Recently, scientists have discovered that many dinosaurs were feathered! This Toob includes a feathered Psittacosaurus, Protoceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, Chasmosaurus, Apatosaurus, T-rex, Caudipteryx, Dilong, Beipiaosaurus, Microraptor, Velociraptor, and Sinornithosaurus.
History: The hypothesis that birds were descendants of dinosaurs was suggested as early as the mid-19th century by biologist Thomas Henry Huxley. However, without significant evidence, Huxley’s theory never gathered steam. It wasn’t until 1969, when John Ostrom found a theropod (a suborder of dinosaurs) with a skeletal structure almost identical to modern birds. This discovery led to a more systematic search for fossils of feathered dinosaurs, which were eventually discovered in the mid-1990s.
Characteristics: Although scientists aren’t sure why dinosaurs evolved to have feathers, one thing is certain: they were not capable of flight like modern-day birds. There are many theories, such as heat regulation and defense tactics. Perhaps you will be the one to finally solve the riddle with careful study of these accurately sculpted and researched figurines! These figures make excellent Montessori toys for lessons about ancient natural history.
Size: All 12 dinosaur figurines in this Toob range from 32 mm to 95 mm tall, while the Toob itself measures 38 mm long, 38 mm wide, and 325 mm tall, about the size of a standard American ruler.
