Japan actually has quite a few nice fossil animals and I could not possibly leave Japan behind without discussing the herbivorous counterpart to Fukui Prefecture's Fukuiraptor. Therefore, this week, we will discuss a hadrosaur by the name of Fukuisaurus tetoriensis. The "Fukui lizard" (of the Tetori geological group) is a basal hadrosaur described from two cotype fossils; a right maxilla and a right jugal. Uncovered in 2003, the skeleton has been added to extensively by subsequent discoveries. The amount of additional material has allowed for confident estimates of a length of about 14.8ft (4.5m) long and a weight estimated to be around 881.8lbs (400kg). These estimates make Fukuisaurus a fairly typical hadrosaur, possibly a little small.
STL Science Center
31 May 2013
30 May 2013
Fame in Fukui
The fame level of Fukuiraptor is not too high. It is pretty good for a dinosaur and it is really nice to see it get some recognition given the little amount of press we see about Japanese fossils in general. Perhaps because it is a Japanese dinosaur, in part, Fukuiraptor quickly made its way into the video game versions of Dinosaur King as well as the card game version of the brand. There is even an arcade version of Dinosaur King that includes Fukuiraptor somewhere out there (It sounds very British in the video below). After much searching I have discovered that a toy model has in fact been produced representing Fukuiraptor, which is also nice. It is listed for sale only online and in Fukui Prefecture, as far as I can tell though, so you toy collectors will have to either shell out shipping and handling money or make your way to Japan!
29 May 2013
Small Fukuiraptor
Note that the caption on the top of the size comparisons makes a note that Fukuiraptor, which seems small compared to an average man, may turn out to be a juvenile of the species and thus not the full size of the Fukuiraptor adults. In part, in addition to the misinterpretation of the claws by the original finders, this small size may have led to the initial thought that Fukuiraptor may have been a dromaeosaur and not a carnosaur. Regardless, the small size of Fukuiraptor is interesting. If the holotype is a juvenile that means that the initial description and diagnosis are problematic. Diagnosis and description from juveniles is always contentious, though the growth series that has been described does add to the argument that the description is valid.
28 May 2013
In the Literature
Teeth from Azuma and Currie 2000 |
I have great news for the literature search hounds out there. Both the Azuma and Currie 2000 and Azuma and Currie 2006 papers can be read online. The 2000 paper, entitled A new carnosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Lower Cretaceous of Japan, describes Fukuiraptor from a number of fragmented specimens as well as related specimens and even goes so far as to discuss an astragalus from Australia; it is quite a comprehensive undertaking. The conclusions really tie the paper together, but I do not want to spoil anyone's reading. At the very least, for people that are not huge fans of scientific writing, read the discussion and conclusions of this paper, they are quite worth seeing why Azuma and Currie finalized their findings of a carnosaurian lineage rather than a dromaeosaurian lineage. The 2006 paper, entitled New specimens, including a growth series, of Fukuiraptor (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Lower Cretaceous Kitadani Quarry of Japan, details, obviously, a new specimen of Fukuiraptor, but also compares a healthy number of specimens to one another in order to envision and detail a growth series for Fukuiraptor. Having a growth series attributed to any dinosaur is fairly big news, and to a somewhat new dinosaur from an area like Japan that has not been highlighted as a place of wealth for dinosaur fossils is particularly fantastic and important. This paper is loaded with quality photographs of many of the specimens and includes photos of evidence of the growth series. It is a very worthwhile read and, as there are only two papers highlighted this week, I encourage everyone to take a moment and go over the details of these papers. Much more can be learned here than we have had in some dinosaurs past, and it is certainly a good idea to indulge in a little reading whenever possible!
27 May 2013
Motion Filled Fukuiraptor
Fukuiraptor coming from Japan had to fill some sort of stereotype about giant reptiles and robots I think, otherwise a part of all of us would fill a little let down. We may not admit that to ourselves, but how often does Japan get talked about without some mention of some sort of high tech wizardry? The answer is rarely, of course, but that is a good thing today because there are videos of this high technology robotic tomfoolery in action. Someone somewhere in Japan like Fukuiraptor and robotics enough that there exists video of animatronic Fukuiraptor!
The color scheme is very Jurassic Park velociraptor, as are the overall postures of the hands and legs. There are also a few tribute videos, music and images again, that have mostly correct images. There is always one or two that slip through because someone else labeled the image incorrectly to begin with. The one below is probably the better of the two that I watched.
