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

Dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed articles, features and stories.

6 02, 2024

New Species of Jurassic Pterosaur from the Isle of Skye

By |2024-02-06T13:45:11+00:00February 6th, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

A new species of Jurassic pterosaur has been described based on fossils found on the Isle of Skye. The new flying reptile has been named Ceoptera evansae (Ki-yo-op-ter-rah evans-say). It lived around 168-166 million years ago (Bathonian faunal stage of the Middle Jurassic). It has been classified as part of the controversial Darwinoptera clade. The discovery of Ceoptera demonstrates that this clade was considerably more diverse than previously thought. The Darwinoptera are now thought to have persisted for more than twenty-five million years and probably had a worldwide distribution.

Ceoptera life reconstruction
The Isle of Skye around 168 million years ago. A flock of Ceoptera take to the skies as turtles look on and a group of sauropods wander towards the treeline. A large pterosaur is seen overhead, we suspect that this is a solitary Dearc sgiathanach. Picture credit: NHM and Mark Witton.

The artist has depicted a single, slender-winged pterosaur soaring high above the Ceoptera flock. We suspect that this is a representation of the recently described rhamphorhynchid Dearc sgiathanach.

To read an article about D. sgiathanach: Fantastic Pterosaur from the Isle of Skye.

The Kilmaluag Formation

The fossil remains were found partially exposed on a large boulder situated a few metres from the cliffs on the north side of Glen Scaladal at Cladach a’Ghlinne, a small beach that forms part of the coastline of Loch Scavaig, on the Strathaird Peninsula, Isle of Skye. The fossil bearing rocks are associated with the Kilmaluag Formation. The density and hardness of the matrix, coupled with the fragile nature of the fossil bones made the specimen unsuitable for mechanical preparation.

A complex process of acid bath immersion was undertaken to weaken the matrix and to expose the bones. The acid immersion, stabilising via rinsing and oven drying was repeated twenty-nine times in order to get the bones suitably prepared for analysis and CT scanning.

Ceoptera evansae fossils.
The fossilised remains of Ceoptera evansae. The slab (top left) contains the shoulder region, parts of the wing and vertebrae. Picture credit: Trustees of the Natural History Museum London.

Ceoptera evansae

The discovery of Ceoptera underpins a new and more complex model for the early evolution of pterosaurs. Flying reptile fossils from the Middle Jurassic are extremely rare. Those that have been found are relatively incomplete and fragmentary. Whilst no cranial material is associated with Ceoptera evansae, this discovery demonstrates that the major Jurassic pterosaur clades were present before the end of the Early Jurassic.

The fossils also provide important new information concerning the geographic and stratigraphic range of the controversial clade Darwinoptera. It had been thought that this species-poor group were largely restricted to the Upper Jurassic of eastern Asia. With the discovery of Ceoptera it suggests that these pterosaurs were both temporally and geographically widespread.

Many of the bones remain completely embedded in rock and can only be studied using CT-scanning. This pterosaur is one of the first flying reptiles to be digitally assessed using scans and computer modelling.

Senior author of the paper, Professor Paul Barrett (London Natural History Museum), stated:

“Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the UK was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution.”

3D model of Ceoptera evansae fossil material.
A three-dimensional model showing the layout and configuration of the fossil material. Picture credit: Liz Martin-Silverstone.

Ceoptera evansae – What’s in a Name?

The generic name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word cheò or ceò (pronounced ‘ki-yo’), meaning mist. This is a reference to the common Gaelic name for the Isle of Skye Eilean a’ Cheò, or Isle of Mist), and the Latin ptera, meaning wing (feminine).

The species name honours Professor Susan E. Evans. It was Professor Evans who first became aware of the Glen Scaladal site’s potential for vertebrate fossils.

Lead author Dr Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist at the University of Bristol explained:

“The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance. To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved.”

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of the press team at the University of Bristol and a media release from the London Natural History Museum in the compilation of this article.

