Picture credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell, Mike Benton and Natural History Museum UK.

This fossil indicates that the origin of lizards and snakes (Squamata) was much further back in geological time than previously thought.

The research team, led by Dr David Whiteside of Bristol University’s School of Earth Sciences, have named their incredible discovery Cryptovaranoides microlanius which means “small butcher” in tribute to its jaws that were filled with sharp-edged slicing teeth.

Explaining the significance of this research Dr Whiteside stated:

“I first spotted the specimen in a cupboard full of Clevosaurus fossils in the storerooms of the Natural History Museum in London where I am a Scientific Associate. This was a common enough fossil reptile, a close relative of the New Zealand Tuatara that is the only survivor of the group, the Rhynchocephalia, that split from the squamates over 240 million years ago. As we continued to investigate the specimen, we became more and more convinced that it was actually more closely related to modern day lizards than the Tuatara group.”

Life reconstruction of Cryptovaranoides. Picture credit: Lavinia Gandolfi.

Modern Lizards

Cryptovaranoides is clearly a squamate as its anatomy differs from the Rhynchocephalia. The braincase is different, it had different neck vertebrae and the anatomy of the shoulder girdle is more reminiscent of a modern lizard than a Tuatara. The scientists identified only one major primitive feature not found in modern squamates, an opening on one side of the end of the upper arm bone, the humerus, where an artery and nerve pass through.

Vertebrae of Cryptovaranoides.
X-ray scan of the skeleton, showing the backbone, the lower jaw, and limbs with resulting computer-generated image. Picture credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell, Mike Benton and Natural History Museum UK.

Other Primitive Characteristics

Analysis of the Cryptovaranoides material revealed that this crown squamate does have some other, apparently primitive characters such as a few rows of teeth on the bones of the roof of the mouth, but experts have observed the same in the living European Glass lizard and many snakes such as Boas and Pythons have multiple rows of large teeth in the same area. Despite this, it is advanced like most living lizards in its braincase and the bone connections in the skull suggest that it was flexible.

Co-author of the paper Professor Mike Benton (University of Bristol) added:

“In terms of significance, our fossil shifts the origin and diversification of squamates back from the Middle Jurassic to the Late Triassic. This was a time of major restructuring of ecosystems on land, with origins of new plant groups, especially modern-type conifers, as well as new kinds of insects, and some of the first of modern groups such as turtles, crocodilians, dinosaurs, and mammals.”

Cryptovaranoides skull and jaws
Modelling of the lizard skull with jaws. Picture credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell, Mike Benton and Natural History Museum UK.

Dr Whiteside paid tribute to the late Pamela L. Robinson who recovered the fossil from the quarry and did a lot of preparation work on the specimen, however, with no access to CT scanning technology, she was not able to perceive the significance of her discovery.

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

The scientific paper: “A Triassic crown squamate” by Whiteside, D. I., Chambi-Trowell, S. A. V., and Benton, M J. published in Science Advances.

5 12, 2022

Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops

By |2022-12-05T16:19:56+00:00December 5th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

The new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This beautiful, articulated replica of Medusaceratops lokii is one of the latest horned dinosaur figures in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model series to arrive at Everything Dinosaur’s UK warehouse.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops
The amazing and incredibly detailed Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops dinosaur model. This figure is in approximately 1:18 scale and measures 30.5 cm in length.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops

Fossils of Medusaceratops (M. lokii) are known from Upper Cretaceous deposits of Montana (USA). A member of the centrosaurine clade of horned dinosaurs, Medusaceratops roamed North America around 78 million years ago (Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). Palaeontologists estimate that this large herbivore grew to a length in excess of six metres and it might have weighed more than three tonnes.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops
The amazing iridescent colours of the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops can be clearly seen in this left lateral view of the articulated dinosaur model.

Astonishing Artwork

As with all the amazing Beasts of the Mesozoic models, the box artwork has been praised. The superb illustration of a resting Medusaceratops was created by Raph Lomotan.