26 May 2013
Fukuiraptor Wants to be Colored
There is no great big list of Fukuiraptor links for kids. There is also no giant list of toys or models. The Natural History Museum of London does have a page that is simply easily accessible information for younger readers. The lack of information is, thankfully, supplemented by a fairly nice coloring page. That page has some facts on it, but if Memorial Day (in the states) has you seeing little time indoors, which it hopefully does, You can just look at that picture from here or save it for later.
25 May 2013
Looking at the Hands
Nobu Tamura with another quality illustration |
Shiraishi's Allosaurid version |
24 May 2013
Lesser Known Asia
Of all the places we have gone, Asia has been one of the most dinosaur populated. This part of Asia, however, has not really been hit on at all. Japan is a little mentioned country for fossil dinosaurs, but there are dinosaurs discovered in Japan. One such dinosaur posed a conundrum when it was first unearthed. Possessing a large claw on one of the phalanges discovered, the animal was thought to be a new species of dromaeosaur. After further examination it was determined that that claw was in fact a finger and not a toe. The name, Fukuiraptor kitadaniensis, had already been coined. The name mean "Thief of Fukui", a prefecture in Japan, while the specific epithet refers to the Kitadani Quarry in which the remains were originally discovered. The Kitadani Quarry is an Albian age quarry but it has been noted that Fukuiraptor is considered a Barremian age dinosaur (see age comparisons here).
23 May 2013
Minmi the Dinosaur
Seems expensive for a stamp. |
Calling people via dinosaurs. |
22 May 2013
The Paravertebra
Photo by Cas Liber |
Some models and illustrations show Minmi with relatively large shoulder spines protruding outward, though there is minimal evidence at best for the existence of such material. The majority of Minmi is covered in small protrusions of armor, save the negative space along the vertebral column. The head and neck are covered as well in most representations and there appears to be evidence for these coverings in the fossilized specimens.
21 May 2013
Evening Edition
I have been on the road since 4:30 this morning, so please excuse both the lateness and brevity of today's entry. I have not had the time this weekend to read the articles and books that focus on Minmi, but there are a few that are readily available online that I would say seem to be worth having a look at. They are:
The Armored Dinosaurs (I did a search so the book preview should open on the Minmi chapter)
The Gut Contents of a Small Ankylosaur
Minmi and other Australian Dinosaurs (A slightly older appearing children's book, this was actually published in 2007!)
Ankylosaurian dinosaur remains from the Lower Cretaceous of southeastern Australia
The Armored Dinosaurs (I did a search so the book preview should open on the Minmi chapter)
The Gut Contents of a Small Ankylosaur
Minmi and other Australian Dinosaurs (A slightly older appearing children's book, this was actually published in 2007!)
Ankylosaurian dinosaur remains from the Lower Cretaceous of southeastern Australia
20 May 2013
Almost A Repeat
Last week there was an Australovenator puppet and informational videos. This week is much the same with one major exception; the puppet video is from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and not Australia. The informational video is from Latrobe University once again. Enjoy both videos.
19 May 2013
Kids Know Minmi
In Australia there seems to have, at least recently, been a big push for knowing all of the animals around the continent on which you live. Steve Irwin and a lot of other things come to mind that targeted children specifically in terms of education about Australian wildlife. That is not a bad thing at all and it seems as though the push to know your wildlife has extended to dinosaurs as well (remember the many child-oriented Australovenator presentations we saw). Many sites that we frequent have good Minmi information that is kid friendly, but there are even more that are based specifically in Australia as well. Kids Dinos, Science Kids, and Enchanted Learning all have pages dedicated completely to Minmi. The National Dinosaur Museum of Australia also has a page dedicated to Minmi and clearly has one on display as well. There are not any dedicated coloring pages, but this image would serve if anyone just had to color today:
18 May 2013
Minmi the Turtle?
Photo by Matt Martyniuk |
©Oyvind M. Padron |
17 May 2013
Former Champion
©Mariana Ruiz |
When conducting your own searches for Minmi be sure to add the term "dinosaur" to your search or you may end up listening to Japanese pop music.
16 May 2013
Already Thursday
I feel as though Australovenator had a short week. In part that is due to it being finals week I have no doubt. It also has to do with the fact that I have just been busy in general, finals or no finals, and that makes for a short week. Regardless, I saved my favorite video for last and I feel that the thumbnail prior to pressing play does enough; the other two are okay videos. This is one popular puppet though, as we can tell from the number of videos. If you were looking for more information or fun with Australovenator you should check out Dinosaurs in Australia: Mesozoic Life from the Southern Continent as well as your toy shelves (or ebay).
