Going from fossils to a full-sized, fleshed-out replica requires the skills of a palaeo-model-maker. It's a job that mixes scientific, technical and artistic skills and sensibilities. One cool example is the recent creation of two life-sized Cretaceous flying reptiles, Pteranodon longiceps. The two adult male pterosaurs have 7-metre wingspans -- as big as a small airplane.

To create these scientifically accurate replicas, the model-makers worked closely with a team of Canadian Museum of Nature palaeontologists. These scientists used fossils from the Museum's collection, as well as scientific articles on Pteranodon longiceps, to provide the model-makers with detailed measurements.