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Heterodontosaurus tucki

Heterodontosaurus tucki

$0.00Price
Fossil Finish
Specimen Format
Unmounted
Desktop Mount
Specimen Scale
Quantity
Exhibit Release: Fall 2026

  • Part of the EVOLUTION & ORIGINS Exhibit

    Also featured in the CRESTS & HERBIVORES Exhibit

    Early Jurassic Period, approx. 200-190 million years ago

    1:1 Scale Skull Replica



    SPECIMEN PROFILE

    Heterodontosaurus tucki was a small, early ornithischian dinosaur that inhabited the semi-arid scrublands and open woodland environments of Early Jurassic South Africa. It represents one of the earliest branches of ornithischian evolution, preserving a crucial snapshot of how later herbivorous dinosaur lineages began to diversify.


    Its most distinctive feature was its unusual heterodont dentition—possessing different types of teeth within the same jaw, including sharp caniniform teeth at the front alongside leaf-shaped cheek teeth adapted for processing vegetation. This combination suggests an omnivorous or highly opportunistic feeding strategy, bridging the gap between early predatory ancestors and later fully herbivorous ornithischians. Its small body size, agile build, and lightly constructed skeleton indicate a fast-moving, adaptable animal navigating a competitive early dinosaur ecosystem.



    COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

    A foundational early ornithischian with a rare mixed-tooth structure—capturing a pivotal evolutionary stage where predatory ancestry and herbivorous specialization still visibly coexist.



    CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

    Scale

    • 1:1, approx. 4.3 in or 11 cm


    Fossil Finishes

    • Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

    • Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

    • Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.


    Specimen Format

    • Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

    • Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.


    Medium

    • Hand-painted resin

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