Megaraptor reconstruction history + dinosaur evolution Triassic footprint record + Velociraptor discovery at 100
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Ben Creisler
Jul 23, 2025, 5:32:22 PM7/23/25
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Ben Creisler
Alessio Ciaffi, Mattia Yuri Messina, Flavio Bellardini & Mattia Antonio Baiano (2025)
Reviving Megaraptor namunhuaiquii (Dinosauria, Theropoda): the synergy of art and science for the life reconstruction of ancient species
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.20
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1230/reviving-em-megaraptor-namunhuaiquii-em-dinosauria-theropoda-the-synergy-of-art-and-science-for-the-life-reconstruction-of-ancient-species.html
Since their first discovery, the remains of the Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Megaraptor namunhuaiquii remains have captured the attention of palaeontologists, as well as part of the public, not only for their unique morphology and size, but also for the characteristic manual claw. Throughout the years, the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships and the anatomy of this animal has been subject to different interpretations, resulting in drastic changes of its appearance. Thus, Megaraptor is an example of how scientific data determine how artists depict extinct taxa, both for academic research papers and public science communication efforts alike. In this contribution we showcase the production process of a new palaeoartistic life reconstruction of Megaraptor, tracing the history of the discoveries related to this genus and examining how it has been depicted over the past three decades. The most recent artistic reconstructions exemplify the importance of the synthesis of palaeontological and palaeoartistic approaches to visually communicate scientific results.
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Hendrik Klein & Spencer G. Lucas (2025)
Early evolution of dinosaurs: indications from the Triassic footprint record
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.21
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1231/early-evolution-of-dinosaurs-indications-from-the-triassic-footprint-record.html
The Triassic footprint record not only has abundant chirothere and other archosaur tracks, but also gives insight into the early evolution of dinosauromorphs and dinosaurs. Their roots can be followed back to the Olenekian when small agile forms, the makers of Rotodactylus, left their footprints and trackways in dense accumulations distributed globally in deposits of Olenekian-Ladinian age. Some researchers see a perfect match of these footprints with small Dinosauromorpha such as some lagerpetonids known from Middle-Upper Triassic strata of Argentina. Considering the “dinosaurian” evolution of the tridactyl mesaxonic pes, increasing reduction of pedal digits I and V has been demonstrated in Middle Triassic Chirotherium and interpreted by some researchers as an early evolutionary trend. Furthermore, some trackways of tridactyls from Ladinian deposits clearly show evidence of facultative bipedal progression. Tridactyl footprints of the Atreipus-Grallator plexus that can be attributed to dinosauriforms-dinosaurs are abundant and have a global distribution, beginning in the late Ladinian. Trackways of early sauropodomorph dinosaurs (Evazoum, Pseudotetrasauropus, Tetrasauropus, Eosauropus) are known from Late Triassic (Carnian-Norian-Rhaetian) strata, essentially from the western USA, Europe and southern Africa. The biostratigraphic utility of Triassic dinosaur footprints is limited because of the poor ichnotaxonomy of these footprints. Nevertheless, evolutionary developments and trends in the locomotor apparatus of early Dinosauromorpha and Dinosauria are documented impressively in their trackways and footprints and make these a valuable additional database for further analyses.
=====
Gabriele Bindellini, Alfio Moscarella, Peter Makovicky, Fabio Manucci & Marco Romano (2025)
Velociraptor: the state of the art 100 years after the discovery of this iconic dinosaur
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.22
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1232/em-velociraptor-em-the-state-of-the-art-100-years-after-the-discovery-of-this-iconic-dinosaur.html
The centenary of the first description of Velociraptor Osborn, 1924 presents a valuable opportunity to examine the extensive research, interpretations, and cultural impact surrounding this iconic theropod dinosaur. Since its discovery on August 11, 1923, by Roy Chapman Andrews’ team in the Gobi Desert, Velociraptor has evolved from an unknown fossil to a household name, driven by both scientific advancements and popular media representations. Early discoveries, such as the crushed skull and manus claw were pivotal in defining distinctive predatory features in Velociraptor. Subsequent finds, including the “fighting dinosaurs” fossil in 1971, provided profound insights into its anatomy and behaviour, challenging initial assumptions about its predatory tactics and social interactions. The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a paradigm shift with the discovery of feathered dromaeosaurids, leading to the hypothesis that Velociraptor also possessed feathers. This hypothesis, supported by the presence of quill knobs on its forearm and the discovery of close relatives covered with feathers, transformed its depiction from a scaly predator to a bird-like dinosaur. Modern technologies have furthered our understanding of physiology and sensory capabilities in Velociraptor, revealing sophisticated hunting strategies facilitated by its keen sense of smell and advanced auditory capabilities. Its predatory behaviour, characterised by the use of its sickle claw for grasping prey, underscores its ecological role as an efficient predator. Evidence of varied feeding strategies suggests a versatile approach to survival, while potential social behaviours imply cooperative hunting or interactions. Popular culture, notably the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise, has significantly shaped public perception, often diverging from scientific accuracy. Bridging this gap through documentaries and educational programs is crucial for fostering a nuanced and more complete understanding. As we look ahead, ongoing research and technological advancements promise to uncover further insights into diversity, behaviour, physiology, and, ecological interactions of this dinosaur. This centenary not only celebrates a remarkable palaeontological find but also underscores the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry and the pivotal role of Velociraptor in the broader narrative of dinosaur research.
