Deinocheirus mirificus was discovered in 1965 by a Polish-Mongolian Expedition led by Professor Zofia Kielan-Jaworosha. A pair of large arms, huge claws, shoulder girdles and a few other bones were found in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. Name by palaeontologist Halszka Osmolska – Greek for horrible hand. Believed to be a carnivorous dinosaur at the time as a result. Two more complete specimens were described in 2014. Deinocheirus turned out to be an Ornithomimosaur, the largest of the family (so far) – 36 feet long weighing 6.5 tons. Its 7.9 foot arms were the longest of any bipedal dinosaur. Deinocheirus had a sail on its back and its pygostyle tail vertebrae indicate the presence of a fan of feathers. Check out Prehistoric Planet on Apple TV for the interesting story of how this animal’s remains finally came together. I have a number of 1/35 scale models from PNSO and Nanmu. They are very helpful with my drawings.
Another unusual Dinosaur Therizinosaurus (meaning scythe lizard) was found in the Gobi Desert in 1948. A Late Cretaceous Dinosaur could reach 16 feet in height, 33 feet long and weighing 5 tons. Therizinosaurus robust forearms had three fingered claws up to 3 feet in length!
For some time it was thought that only carnivorous Dinosaurs had feathers, until a little herbivore from Siberia came to light in 2011. Kulindadromeus zabaikalicus (Kulinda site dromeus Greek for runner) named in 2014 by Pascal Godefroit, Sofia Sinitsa, Danielle Dhouailly, Yuri Bolotsky, Alexander Sizov, Maria McNamara, Michael Benton and Paul Spagna. Checkout “Weird Dinosaurs” by John Pickrell Chapter 6 for the scandal behind the naming of this dinosaur. Length 3.3 – 4.9 feet weighing 4.4 lbs. Kulindadromeus has scales on top of its tail and scales that branch into feather-like structures.
There are 3 types of feather remains adding to the complexity of feather evolution in dinosaurs. The first hair-like filaments (“dino-fuzz”) covering the trunk, neck and head. The second groups of 6 or 7 downward projecting filaments on the upper arms and thighs. Much like those previously discovered on carnivorous theropods. The third on the upper legs bundles of 6 or 7 ribbon-like structures. This last type of feather has not been found on any other dinosaur.
Kulindadromeus is full of surprises with 3 types of scales too! Overlapping hexagonal on lower shins; small round non-overlapping on the hands, ankles & feet (like chicken’s feet); and 5 large longitudinal rows of arched rectangular scales on the top of the tail.
Thanks to Nobu Tamura email:nobu.tamura@yahoo.com http://spinops.blogspot.com/ – Own work for the illustration of Kulindadromeus
References: “Weird Dinosaurs” by John Pickrell, Wikipedia
The Annual Strawberry Festival in Ventura County takes place in May. I hadn’t been for a couple of years, so it was great fun to check it out. I’m always on the look out for Dinosaur Arts and Crafts. Some whimsical wind art caught my eye. Brightly Colored Bugs, Birds, Frogs, Dogs, a Zebra and even a Dragon! But what I liked the most was, no noise! Just cleverly designed creatures spinning in the wind. One artist layered his painting surfaces in rows like a diorama. I particularly enjoyed the ocean scenes with Plesiosaurs. Remember, Plesiosaurs are not Dinosaurs. They are Marine Reptiles. Another made small ceramic pots for succulents in some interesting animal shapes. I liked the Dragons & Dinosaurs the Best, of course. Sorry I forgot to take pictures of these two. Then I happened upon “Adopt a Dragon”. These are 3D printed. There were Dinosaurs too! But so much more and you receive an Adoption Certificate for each purchase. You can complete the Certificate with the name of your new friend along with yours and your promise to love and care for him or her. New London Enterprises – adoptdragon.com
I ended my visit at the Build Your Own Strawberry Short Cake Tent. For only $5.00 you can fill your bowl with as much strawberries and short cake you can fit. So, stack it high! Yum!
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Fun Facts, Fiction & Crafts!
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. Below are 3 of my favorites Museums. 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
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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