Iguanodon
PALAEONTOLOGICAL RECORD
Iguanodon, named in 1825, is a genus of iguanodontian dinosaur. While many species found worldwide have been classified in the genus Iguanodon, dating from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, taxonomic revision in the early 21st century has defined Iguanodon to be based on at least one well-substantiated species: Iguanodon bernissartensis, which lived during the Barremian to early Aptian ages of the Early Cretaceous in Belgium, Germany, England, and Spain, between about 126 and 122 million years ago. Iguanodon was a large, bulky herbivore, measuring up to 9–11 metres (30–36 ft) in length and 4.5 metric tons in body mass. Distinctive features include large thumb spikes, which were possibly used for defense against predators, combined with long prehensile fifth fingers able to forage for food.
DISCOVERY
One of the first dinosaurs ever discovered, named by Gideon Mantell in 1825.
DIETARY PROFILE
Ground cycads and tough ferns.
NOTABLE PALAEONTOLOGY FACTS
- It was only the second dinosaur ever formally named in history.
- Early Victorian scientists famously assembled the skeleton incorrectly, placing its thumb spike on the end of its nose.
HOLLYWOOD INACCURACIES
- Thumb spike logic and movement portrayed accurately.