====
New dino papers not yet mentioned:
======
Alessio Ciaffi, Mattia Yuri Messina, Flavio Bellardini & Mattia Antonio Baiano (2025)
Reviving Megaraptor namunhuaiquii (Dinosauria, Theropoda): the synergy of art and science for the life reconstruction of ancient species
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.20
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1230/reviving-em-megaraptor-namunhuaiquii-em-dinosauria-theropoda-the-synergy-of-art-and-science-for-the-life-reconstruction-of-ancient-species.html
Since their first discovery, the remains of the Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Megaraptor namunhuaiquii remains have captured the attention of palaeontologists, as well as part of the public, not only for their unique morphology and size, but also for the characteristic manual claw. Throughout the years, the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships and the anatomy of this animal has been subject to different interpretations, resulting in drastic changes of its appearance. Thus, Megaraptor is an example of how scientific data determine how artists depict extinct taxa, both for academic research papers and public science communication efforts alike. In this contribution we showcase the production process of a new palaeoartistic life reconstruction of Megaraptor, tracing the history of the discoveries related to this genus and examining how it has been depicted over the past three decades. The most recent artistic reconstructions exemplify the importance of the synthesis of palaeontological and palaeoartistic approaches to visually communicate scientific results.
=====
Hendrik Klein & Spencer G. Lucas (2025)
Early evolution of dinosaurs: indications from the Triassic footprint record
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.21
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1231/early-evolution-of-dinosaurs-indications-from-the-triassic-footprint-record.html
The Triassic footprint record not only has abundant chirothere and other archosaur tracks, but also gives insight into the early evolution of dinosauromorphs and dinosaurs. Their roots can be followed back to the Olenekian when small agile forms, the makers of Rotodactylus, left their footprints and trackways in dense accumulations distributed globally in deposits of Olenekian-Ladinian age. Some researchers see a perfect match of these footprints with small Dinosauromorpha such as some lagerpetonids known from Middle-Upper Triassic strata of Argentina. Considering the “dinosaurian” evolution of the tridactyl mesaxonic pes, increasing reduction of pedal digits I and V has been demonstrated in Middle Triassic Chirotherium and interpreted by some researchers as an early evolutionary trend. Furthermore, some trackways of tridactyls from Ladinian deposits clearly show evidence of facultative bipedal progression. Tridactyl footprints of the Atreipus-Grallator plexus that can be attributed to dinosauriforms-dinosaurs are abundant and have a global distribution, beginning in the late Ladinian. Trackways of early sauropodomorph dinosaurs (Evazoum, Pseudotetrasauropus, Tetrasauropus, Eosauropus) are known from Late Triassic (Carnian-Norian-Rhaetian) strata, essentially from the western USA, Europe and southern Africa. The biostratigraphic utility of Triassic dinosaur footprints is limited because of the poor ichnotaxonomy of these footprints. Nevertheless, evolutionary developments and trends in the locomotor apparatus of early Dinosauromorpha and Dinosauria are documented impressively in their trackways and footprints and make these a valuable additional database for further analyses.
=====
Gabriele Bindellini, Alfio Moscarella, Peter Makovicky, Fabio Manucci & Marco Romano (2025)
Velociraptor: the state of the art 100 years after the discovery of this iconic dinosaur
Italian Journal of Geosciences 144: f.3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3301/IJG.2025.22
https://www.italianjournalofgeosciences.it/297/article-1232/em-velociraptor-em-the-state-of-the-art-100-years-after-the-discovery-of-this-iconic-dinosaur.html
The centenary of the first description of Velociraptor Osborn, 1924 presents a valuable opportunity to examine the extensive research, interpretations, and cultural impact surrounding this iconic theropod dinosaur. Since its discovery on August 11, 1923, by Roy Chapman Andrews’ team in the Gobi Desert, Velociraptor has evolved from an unknown fossil to a household name, driven by both scientific advancements and popular media representations. Early discoveries, such as the crushed skull and manus claw were pivotal in defining distinctive predatory features in Velociraptor. Subsequent finds, including the “fighting dinosaurs” fossil in 1971, provided profound insights into its anatomy and behaviour, challenging initial assumptions about its predatory tactics and social interactions. The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a paradigm shift with the discovery of feathered dromaeosaurids, leading to the hypothesis that Velociraptor also possessed feathers. This hypothesis, supported by the presence of quill knobs on its forearm and the discovery of close relatives covered with feathers, transformed its depiction from a scaly predator to a bird-like dinosaur. Modern technologies have furthered our understanding of physiology and sensory capabilities in Velociraptor, revealing sophisticated hunting strategies facilitated by its keen sense of smell and advanced auditory capabilities. Its predatory behaviour, characterised by the use of its sickle claw for grasping prey, underscores its ecological role as an efficient predator. Evidence of varied feeding strategies suggests a versatile approach to survival, while potential social behaviours imply cooperative hunting or interactions. Popular culture, notably the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise, has significantly shaped public perception, often diverging from scientific accuracy. Bridging this gap through documentaries and educational programs is crucial for fostering a nuanced and more complete understanding. As we look ahead, ongoing research and technological advancements promise to uncover further insights into diversity, behaviour, physiology, and, ecological interactions of this dinosaur. This centenary not only celebrates a remarkable palaeontological find but also underscores the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry and the pivotal role of Velociraptor in the broader narrative of dinosaur research.
====
Mickey Mortimer
Jul 28, 2025, 7:54:52 AM7/28/25
to Dinosaur Mailing Group
Well, Bindellini et al. are the first authors to publish Velociraptor "vadarostrum" (IGM 100/892) in a publically available work- "Powers (2020) confirmed that this specimen represents a third species of Velociraptor, which he namedVelociraptor vadarostrum and provided a character-based diagnosis. Because the naming of this species was in a M.Sc. thesis (Powers, 2020) rather than in a peer-reviewed journal, the binomen must be considered a nomen nudum."
Also note they incorrectly list the V. mongoliensis holotype and IGM 100/986 as being from Tugrikin Shire in Table 1. That whole table is missing a lot of specimens and assigns some to V. mongoliensis without known evidence.
Mickey Mortimer
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