One of four new additions to the Schleich “World of History Prehistoric Life” model series, the Schleich Therizinosaurus is also the largest of the 2014 introductions.
Measuring around twenty centimetres long and standing over twenty centimetres tall, this is certainly an impressive model. Therizinosaurus (T. cheloniformis) was certainly an impressive looking dinosaur, it was able to look the biggest Tyrannosaurs straight in the eye. Therizinosaurids, are a group of bizarre Cretaceous Theropods that although descended from carnivorous dinosaurs, adapted to a herbivorous diet. Their huge, three-fingered hands were equipped with massive talons, that although not sharp along their curved edge, would have been capable of inflicting terrible wounds should any predator be foolish enough to try to tackle Therizinosaurus.
Standing on Its Hind Legs
Therizinosaurs were almost entirely bipedal, those long claws preventing them from walking on all fours. The claws served as defensive weapons but also probably acted as grappling hooks permitting this dinosaur to pull down branches from trees so that this browser could feed on leaves and fruit. Some scientists have suggested that Therizinosaurids may have been omnivores, occasionally supplementing their vegetarian diet by catching and eating small mammals, lizards and insects. It has also been suggested that these dinosaurs may have also scavenged the carcases of other dead animals, using their strong arms to rip into the body permitting them access to the highly nutritious internal organs such as the liver.
Influenced by Luis Rey
The Schleich model has a blue underside, dotted with black spots. The head, tail and the back of this replica have been painted a light bronze, almost an orange colour. The model closely resembles an illustration of Therizinosaurus created some years ago by the renowned artist Luis Rey.
Articulated Arms and Lower Jaw
The German manufacturer has chosen to give their Theropod replica an articulated lower jaw. When the mouth is opened the fine detail of the painted teeth and the mouth can be seen. This model also has moveable arms so those formidable claws can be moved up and down, as if threatening another dinosaur. The texture of the skin has been well-crafted and the model looks like it has been covered on the flanks and back with a fine coat of downy feathers. Scientists believe that Therizinosaurus may indeed have been a feathered dinosaur.
Well Balanced Replica of a Cretaceous Herbivore
Unlike other Theropods, Therizinosaurus did not move around on three toes, it walked on all four toes. The feet of this dinosaur have been well moulded and the correct number of digits have been added to each foot. With its green eyes and powerful arms Therizinosaurus looks quite fierce, an attribute that no doubt, will go down well with dinosaur model collectors and budding young palaeontologists.
Welcome Addition to the Model Range
The Schleich Therizinosaurus dinosaur model is a very welcome addition to the “World of History” series and it is great to see this German manufacturer making replicas of more unusual members of the Dinosauria. We highly recommend this replica.
