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.
At about eight inches long and over eight inches tall, this is undoubtedly an impressive model. Therizinosaurus (T. cheloniformis) was undoubtedly an impressive looking dinosaur, he was able to look the largest tyrannosaurs directly in the eye. The terizinosaurids are a group of strange Cretaceous theropods that, although they descended from carnivorous dinosaurs, adapted to a herbivorous diet. Its massive three-fingered hands were equipped with massive claws that, although unsharpened along their curved edge, would have been capable of inflicting terrible wounds if any predator were foolish enough to attempt to attack the Therizinosaurus.
Standing on its hind legs
The terizinosaurs were almost entirely bipedal, those long claws prevented them from walking on all fours. The claws served as defensive weapons, but they likely also acted as grappling hooks that allowed this dinosaur to pull tree branches so that this navigator could feed on leaves and fruit. Some scientists have suggested that the terizinosaurids may have been omnivores and occasionally supplemented their vegetarian diet by capturing and eating small mammals, lizards, and insects. It has also been suggested that these dinosaurs may have also cleaned the carcasses of other dead animals, using their strong arms to penetrate the body and allow them access to 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 back of this replica have been painted a light bronze, almost orange color. The model looks a lot like an illustration of Therizinosaurus created a few years ago by renowned artist Luis Rey.
Articulated arms and lower jaw
The German manufacturer has chosen to give its Theropod replica an articulated lower jaw. When the mouth is opened you can see the fine detail of the painted teeth and the mouth. This model also has movable arms so those formidable claws can move up and down, as if threatening another dinosaur. The texture of the leather has been well crafted and the model appears to have been covered on the flanks and back with a fine layer of soft feathers. Scientists believe that Therizinosaurus may have been a feathered dinosaur.
Well balanced replica of a Cretaceous herbivore
Unlike other theropods, Therizinosaurus didn’t move on three toes, it walked on all four. This dinosaur’s feet have been well molded and the correct number of digits added to each foot. With his green eyes and powerful arms, Therizinosaurus looks quite fierce, an attribute that will certainly go well with dinosaur model collectors and budding young paleontologists.
Welcome addition to the model range
The Schleich Therizinosaurus dinosaur model is a very welcome addition to the “World of History” series and it’s great to see this German manufacturer making replicas of more unusual Dinosauria members. We recommend this replica.