Herrerasaurus Skull Replica

Description

Herrerasaurus skull replica measures 12.9 x 4.0 x 4.0 inches. Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of original specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

Osvaldo Reig first named this species in 1963 after a rancher found its earliest bones in Argentina. Specifically, this ‘Herrera’s lizard” represents one of the oldest dinosaurs known to science. While those first finds were broken, Paul Sereno finally uncovered a complete skull in 1988. This significant find helped experts like José Bonaparte place the animal at the very base of the dinosaur family tree.

The 1998 fossils revealed unique traits that changed our view of early life. Additionally, three-toed footprints found in older rocks suggest similar hunters existed even earlier than this species.

Although scientists still debate its exact classification, the skull shows several features shared by all later dinosaurs. Consequently, studying these basal bones helps prove that all dinosaurs descended from one common forefather.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Clade: Dinosauria
• Clade: Saurischia
• Family: †Herrerasauridae
• Genus: †Herrerasaurus
• Species: †H. ischigualastensis
• Binomial name: †Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis Reig, 1963
• Conservation Status: Extinct

Observe the earliest branches of the dinosaur family tree by viewing the Eoraptor skull replica alongside this Herrerasaurus skull. These two South American species lived during the dawn of the Mosozoic, yet the dinosaur footprint Eubrontes replica exhibits how different predators left their mark across northern territories. Furthermore, the Giganotosaurus skull replica provides a massive contrast to these small, ancestral forms. Consequently, these specimens demonstrate the incredible endurance of a diverse physical history found within the deep layers of the fossil record.