Stunning Fans' Choice Medusaceratops Artwork
The stunning box art associated with the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops (M. lokii) figure. A stunning illustration of a Late Cretaceous horned dinosaur. Picture credit: Raph Lomotan.

Picture credit: Raph Lomotan

Commenting on the introduction of this new Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated figure, a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We are delighted to get this Fans’ Choice Medusaceratops model in stock. The iridescent colour scheme is gorgeous and we praise the design team behind such innovative and exciting model colouration.”

The hand-painted Beasts of the Mesozoic Medusaceratops lokii has 20 points of articulation and will be supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Medusaceratops fact sheet.

To view the exciting range of Beasts of the Mesozoic models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models and Figures.

4 12, 2022

New Research Suggests Natovenator was a Semi-aquatic Dinosaur

By |2024-02-08T08:52:44+00:00December 4th, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Scientists have concluded that a newly described dromaeosaurid from Mongolia with its streamlined body may have been semi-aquatic. The duck-sized theropod, named Natovenator polydontus had a ribcage that angled downwards towards the pelvis, an anatomical trait also found in extant diving birds. The researchers, writing in the journal “Communications Biology”, suggest that this dinosaur, a relative of Velociraptor, could potentially have been a swimming predator, hunting and catching fish.

Natavenator a semi-aquatic dinosaur
Natovenator polydontus life reconstruction. This dromaeosaurid dinosaur may have filled an ecological niche similar to that of extant diving birds today. Picture credit: Yusik Choi.

Natovenator polydontus

The semi-articulated fossil specimen was discovered in 2008 by a joint Mongolian/Korean field team. The material consisting of substantial postcranial elements and a partial skull comes from the Barun Goyot Formation at Hermiin Tsav in the southern Mongolian Gobi Desert. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Natovenator polydontus is closely related to Halszkaraptor (H. escuilliei) which heralds from southern Mongolia too, but from slightly older strata – the Djadochta Formation.

When Halszkaraptor was formally described in 2017, it was proposed that this dromaeosaurid was adapted to a life in water. The discovery of Natovenator adds weight to the theory that some dromaeosaurs were semi-aquatic. The two dinosaurs, which were most probably feathered have been placed in the same clade – the Halszkaraptorinae.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about Halszkaraptor: The Remarkable and Diverse Maniraptora.

Natovenator A Semi-aquatic Dinosaur?

The dinosaur had a long, flexible neck and analysis of the jaws indicate that Natovenator had lots of small teeth, ideal for grabbing slippery fish.

Natovenator a semi-aquatic dinosaur
A skeletal reconstruction (known bones in white) and comparison of the sloping ribs in N. polydontus with extant diving birds. Natovenator lived approximately 68 million years ago (Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous). Picture credit: Lee et al with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.

The picture above shows the dorsal vertebrae and ribs of Natovenator in ventral view (a), with (b) a line drawing in left lateral view showing how the ribs are angled downwards towards the rear of the animal. Diving birds and penguins share this anatomical trait (e-i), which is believed to help these animals to be more streamlined when they dive and swim. Line drawing (j) shows the ribs of the entirely terrestrial ostrich whilst (k) shows the dorsal vertebrae and known ribs of Shri devi, another dromaeosaurid from the Barun Goyot Formation which was probably entirely terrestrial too.

Could the shape, direction and orientation of the ribs be evidence to suggest that Natovenator was semi-aquatic?

Swimming Hunter with Many Teeth

The dinosaur’s genus name translates from the Latin and means “swimming hunter”, whilst the specific or trivial name refers to the unusually large number of teeth located in the jaw. The anatomical position and orientation of the ribs has not been recorded in a non-avian dinosaur before. If Natovenator and the closely related Halszkaraptor were semi-aquatic, then this demonstrates the great diversity within the Theropoda. Dinosaurs evolving to exploit specific niches in ancient ecosystems.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that this was a remarkable discovery that once again highlighted the range of body plans that dinosaurs evolved to exploit niches within ecosystems. As many semi-aquatic animals today have dense bones, perhaps a study of the bone density of Natovenator might help confirm that this dinosaur was indeed, at home on the water.