The scientific paper: “A new pterosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland and the early diversification of flying reptiles” by Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone, David M. Unwin, Andrew R. Cuff, Emily E. Brown, Lu Allington-Jones and Paul M. Barrett published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

5 02, 2024

University Student Discovers New Dinosaur Species

By |2024-02-06T20:09:32+00:00February 5th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

To discover a new dinosaur species might mark the high point of a long career in palaeontology for some scientists. However, for one Oklahoma State University (OSU) student they can already put a tick in the “named a new dinosaur box” on their curriculum vitae. Kyle Atkins-Weltman (PhD student in the School of Biomedical Sciences), was studying a selection of foot and leg bone fossils of what was thought to be a juvenile Anzu wyliei. Remarkably, analysis of the fossils indicated that these bones came from a mature animal and as such they represented a new dinosaur species. Based on these findings, Kyle was able to erect a new Hell Creek theropod – Eoneophron infernalis.

Eoneophron infernalis limb bones.
Limb bones of the newly described Hell Creek Formation caenagnathid Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.

The picture (above) shows limb bones from the newly described caenagnathid. Metatarsals (left) with the right tibia (centre) and a femur (right).

Pharaoh’s Dawn Chicken from Hell

Bone histology revealed the fossils to represent a dinosaur at least six years of age when it died. These were not the bones from a juvenile A. wyliei, but from a smaller but closely related theropod species. The student named the new dinosaur Eoneophron infernalis. It translates as “Pharaoh’s dawn chicken from Hell”. Team members at UK-based Everything Dinosaur pronounce this dinosaur as ee-on-oh-fron in-fur-nal-lis.

The name honours the description of the Anzu taxon as well as the student’s late beloved pet, a Nile monitor lizard named Pharaoh.

Student Kyle Atkins-Weltman.
Oklahoma State University PhD student Kyle Atkins-Weltman. Picture credit: Matt Barnard/OSU Centre for Health Sciences.

Eoneophron infernalis and Implications for Caenagnathid Diversity

Previously, only one caenagnathid (Anzu wyliei) was known from the Hell Creek Formation. It was formally named and described in 2014 (Lamanna et al). Palaeontologists were aware of smaller, fragmentary fossil bones representing caenagnathids from the Hell Creek Formation. It was unclear whether these fossils represented distinct, undescribed taxa or juvenile A. wyliei specimens. Eoneophron infernalis is estimated to have stood around one metre high at the hips and weighed approximately seventy kilograms. In contrast, Anzu wyliei was much larger, with a hip height of about 1.5 metres and weighing three hundred kilograms.

This new taxon is also distinct from other small caenagnathid material previously described from the area. Scientists postulate that there are potentially three distinct caenagnathid genera in the Hell Creek Formation. These results show that caenagnathid diversity in the Hell Creek ecosystem has probably been underestimated.

Caenagnathids of the Hell Creek Formation.
A life reconstruction of Eoneophron infernalis (left), an as yet, undescribed caenagnathid MOR 752 (bottom), and Anzu wyliei (right). Picture credit: Zubin Erik Dutta.

A Feathered Dinosaur

When asked to describe Eoneophron infernalis, Kyle highlighted how closely related to birds these dinosaurs were. He stated:

“It was a very bird-like dinosaur. It had a toothless beak and a relatively short tail. It’s hard to tell its diet because of the toothless beak. It definitely had feathers. It was covered in feathers and had wings.”

Co-author of the scientific paper and Kyle’s faculty advisor Associate Professor Eric Snively commented:

“Kyle is the first student researcher at OSU-CHS to reveal, describe and name a new dinosaur.”

When it looked like the fossils may not belong to an Anzu, Atkins-Weltman turned to caenagnathid researchers Greg Funston, PhD, a palaeontologist with the Royal Ontario Museum in Ontario, Canada, and palaeontology PhD candidate Jade Simons with the University of Toronto for their assistance.

He was also able to involve Associate Professor of Anatomy Dr Holly Woodward Ballard, an expert in bone histology.