Scenes of terror as carnivorous dinosaur puppet, Australovenator goes wild at Cringleford Primary School, Norfolk from Norwich Puppet Theatre on Vimeo.
Scenes of terror as carnivorous dinosaur puppet, Australovenator goes wild at Cringleford Primary School, Norfolk from Norwich Puppet Theatre on Vimeo.
15 May 2013
Behavior From Nothing
I have already posted this once this week, but it is always nice to look at the skeletal remains of our dinosaur for the week more than once. As we have seen Australovenator is a dinosaur of very fragmentary evidence. The lack of pelvis and shoulder girdles as well as the majority of the skull are missing and, of course, that means an enormous amount of detail and information are missing. The skull alone would be a wealth of information that we are missing out on. The illustrations and general idea of the skull appear to favor a rather slender skull that looks average in its musculature. This interpretation is built off of the design of the legs and hands that we have evidence for. The Allosaurid appearance of the skeleton accounts for this interpretation of the overall build of the dinosaur as well. Assuming that the hand claws were not all built like the one claw we do have evidence for, the hand would have been fairly peculiar like, this was mentioned previously, that of Baryonyx. Feet, we have little to no clues about and the agility of the remainder of the body is also a bit of a mystery at present. I personally hope for a sleek body frame that uses a little speed along with that claw. Actually, I would not be surprised if all of the hand claws were built like the one that has been recovered. That would make for an interesting predation toolset.
14 May 2013
Paper Dinosaurs
Momentary break from studying here, bringing everyone some dino-papers to read in your free time. Australovenator, for a slightly lesser known dinosaur, is doing quite well in the "being researched" category. Multiple papers are available on a fair number of different aspects concerning Australovenator. New discoveries have been described in detail. These new discoveries are concerned with forearm material associated with the skeleton. It is always nice to have new discoveries adding to the knowledge of the animal being discussed. There are also papers that question the tracks attributed to dinosaurs in the area where the bones of Australovenator were discovered. While the tracks have been attributed to different animals than Australovenator, they help to describe the world in which Australovenator was living. That is important in understanding the lives of the animals we discuss here.
The clade is also written about as a larger group. The reassignment of the group did not actually occur that long ago, relatively speaking. There are some interesting characters authoring that paper also; Benson is a name I find in a lot of my plesiosaur research, for example. The majority of these papers look at large scale relationships and sets of remains. The last paper compares metacarpal I of Australovenator and another dinosaur and discusses their taxonomic relationship. The fact that a single small bone is the topic of a paper, given that there are other bones available, is fairly interesting and unique. Enjoy the papers, I have to go back to studying now.
The clade is also written about as a larger group. The reassignment of the group did not actually occur that long ago, relatively speaking. There are some interesting characters authoring that paper also; Benson is a name I find in a lot of my plesiosaur research, for example. The majority of these papers look at large scale relationships and sets of remains. The last paper compares metacarpal I of Australovenator and another dinosaur and discusses their taxonomic relationship. The fact that a single small bone is the topic of a paper, given that there are other bones available, is fairly interesting and unique. Enjoy the papers, I have to go back to studying now.
13 May 2013
A Dinosaur To Discuss
There are two videos I would like to highlight today (with a third video to be shared on Thursday). I like both videos, but I am not going to say a lot about them because I honestly need to study and I do not want to take a lot of time away from that this week. Tomorrow I will still take some time out of my day to read papers and pass them along, but for today enjoy this test animation and then a short video with a bit of introduction to Australovenator.
12 May 2013
Kept Very Short to Help You Enjoy Your Day
As I sometimes do on holidays, here is a small contribution to the blog so you can get out and enjoy your Mother's Day (after you have read these to your mom of course!). Something to color with mom:
Something to read to mom.
Something mom would probably enjoy doingto with her kids.
Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur |
Something mom would probably enjoy doing
11 May 2013
This is What Happens with Little Material
©T. Tischler |
©T. Tischler |
©Sergey Krasovskiy (http://atrox1.deviantart.com/) |
10 May 2013
Southern Hunters
©Smokybjb (Anyone that finds a real name for me gets a free smiley) |
09 May 2013
More Popularity Please
I think we need more popularity amongst dinosaurs. Albertaceratops has a very small amount of popular cultural references. Dinosaur King, which hits many different dinosaurs and makes them more known amongst the viewers/players of the game, has a couple of cards devoted to Albertaceratops. I would love to say that the cartoon featured an Albertaceratops heavily, but I cannot say such a thing. Dinosaur Train has no references that I have found as yet either. Albert the Albertaceratops would be a wonderful character too. They are just simply missing out on things. There are also no toys to speak of; we all know toys are good at spreading popular references of dinosaurs. There are not many mentions in books either. Sadly, this is another dinosaur that has a rather shallow entry on the popularity day. Poor Albertaceratops.