Dromaeosaur Diversity

The Dromaeosauridae were a very successful group of theropod dinosaurs. Numerous genera have been described. To gain an appreciation of different dromaeosaurs, take a look at the extensive Beasts of the Mesozoic range of articulated “raptor” figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Dinosaur Models.

The scientific paper: “A non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body exhibits potential adaptations for swimming” by Sungjin Lee, Yuong-Nam Lee, Philip J. Currie, Robin Sissons, Jin-Young Park, Su-Hwan Kim, Rinchen Barsbold and Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar published in Communications Biology.

3 12, 2022

Helpful Informaton on Last Recommended Posting Dates

By |2024-02-08T08:53:04+00:00December 3rd, 2022|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Due to the on-going industrial action by the Communication Workers Union (CWU), Royal Mail has amended their last recommended posting dates for festive season deliveries. Everything Dinosaur urges all customers to order as early as possible for Christmas.

Recommended Posting Dates Signed/Tracked with Second Class and First Class Post

Last recommended posting dates
Due to industrial action Royal Mail have amended and adjusted their recommended last posting dates for Christmas delivery. Table credit: Royal Mail.

Table credit: Royal Mail

Please note: these latest recommended posting dates are subject to change due to the on-going industrial action. The table does not cover airmail services. The table indicates that the last recommended posting dates for Australia, New Zealand and China have already passed.

Royal Mail has also altered its advice over first class and second class posting stating that Monday 12th December is the last recommended date for second class post and Friday 16th the last recommended posting date for first class parcels.

Last Recommended Posting Dates

Information on the Royal Mail website confirms the need to prepare for the festive season earlier than usual.

The website states:

“Some dates have changed to accommodate the disruption due to recent CWU industrial action. We recommend you post as early as possible to ensure your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time.”

If customers have a concern about postage and shipping their dinosaur themed toys, models and games, they are welcome to contact Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Top Tips to Help You Prepare

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have produced a set of hints and tips to help you in the run up to the busy Christmas period:

  • Remember to include the house name or house number with the delivery address information that you provide with your order.
  • Check the postcode/zip code with care, check it one final time before you place your order.
  • 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. Leave us a message.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

We hope these tips help and we wish everyone successful seasonal shopping.

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

2 12, 2022

Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn”

By |2022-12-05T16:23:05+00:00December 2nd, 2022|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn” model is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This limited-edition, articulated horned dinosaur figure has twenty points of articulation and is supplied with interchangeable metal-effect brow horns.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn”
The beautifully painted Beasts of the Mesozoic Triceratops “Steelhorn” figure. A wonderful, articulated model of a famous horned dinosaur.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn”

The Beasts of the Mesozoic adult Triceratops – the “Steelhorn” version is in 1:18 scale and represents the geologically oldest Triceratops species to have been formally described that is still valid (T. horridus).

Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn”
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn” in lateral view. A fantastic articulated figure with twenty points of articulation. The figure is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Triceratops fact sheet and interchangeable metal effect brow horns.

“Steelhorn” Model Measurements

This impressive figure measures eighteen inches in length, which is a fraction under forty-six centimetres long when the model is measured from the end of those awesome, interchangeable brow horns to the tip of the tail. The figure is in approximate proportion in terms of horn size, skull length and the length of the tail as based on the latest scientific interpretation of Triceratops horridus.

Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn”
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Adult Triceratops “Steelhorn” model measures an impressive 45.7 cm in length when measured from the tips of the brow horns to the end of the articulated replica’s tail. The model measures approximately 18 inches long.

New Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Ceratopsians

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is great to see the new Beasts of the Mesozoic Triceratops figure in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This large ceratopsian model is part of a new sub-brand entitled Cyberzoic, the artwork on the display box is amazing and of course, we will be sending out our Triceratops fact sheet to our customers.”

To view the Beasts of the Mesozoic range of figures and replicas available from Everything Dinosaur: Beasts of the Mesozoic Articulated Models.

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