A view of the metatarsal bones of Eoneophron infernalis.
A view of the metatarsal bones of Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.

A Thrilling Discovery

Kyle Atkins-Weltman explained that his project and published findings would not have been possible without his co-authors and those who assisted him.

He added:

“It was really thrilling. Based on the work and research I do, I never thought I would be someone to discover a new dinosaur species.”

Eoneophron infernalis life reconstruction.
Eoneophron infernalis life reconstruction. Picture credit: Zubin Erik Dutta.

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

The scientific paper: “A new oviraptorosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the end-Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of North America” by Kyle L. Atkins-Weltman, D. Jade Simon, Holly N. Woodward, Gregory F. Funston and Eric Snively published in PLOS One.

4 02, 2024

New Carnotaurus Illustration

By |2024-01-31T15:59:08+00:00February 4th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a new drawing of Carnotaurus sastrei. The abelisaurid drawing will be used in the company’s updated Carnotaurus fact sheet. The Carnotaurus fact sheet is sent out with sales of Carnotaurus models and figures.

A drawing of Carnotaurus sastrei
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a new drawing of a Carnotaurus (C. sastrei). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Carnotaurus sastrei

This large theropod was named and described in 1985 by José Fernando Bonaparte. Bonaparte was an extremely influential figure in the development of palaeontology in South America. He is responsible for the scientific description of numerous dinosaurs from Patagonia, and he inspired a new generation of Argentinian palaeontologists.

The Carnotaurus illustration was inspired by the CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Carnotaurus sastrei figure. This popular dinosaur model was introduced in 2019.

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Deluxe Carnotaurus.
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs 1:40 scale deluxe Carnotaurus dinosaur model.

To view the CollectA Deluxe model range: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

Everything Dinosaur Fact Sheets

A spokesperson for Everything Dinosaur explained that for the vast majority of models and figures that the company supplies a free fact sheet about that prehistoric animal is sent out. Hundreds of fact sheets have been researched and written.

The spokesperson added:

“We continue to add to our free fact sheet inventory. The last two new fact sheets we introduced were for the tyrannosaur Alectrosaurus and the South American theropod Megaraptor namunhuaiquii. We commission illustrations of prehistoric animals such as Carnotaurus and this drawing will be used to update the scale drawing on our Carnotaurus fact sheet.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur’s Website.

3 02, 2024

New Papo Suchomimus Dinosaur Model

By |2024-02-06T09:40:19+00:00February 3rd, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members were given the opportunity to handle the prototype for the new Papo Suchomimus dinosaur model. This new Papo dinosaur was on display at the Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg, Germany). It is one of three new Papo dinosaur models due to be released this year (2024). The Papo Suchomimus is scheduled to be in stock in quarter 4 of 2024.

The Papo Suchomimus dinosaur model held by Sue Judd of Everything Dinosaur.
Sue Judd (Everything Dinosaur) carefully holding a prototype of the new for 2024 Papo Suchomimus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

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

Papo Suchomimus Model

This new spinosaurid figure is going to be available after the Papo Corythosaurus and the Ampelosaurus models. It is likely to be available in the latter part of the year. The model at the tradeshow was not an actual production figure. It is a prototype that will assist with the painting guide required for when these models are made at scale.

A close-up view of the Papo Suchomimus dinosaur model.
A close-up view of the Papo Suchomimus dinosaur prototype model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur

Sue Judd from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“This new Suchomimus figure is stunning! We were given the opportunity to handle all three new for 2024 Papo dinosaurs. However, this Suchomimus model is very precious as it is effectively the prototype. It really is a beautiful model, and we hope our photographs do it justice.”

The Papo Suchomimus model is scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur towards the end of 2024. We hope our photographs have whetted the appetites of Papo fans and model collectors.

