Photo of Gansus yumenensis above
By Jonathan Chen – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80612076
New species of Birds were discovered in China fossils approximately 80 miles from the westernmost reach of the Great Wall. More than half the fossils found in this site belong to the species Gansus yumenensis. Over the last two decades, more than 100 specimens of fossil birds dating back 120 million years ago were unearthed by a team of researchers. Two new species of Cretaceous birds had combinations of dental features they have never seen in any other dinosaurs. One of these ancient birds in addition to small peg like teeth had a movable, sensitive “Chin”! This appendage may have helped Brevidentavis zhangi not only root for food, but detect it too. The other bird Meemannavis ductrix is named after Meemann Chang, a Chinese paleontologist who became the first woman to lead the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing. Like today’s birds Meemannavis was toothless. Jingmai O’Conner, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Chicago Field Museum is the lead author on this Study.
It’s important to remember that “All Birds are Dinosaurs” but “Not All Dinosaurs are Birds”. A small group of Dinosaurs evolved into birds that coexisted with Dinosaurs for 90 million years. Modern Birds are descendants of the group of Birds that survived the extinction of the rest of the Dinosaurs. However, many Prehistoric Birds went extinct at the same time as the Dinosaurs. Jingmai O’Conner studies these early birds to answer why some went extinct and others survived. Changma in Northwestern China is the second richest Mesozoic fossil site in the World. The first known true Mesozoic bird in the World is Gansus. Archaeopteryx is more Dinosaur-like.
I purchase various plastic Dinosaurs models to assist with my artwork. I have found very nice replicas by Papo & Schleih on Amazon. However, the best detailed and accurate depictions of Dinosaurs have come from PNSO & Nanmu usually in 1/35 scale. Having the same scale is a real plus with my drawings. One of my goals is to have a number of full-size Adult Metal Dinosaurs. Using detailed scale drawings will aid the Metal Sculpture Artist in creating the most realistic recreations possible.
The PNSO models I have purchased come with a manual with information about the Dinosaur and some very nice artwork. The Nanmu models have a couple of post cards with art. One card a beautiful illustration of the Dinosaur in its environment. The other contains various sketches of specific features of the animal. Unfortunately for me, all the verbal descriptions on the Nanmu cards except for the Dinosaur’s name are in Chinese.
My latest addition Essien (eh-see-uhn) the Spinosaurus from PNSO – Dinosaur Museum Models. To my surprise, not only did it come with the usual manual but much more! Twenty posters, plus 20 Scientific Labels, 7 Drawing Cards and 7 Information labels. Kids can draw their own Spinosaurus art and use the blank labels to describe their work. PNSO has a YouTube channel that you can subscribe to play the making of Essien! You can create a Professional Museum Exhibit in the Classroom or perhaps at Your Local Library. Kids & Parents can participate by adding their art to the Exhibit! I have taken my Posters and Scientific Labels to Michael’s for mounting on foam board to allow me to make such an Exhibit. What a Fun Surprise indeed!
I found many PNSO Dinosaur models in the Exhibit Series and they’re in my Amazon cart for future purchases. However, a Mamenchisaurus 1/35 scale by PNSO’s in this Museum Series is currently on its way to the Park. We can’t wait!
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Color & History too!
My First Book “Is a Metal Dinosaur the Right Pet for You?” is Available as an eBook on Kindle through Amazon.com
Only $3.99!
Included are two photos of Prehistoric Pals converted to black & white line drawings for You to express Your Color Imagination! Search online for print options on Your device. Print Screen, Cropping & Printing are available on many smart phones. Your smart phone may even allow You to email Your Print Screen to Yourself allowing even more options before printing. Kindle has an app for smart phones!
I would love to see Your Color Visions for Dominic & Raphael! Use crayons, pencils, pens, or watercolors! Attach feathers, glitter whatever brings them to life for You. Send a picture of Your Colorized Imaginations to: paul@paulsprehistoricpark.com It could be in a future post!
I will keep You posted with information on my Next eBook “The Shy Triceratops”. I planning to have Paperback versions available in 2022.
Museums have reopened with Limits on Guests, Social Distancing & Mask requirements to keep Visitors Safe while They Enjoy Their Learning Experience. Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well.
Please Remember to Wear Masks & Social Distance as Appropriate Not everyone has been Vaccinated. And even vaccinated many Young & Old have compromised immune systems. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
I used watercolors to make Dinosaur Designs on my N95 Masks (New Ones above). I couldn’t get a yes or no from 3M regarding any impact this might have to the effectiveness of the mask. Many Museums sell Dinosaur Themed Masks Check them Out!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, comment below or email:
Thank you!