Skull & Skeletons

Archaeopteryx lithographica.,Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name Urvogel ("original bird" or "first bird"), is the earliest and most primitive bird known. The name is from the Ancient Greek meaning "feather" or "wing". Archaeopteryx lived in the late Jurassic Period around 150–145 million years ago, in what is now southern Germany during a time when Europe was an archipelago of islands in a shallow warm tropical sea, much closer to the equator than it is now. Similar in size and shape to a European Magpie, Archaeopteryx could grow to about 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) in length. Despite its small size, broad wings, and inferred ability to fly or glide, Archaeopteryx has more in common with small theropod dinosaurs than it does with modern birds. In particular, it shares the following features with the deinonychosaurs (dromaeosaurs and troodontids): jaws with sharp teeth, three fingers with claws, a long bony tail, hyperextensible second toes ("killing claw"), feathers (which also suggest homeothermy), and various skeletal features. The features above make Archaeopteryx the first clear candidate for a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and birds. The first complete specimen of Archaeopteryx was announced in 1861, only two years after Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, and it became a key piece of evidence in the debate over evolution. 

*Specifications: CLASS: Aves ORDER: Archaeopterygiformes FAMILY: Archaeopterygidae Origin: Solnhofen, Germany *

Skull Length: 5 cm (2.0 in) 

Smilodon fatalis., Excavated from the famous La Brea Tar Pits, this specimen represents one of the largest, most complete saber-toothed cats ever found. This specimen's impressive canines measure 6.5" (16.5cm) long. This Pleistocene predator hunted by ambushing large mammals, slashing them with its canines, then following the animal till it bled to death. This species was also prone to scavenging dead and dying prey, which ultimately brought many of its kind to meet their fate in the tar pits. The saber-toothed cat became extinct over 10,000 years ago as its prey became more and more scarce due to human competition. This specimen is available in the "Tar Pit" finish as well as the natural bone color.

*Specifications: CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: Felidae Origin: North & South America 

*Wood base available for $25 - Shipping is an estimate - actual shipping cost to be determined by your location - feel free to e-mail dinosaursrock2@gmail.com for actual shipping cost

Alligator Gar Skull Replica of Atractosteus spatula. This primitive ray-finned fish can be found in most of the southeastern United States. Unlike other species of gar, when mature an alligator gar possesses a dual row of teeth in the upper jaw.

*Specifications: CLASS: Osteichthyes ORDER: Lepisosteiformes FAMILY: Lepisosteidae Origin: North America 

15" x 6.5" x 4.5"

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Aptenodytes patagonica.The king penguin, reaching nearly 3 feet tall, is second only to the emperor penguin in size. This large flightless bird nests in colonies up to 10,000 individuals. The king penguins range includes Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego, and many other islands throughout the sub-Antarctic. The king penguin feeds on fish, but specializes in eating squid.

Specifications:

CLASS: Aves  ORDER: Sphenisciformes. FAMILY: Spheniscidae 

Origin: Antarctica Diet: Carnivore 

Skull Length: 7.6 in.

Cricetomys gambianus., giant pouched rat. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, these large rats range from 36-46 cm (14-18 in). Named for their large cheek pouches, this nocturnal species is omnivorous, feeding on vegetation and invertebrates.

*Skull Length: 7.7 cm (3.0 in)

The first Australopithecus boisei specimen, originally named Zinjanthropus boisei, was discovered in 1959 by Mary Leaky at the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, Africa. A. boisei skulls have been found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya.

* Skull Length: 22.5 cm (8.9 in)

Australopithecus africanus., designated STS 5, was discovered by Robert Broom and John T. Robinson in Sterkfontein, Transvaal, South Africa in 1947. Although originally considered female, study of the roots of the canine teeth has cast serious doubt on it's gender, leading most to believe it is,in fact, from a sub-adult male instead. 

*Skull Length:  19 cm (7.5 in)

KNM ER 1813 - This small, but very complete skull was found at Koobi Fora, Kenya, in 1973 by Kamoya Kimeu. It dates back to 1.9 MYA and is considered an early member of the Homo genus. It's minute brain capacity, however, leads many to place it within the Australopithecus group.

*Specifications: CLASS: Fossil Hominids ORDER: Fossil Hominids FAMILY: Fossil Hominidae Origin: Koobi Fora, Lake Turkana, Kenya 2.3 - 1.6 mya

*Skull Length: 19 cm (7.5 in)

Cro-Magnon Skull

Cro-Magnons are recognized as the earliest know race of modern humans, Homo sapiens. Generally considered the earliest European descendants, Cro-Magnons lived between 10,000 and 35,000 years ago. The first Cro-Magnon specimens were discovered in France in 1868 along with many sophisticated tools, artifacts and cave paintings. Cro-Magnons are credited with creating the first calendar nearly 34,000 years ago.

*Skull Length: 20 cm (7.9 in)

Shipping costs are estimated and may vary based on your location. Email info@dinosaursrock.com with your zip code for shipping quote.

Ramphastos toco., The Toco is one of the largest of the toucans, reaching a length of 25 inches. Its colorful red and orange beak is used to delicately pick berries, small fruits and occasional invertebrates from among the leaves. Because of its large size, the Toco is a poor flier, spending much of its time in the treetops. *

Specifications: CLASS: Aves ORDER: Piciformes FAMILY: Ramphastidae Origin: Central and South America

*Skull Length: 22 cm (8.7 in)

Felis silvestris  - There are three distinct subspecies of wildcat occurring in Europe (F. s. silvestris), Asia (F. s. notatus) and Africa (F. s. libyca). This small carnivore is the ancestor of the domestic house cat. Like house cats, wildcats feed on small vertebrates such as rodents and birds. Wild cats are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular in nature.

Specifications: CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: Felidae Origin: Eurasia and Africa Diet: Carnivore

*Skull Length: 9.5 cm (3.7 in)

Price is subject to change based on material cost. 

Ursus maritimus., Polar Bears are extremely large predators and dangerous to humans. Often found on ice flows they lead a very nomadic life. This particular specimen is considered to be the second largest skull ever found.
*Specifications: CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: Ursidae Origin: North America
*Skull Length: 16in.x9.6in.x6.8in.
Polyurethane replica from the original specimen from a private collection.

Shipping cost is an estimate and may vary slightly based on your location - please e-mail DinosaursRock2@gmail.com for actual shipping cost.

Lontra canadensis.,This species is often referred to as "playful". River otters can be found in and near fresh water rivers and lakes. Otters range throughout much of the northern US and Canada as well as the southeast US.

*Specifications: CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: Mustelidae Origin: North America.

Skull Legth 115mm/4.5in.

Bos taurus.,The Longhorn is one of nearly a hundred breeds of living domestic cattle. Modern domestic cattle evolved from a single ancestor, the Aurochs. Remains of domesticated cattle dating to 6,500 B.C. have been found in Turkey and other sites in the Near East. This specimen is avaiiable with or without the horns. Horns may be sold seperately.

*Specifications: CLASS: Mammalia ORDER: Artiodactyla FAMILY: Bovidae.

*Replica Skull Length: 46 cm (18.1 in) Skull Width: 20.5 cm (8.1 in) Horn Length - Tip to Tip: 145 cm (57.1 in)