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

1 02, 2024

Examining a Sauropod Skin Impression

By |2024-02-14T10:27:24+00:00February 1st, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Palaeontological articles, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

Team members photographed a sauropod skin impression whilst visiting the London Natural History Museum. The specimen is part of the Patagotitan exhibition entitled “Titanosaur – Life as the Biggest Dinosaur”. Although most visitors probably overlook this fossil it is perhaps one of the most important fossil specimens on display in this part of the museum.

A detailed analysis of the skin impression provided new information on the anatomy of sauropods. A study revealed features on the skin that might explain how these dinosaurs were able to grow so big.

Sauropod skin impression.
A sauropod skin impression (NHMUK R1868) on display as part of the London Natural History Museum Patagotitan exhibition. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Studying a Sauropod Skin Impression

This is a fossilised imprint of sauropod skin. It is specimen number NHMUK R1868. It was the first skin impression to be described in any non-avian dinosaur. The fossil, discovered in 1852 provided the first evidence that sauropods had scaly skin. The impression was formed when the skin of a carcase was pressed into soft mud. This left an impression of the skin contours imprinted on the sediment. Over millions of years the ground hardened into rock.

The fossil was discovered in Hastings along with a large forelimb. The material comes from the Hasting Beds, which are part of the Wealden Group and represent Lower Cretaceous deposits. The sauropod, possibly a basal titanosaur, has been named Haestasaurus becklesii. The skin impression is thought to have come from the forearm, the presence of smaller scales at one end of the specimen suggests that the skin impression might have come from the elbow area. The smaller scales would have permitted greater flexibility in the joint.

Patagotitan skeleton on display.
Sue from Everything Dinosaur poses in front of the colossal Patagotitan skeleton which is being exhibited at the Natural History Museum (London). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Patagotitan dinosaur model.
A Patagotitan dinosaur model. The long neck and tail may have helped with thermoregulation, enabling this super-sized tetrapod to lose heat efficiently.

The image above shows the recently introduced Wild Safari Prehistoric World Patagotitan dinosaur model.

To view this range of prehistoric animal figures: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.

A Sauropod Skin Scientific Paper

A paper published in February 2022 (Pittman et al) examined NHMUK R1868 in detail using laser-simulated fluorescence (LSF). This technique reveals much more detail at the microscopic level than exposure to normal light and UV light. The researchers discovered that the skin was covered in tiny bumps (papillae). These convex bumps increased the surface area of the skin, and it was thought that they played a role in thermoregulation.

Large animals, such as sauropods need to find ways to stop their bodies overheating. The extended surface area of their long necks and tails would have helped, but the researchers speculate that these small bumps greatly increased the skin surface area, thus permitting more efficient heat exchange between their bodies and the environment.

A review of other sauropod skin fossils demonstrated that intrascale papillae were unique to and widespread across the Neosauropoda. This suggests that this trait evolved early in the Sauropoda, and it might explain why these types of dinosaurs were able to grow so big and to become giants.

The scientific paper: “Newly detected data from Haestasaurus and review of sauropod skin morphology suggests Early Jurassic origin of skin papillae” by Michael Pittman, Nathan J. Enriquez, Phil R. Bell, Thomas G. Kaye and Paul Upchurch published in Communications Biology.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

31 01, 2024

New Haolonggood Dinosaur Models

By |2024-02-01T10:44:18+00:00January 31st, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Team members at Everything Dinosaur took a photograph of the fourteen new Haolonggood dinosaur models that recently arrived at the company’s warehouse. The new figures represent five theropods, one armoured dinosaur (Dacentrurus) and a titanosaur. The titanosaur is Ampelosaurus, which is also the largest figure in this recently arrived stock.

Haolonggood dinosaur models.
Fourteen new Haolonggood dinosaur models arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse recently. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Haolonggood Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Haolonggood Dinosaur Models

The fourteen figures represent seven dinosaur genera. The photograph showing the boxes together provides collectors with an impression of the size of the models relative to each other. The titanosaur figure (Ampelosaurus atacis) is the largest. The tyrannosaur figure Daspletosaurus (D. torosus) is the second largest.

