Anzu wyliei skeleton

Anzu wyliei is a theropod dinosaur of the Caenagnathidae family that lived in the late Cretaceous, between 68 and 66 million years ago, in North America, particularly in the floodplains and swamps of the Hell Creek Formation, in what is now Montana and South Dakota. This dinosaur, colloquially known as the "chicken from hell" for its mix of avian features and unique appearance, was approximately 3 to 3.5 meters long and weighed up to 300 kilograms, making it one of the largest oviraptorosaurs known in North America.

The skeleton of Anzu wyliei shows a set of features that make it stand out among theropod dinosaurs. Its skull is long and low, with a prominent bony crest on its head, which probably supported a keratinous structure similar to that of some current cassowaries. Its beak was sharp and toothless, suggesting an omnivorous diet and a great ability to tear or crush plant materials, small animals, eggs, and fruit. The jaws have sharp edges and a strong beak, useful for cutting and manipulating its food, supporting the theory of its varied diet.

The front limbs of Anzu wyliei were long and strong, with three fingers ending in sharp claws, which would have allowed it to manipulate objects or tear vegetation and potential prey. These robust hands and curved claws are similar to those of other oviraptorosaurs and suggest active foraging behavior, possibly digging up roots or searching for food among vegetation. Its hind limbs were slender but robust, showing adaptations for agile locomotion, although its structure does not suggest that it was especially fast. The long legs, combined with its intermediate size, indicate that it could move easily in different types of terrain, especially in wetland areas where its remains have been found.

The spine of Anzu wyliei also provides interesting data. Its neck was long and flexible, which would have allowed it to reach the ground or collect vegetation from low areas, similar to how a modern bird would do it. Its tail was moderately long and strong, and, although stiff, it seems to have served as a counterweight to the body when moving or using its hands to manipulate objects.

The most recent paleontological findings around Anzu wyliei have provided information about its environment and possible behavior. The remains of several individuals at different stages of development and similar conditions suggest that this species may have had some social interaction or that, at least, it shared territories with other individuals. The shape of its skeleton and the analysis of its fossil environment suggest that it inhabited areas with aquatic resources, such as river areas or swamps, where its ability to exploit a varied diet probably gave it an adaptive advantage.

Studies of Anzu wyliei have expanded knowledge about North American oviraptorosaurs and their ecological diversity, reinforcing their evolutionary link to modern birds. Its skeleton, with a mix of adaptations for a flexible diet and a structure reminiscent of that of modern birds, remains a benchmark for understanding the relationship between theropods and birds, and suggests how changes in late Cretaceous ecosystems may have influenced the diversity of these dinosaurs in North America.

Incredible and novel museum-quality replica with a high degree of scientific rigor.

Approximate measurements of the Anzu:

• 1:5 scale Easy-to-assemble kit
• Length 647 mm
• Height 363 mm
• Width 129 mm
• Snout-tail length 700 mm
• Solid pieces
• Includes supports
• Base not included
  
  
• 1:3 scale Easy-to-assemble kit with metal joints
• Length 1078 mm
• Height 604 mm
• Width 215 mm
• Snout-tail length 1167 mm
• Solid pieces
• Includes supports
• Base not included
  
  
• 1:1 scale Easy-to-assemble kit with metal joints
• Length 3235 mm
• Height 1813 mm
• Width 645 mm
• Snout-tail length 3500 mm
• Solid pieces
• FREE SHIPPING AND PACKAGING IN PALLETIZED WOODEN BOX
  See photo

For other scales, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@dinosauriacreatures.com