Iguanodon

Mantell's Iguanodon teeth

Mantell's Iguanodon restoration

Maidstone fossil Iguanodon 1840

Mantellodon in Crystal Palace Park

Bernissart Iguanodon mounted skeleton

Iguanodon is a genus of ornithopod dinosaur that lived approximately from the late Jurassic Period to the early Cretaceous Period. It was first discovered in the early 19th century and has since become one of the most well-documented and researched dinosaur genera. Iguanodon is notable for its distinctive thumb spikes, which were likely used for defense against predators, as well as for its beaked mouth, which suggests it was a herbivore.

Discovery and Naming

The first Iguanodon fossils were discovered in 1822 by Mary Ann Mantell and her husband, Gideon Mantell, in Sussex, England. The genus name Iguanodon, meaning "iguana-tooth", was given by Gideon Mantell in 1825 due to the resemblance of its teeth to those of a modern iguana. This discovery was significant as it was among the first dinosaur genera to be identified, making Iguanodon a key figure in the early study of dinosaurs.

Description

Iguanodon was a large, bulky herbivore that could walk on both two legs (bipedally) and four legs (quadrupedally). It is estimated to have been about 10 meters long and to have weighed around 5 tons. Its most distinctive feature was a large, thumb spike on each hand, which was likely used in self-defense or for foraging for food. The rest of its fingers were equipped with hoof-like structures for grasping vegetation. Iguanodon's teeth were adapted for grinding plant material, and its beak-like mouth helped it to crop plants.

Classification

Iguanodon belongs to the family Iguanodontidae, which is part of the group Ornithopoda, a diverse clade of herbivorous dinosaurs known for their bird-like hips. The classification of Iguanodon has undergone numerous revisions since its initial discovery, with several species once attributed to this genus now classified under different genera. The type species is Iguanodon bernissartensis, which is based on well-preserved skeletons found in Bernissart, Belgium, in the late 19th century.

Paleobiology

The paleobiology of Iguanodon has been a subject of extensive study, with research focusing on its diet, locomotion, and social behavior. As a herbivore, Iguanodon likely fed on a variety of plants, including ferns, cycads, and conifers. The structure of its limbs and joints suggests that it was capable of both bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion, allowing it to browse for food at different heights. There is also evidence to suggest that Iguanodon lived in herds, which would have provided protection against predators.

Cultural Impact

Iguanodon has made a significant impact on popular culture and is one of the most recognizable dinosaurs. It has been featured in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. The iconic image of Iguanodon with its thumb spike raised in defense has become a lasting symbol of dinosaur paleontology.

See Also

• Dinosaur
• Ornithopoda
• Mary Ann Mantell
• Gideon Mantell