Here is the full list of the Haolonggood figures in the photograph:

  • Dacentrurus – Xuning.
  • Dacentrurus – Lingzhen.
  • Carnotaurus – Li Zhong.
  • Carnotaurus – Zhou Tong.
  • Daspletosaurus torosus – Wu Song.
  • Daspletosaurus torosus – Lu Zhi Sheng.
  • Ampelosaurus – Sun Er Niang.
  • Ampelosaurus – Zhang Qing.
  • Dilophosaurus – Wang Ying/Hu San Niang.
  • Dilophosaurus – Sun Xin/Gu Da Sao.
  • Megaraptor – Shi Qian.
  • Megaraptor – Duan Jing Zhu.
  • Baryonyx – Shan Ting.
  • Baryonyx – Wei Ding Guo.

Haolonggood have established themselves rapidly in the dinosaur model collecting market. They have already built up an extensive product range. Everything Dinosaur is looking forward to highlighting new Haolonggood figures in the near future.

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

30 01, 2024

New PNSO Saurophaganax Model Reviewed

By |2024-01-30T07:47:02+00:00January 30th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to dinosaur fan William who sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the recently introduced PNSO Saurophaganax dinosaur model. The reviewer explained that “Donald” the Saurophaganax was one of three new theropod figures introduced by PNSO towards the end of 2023. The other two figures were Dapeng and Dayong which represented the genus Yangchuanosaurus.

PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax
The new for late 2023 PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax figure.

The PNSO Saurophaganax Figure

William praised this new allosaur figure. The model measures around thirty centimetres in length. It is five centimetres longer than the PNSO Paul the Allosaurus figure. It seems that the design team at PNSO have thought carefully about the size of their Saurophaganax maximus figure. This model, like the PNSO Allosaurus has an articulated lower jaw.

PNSO Donald the Saurophaganax
The latest theropod to be announced by PNSO is Donald the Saurophaganax. It is a beautiful model of a Late Jurassic theropod dinosaur from North America.

“I Could Not Wait to Get this Figure into My Hands”

William explained that the Saurophaganax was a titan. He stated that “Donald’s” sculpt was supremely accurate from the head to the tip of the tail. He highlighted the presence of lips on this theropod figure.

He exclaimed:

“To own this Lord of the Lizard Eaters, you have the greatest Allosauridae model ever to hit the market.”

The dinosaur fan and model collector added:

“I could not wait to get this figure into my hands.”

Our thanks to William for sending in his PNSO Saurophaganax review to Everything Dinosaur.

View the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models and figures: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.

28 01, 2024

Tyrannosaur Figures Feature in New Customer Newsletter

By |2024-01-30T07:27:25+00:00January 28th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur Newsletters, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

The seven, new for 2024 Beast of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs are featured in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. The latest Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaur shipment arrived late last week. Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been busy contacting all those customers who wanted to be informed.

A newsletter was also emailed to the company’s subscriber list.

Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs - Gorgosaurus.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Gorgosaurus figure features in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

New Beasts of the Mesozoic Tyrannosaurs

The new articulated figures feature different members of the Tyrannosauroidea superfamily. The model representing the geologically oldest theropod is the Eotyrannus figure (Eotyrannus lengi). Eotyrannus fossils are associated with Lower Cretaceous deposits. All six of the other new tyrannosaur figures represent dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous.

Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs - Eotyrannus and Moros.
The two new Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosauroid figures Eotyrannus and Moros intrepidus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of articulated Beasts of the Mesozoic models in stock: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models.

Late Cretaceous Tyrannosaurs

The majority of the new tyrannosaur figures represent predators from either the Maastrichtian or Campanian faunal stages of the Late Cretaceous. Perhaps, one of the geologically youngest tyrannosaurs in this new wave of models would be Tarbosaurus (T. bataar). This Asian tyrannosaur is thought to have lived around seventy million years ago.

Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs - Daspletosaurus and Tarbosaurus
The Late Cretaceous Daspletosaurus and the geologically younger Tarbosaurus (Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Alectrosaurus and Albertosaurus

The latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter highlighted two other new theropod figures. Alectrosaurus (A. olseni) fossils come from the Iren Dabasu Formation of Inner Mongolia. The date of this formation remains controversial. Some palaeontologists have suggested that this fast-running tyrannosaur may have roamed China approximately ninety million years ago.

In contrast, Albertosaurus (A. sarcophagus) fossils roamed Canada many millions of years later. The fossils of Albertosaurus sarcophagus seem to be confined to the Canadian province of Alberta. A second potential and coeval Albertosaurus may have been present further south (Mexico).

Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaurs - Alectrosaurus and Albertosaurus.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Alectrosaurus (left) and the Albertosaurus (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Contact Everything Dinosaur to request subscription to the company’s free newsletter: Email Everything Dinosaur.

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

28 01, 2024

Excellent Columbian Mammoth Artwork

By |2024-01-28T11:19:00+00:00January 28th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur would like to thank talented young artist James who sent into Everything Dinosaur a stunning illustration of a Columbian mammoth that he had painted.

Columbian mammoth illustrated
Our thanks to talented artist James who produced this excellent illustration of a Columbian mammoth.

Picture credit: James

The prehistoric elephant is shown in lateral view as it moves through a woodland in North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. James has chosen to depict a mature animal given the impressive size of the tusks on this prehistoric elephant.

Columbian Mammoth Artwork

The Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) was among the last mammoth species to evolve. It was also one of the largest with some fossil specimens indicating mature bulls some 4.2 metres high at the shoulders. Body weights of the biggest individuals have been estimated at more than twelve tonnes. The last of these amazing creatures are thought to have become extinct around 12,000 years ago.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked James for sending in the image of his Columbian mammoth artwork and exclaimed:

“We do get sent drawings and paintings of Woolly Mammoths, but we don’t receive many illustrations of Columbian mammoths. Our thanks to James for sending in an image of his superb artwork”.

27 01, 2024

Are These Really Polacanthus Fossils?

By |2024-02-18T20:30:22+00:00January 27th, 2024|Adobe CS5, Dinosaur Fans, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products, Photos/Pictures of Fossils|0 Comments

In the Liverpool World Museum there are several exhibits that feature dinosaur fossils. One display case includes two, worn fossils which are described as Polacanthus foxii fossil material. The fossil material has a rounded appearance. According to the display label these fossils are from the Wealden Beds exposed at Chilton Chine on the Isle of Wight. They are described as casts (copies) of a Polacanthus braincase. The actual fossils probably came out of the cliffs and were exposed on the beach for some time prior to their discovery. These fossils were rolled around the beach and attrition caused their rounded and weathered appearance.

However, these fossils, or their copies may not represent Polacanthus foxii.

Polacanthus fossils.
Casts of Polacanthus fossils. Fragmentary and eroded replica armoured dinosaur fossils on display at Liverpool Museum. These fossils have been assigned to Polacanthus foxii. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Labelling Polacanthus Fossils

The Wealden Group covers several million years of deposition. To date, armoured dinosaurs named and scientifically described from the Wealden Group include Hylaeosaurus, the recently named Vectipelta and Polacanthus.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post on Vectipelta: Vectipelta barretti Honours Natural History Museum Professor.

The fossils, although labelled as Polacanthus, may not represent that taxon. Fossils from the Isle of Wight attributed to Polacanthus may actually represent multiple, as yet unnamed taxa.

Polacanthus foxii dinosaur model.
The CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus foxii dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture (above) shows the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus model. This figure is based on the Polacanthus foxii holotype material. It is a modern interpretation of the known fossil material.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of figures: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Vectipelta for example, is only distantly related to both Hylaeosaurus and Polacanthus foxii.

It is unlikely that all the fossil material ascribed to the Polacanthus taxon displayed in museums actually represents P. foxii, or indeed any other possible species as yet unassigned to the Polacanthus genus.

The Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur website.

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