🚨 Exciting Dino Discovery! 🚨
A new species of dinosaur has been uncovered on the sunny Isle of Wight, and it comes with a truly iconic flair: a sail-like structure gracing its back! This newly discovered iguanodontian has been given a glamorous name in honour of sailing legend Dame Ellen MacArthur. Meet Istiorachis macaruthurae! ⛵🦖
The fossils, originally believed to belong to existing known species, turned out to be a new addition to the dino family, thanks to the keen eye of PhD student Jeremy Lockwood from the University of Portsmouth. His meticulous study revealed those spiky bones were more than just ancient leftovers—they were unique, with neural spines more exaggerated than your usual iguanodontian.
Dinosaur fans, you might wonder, what’s with the sail on its back? Scientists reckon it was likely used as a visual signal, either to dazzle mates or scare off rivals. Evolution loves a good show, it seems!
Jeremy’s findings, published in the journal ‘Papers in Palaeontology’, highlight how these tall spines make Istiorachis stand out, giving us a glimpse into the fascinating world of visual signalling among dinosaurs.
This isn’t just a win for dino lovers but also for palaeontology. Professor Susannah Maidment applauds the work, noting how such discoveries shine a light on early ecosystems right here in the UK. Perhaps there are more surprises buried beneath our feet!
What do you think about this named fossil? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #DinoDiscovery #IsleOfWight #IstiorachisMacaruthurae #EvolutionaryEchoes