08 May 2013
Skulls As Shown
07 May 2013
All the News
In terms of the normal papers I find to present, descriptions and short communications about some basic aspect of life as, for example, a Velociraptor, I am going to present very little this week. However, there is a great deal on Albertaceratops in the book New Perspectives on Horned Dinosaurs, a book I have referred to before. There is a nice paper on cranial ornamentation evolution that I would suggest is worth reading. It mentions nearly every horned dinosaur, including Albertaceratops of course, and makes it a little less species specific than normal, but it is of high quality. The paper also names a new dinosaur, which we will not worry about right this second and may visit again some day in the future.
06 May 2013
Albertaceratops in Motion?
Sometimes even the most popular groups of dinosaurs run low on material now and again. At some times it could be because there is no information out there and some times it is simply because no one has thought to create something for that dinosaur. In this instance, the only videos online appear to be put up by companies making models of dinosaurs and are, therefore, not free to share. That alone is kind of a letdown, but companies have to make money somehow, right? The thing that is the saddest, I think, is that this means no one has found an animatronic version of Albertaceratops; it is pretty much an unwritten rule of the internet that animatronics are filmed and posted on YouTube. There is a German "wikivideo" for Albertaceratops. I am not sure exactly how many people reading this speak German though, so it may or may not be helpful. Sadly that is not too good for a day that should be brimming with videos.
05 May 2013
More Well Known Ceratopsians
Albertaceratops, as with many others of its ilk, have well established roots that allow for many different types of outlets for information about them. As the number of outlets increases and the information is written in many different ways, the more child friendly information sources we have the ability to find. Albertaceratops has information that is easy for children to read hosted at the Natural History Museum of London, Prehistoric Wildlife, and About, to name a few. There really is not much in the way of devoted coloring pages or anything else of that nature, but there is plenty to read and, if you really want to color today, you can always draw your own!
04 May 2013
To Elephant Feet Or Not
©Nobu Tamura |
© Andrey Atuchin |
03 May 2013
The Great White North
©Nobu Tamura |
02 May 2013
Game Popularity
01 May 2013
The Tidbits on Hand
A great deal of paleontology is often done, and we have seen this many times over, with fragmentary evidence. Sometimes, as we have seen, little more than a few phalanges are discovered in any one dig and, sometimes, these very few bones are used to identify an entire animal. That is by no means impossible, but some remains' identifications seem quite improbable. Luckily for Staurikosaurus its initial skeletal remains were enough to justify a new species even though they were still fragmentary enough to still have detractors. Both sides of the arguments would make sense if we step back and look at the evidence from each viewpoint. On the one hand we have a fairly clearly early theropod dinosaur that has very few derived characters but enough to justify its classification as a primitive dinosaur rather than just another archosaur. The opposite view, while not popular or even represented to my knowledge at present, would hold that Staurikosaurus is simply an archosaur that lived alongside dinosaurs or just prior to the earliest dinosaurs. The defining line between archosaur and dinosaur sometimes gets fuzzy (depending on the source of the definition), so any confusion of the placement of Staurikosaurus is probably due to this grey area. Just for our purposes, we can treat archosauria as a crown group that contains only extant animals such as crocodiles and birds. Thus Staurikosaurus being considered a dinosaur means that it is not a bird or a crocodile, in the simplest of terms; one can see where the confusion occurs. Regardless, Staurikosaurus possesses some very nice basal dinosaur traits such as its minimal sacral vertebrae (only 2 exist) and elongated cervical vertebrae. Despite being as basal as Staurikosaurus is, it is thought to have evolved in the theropod line after sauropods had already begun to evolve differently in the saurischian branch. Staurikosaurus and its sister taxa (Herrerasaurus chiefly) certainly warrant more investigation than I have given here this week. Hopefully very soon even more material will be discovered (in Argentina or Brazil) and more studies can be conducted. Not really my cup of tea as far as an academic project is concerned though, so it probably will not be my thesis work!
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