Iguanodon

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***Iguanodon*** is a genus of ornithopod dinosaur that originated from Early Cretaceous Europe. A herbivorous dinosaur that resembles a combination between the swift bipedal hypsilophodontids and the duck-billed hadrosaurs, *Iguanodon* is very well-known as one of the first dinosaurs to be identified by science, recognizable by its large thumb spike.

*Iguanodon* is included in the *Cretaceous Dinosaur Pack*, and can be unlocked by progressing through the Science Division on Isla Muerta, where its fossils can be subsequently excavated in the Hythe Formation and Iguanodon Mine dig sites.

## History

Several *Iguanodon* were present in the sanctuary that was created by BioSyn.

## Characteristics

The largest ornithopod in the *Evolution* series, *Iguanodon* is a very robust, large herbivorous ornithopod dinosaur, weighing around five tons and growing up to 13 meters long, from between the Middle Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods with a vaguely horse-like head, muscular forelimbs, and wide body. Its name translates to "*Iguana Tooth*", as its teeth bear a strong resemblance to those of an iguana – broad and flat, to help them chew tough vegetation. Unlike the later hadrosaurs, *Iguanodon's* hands feature large spikes on the thumbs as well as an opposable fifth digit (a "*pinkie*") for grasping food. A number of possible uses have been suggested for these thumb spikes: including defense from predators, breaking into seeds and fruits, or stripping leaves from branches. *Iguanodon* runs and chiefly walks on all four limbs, but will rear up and stand partially upright like a bear to look more intimidating in a fight. The default coloration is dull green with pale stripes down the back, especially on the tail. The underbelly, throat, and cheeks are also pale.

### Behaviour

*Iguanodon* is a relatively low maintenance animal. While it can tolerate large numbers of animals sharing its paddock, it is perfectly content in living by itself with low needs for forest and grasslands.

It is unique amongst the non-armored and non-ceratopsian dinosaurs, in the sense that it can fight back against some carnivores. When confronted with medium-sized carnivores such as *Carnotaurus* or *Allosaurus*, *Iguanodon* will stand its ground and fight back by smacking with its forelimbs and stabbing with its thumb spikes. If victorious against a larger aggressor, the *Iguanodon* will dispatch it by stabbing it in the gut and throat with both spikes in a "bear hug"; whereas smaller predators such as *Velociraptor* and *Dilophosaurus* are killed during their attempt at a pounce via an audibly bone-cracking kick to their chest. *Iguanodon*, however, will still run from and can be hunted by the *Indoraptor* and large carnivores such as *Tyrannosaurus*. It can also still be poisoned by a bite from a *Troodon*.

## Paleontology

Discovered by William Harding Bensted and named by Gideon Mantell in 1825, *Iguanodon* was the second dinosaur ever discovered and named in modern times, the first being *Megalosaurus* which had been classified the previous year. The first specimen was found in England and named for its teeth, which resembled those of an iguana lizard. Subsequent fossils have been unearthed in France, Spain, Germany and especially Belgium. However, as with many Victorian discoveries, it has become a wastebasket taxon, with almost any new ornithopod found being named as an *Iguanodon*. Asian and North American species of *Iguanodon* have been reassigned to new genus. Many European species have also been reassigned, such as *Mantellisaurus*, which has been shown to be more closely related to *Ouranosaurus* after further study.

The remains of the first *Iguanodon* were found in Sussex, England in 1822 by English paleontologist Gideon Mantel. The find consisted of several fossilized teeth from Tilgate Forest. The teeth were initially thought to belong to a fish, rhinoceros, or crocodile, and it took until 1824 for Iguanodon to be formally recognized. However, further analysis by a series of experts including William Buckland and Samuel Stutchbury confirmed that it was a new genus of dinosaur. A more complete specimen was discovered in 1834, in Kent. The spiked thumb, one of Iguanodon's most defining features, was initially assumed to be attached to the nose, but subsequent discoveries revealed its true function.

### Paleoecology

Living during the Early Cretaceous period, around 140-110 million years ago and said to have been among the most successful dinosaurs ever known, *Iguanodon* occupied a wide range of habitats across western Europe, ranging from forests to coastline to swamps. It was a versatile large herbivore that normally walked on all fours but could rise onto its back legs to reach food or run. The famous thumb spikes may have been effective weapons against predators, such as the large theropod *Baryonyx* and *Neovenator*, however, this is still debated. Unlike the later hadrosaurs, *Iguanodon* also had a prehensile fifth finger to grasp food. Analysis of *Iguanodon* jaws suggests that it was able to eat tough plant material by grinding its food.

## Skins

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 ALPINE

 COASTAL

 JUNGLE

 STEPPE

 WOODLAND

## Gallery

VideosSpecies Profile - Iguanodon
ImagesMalta *Iguanodon* variant
## External links

* Iguanodon on Wikipedia

1. ↑ Trevorrow, Colin. (Director). (2022). *Jurassic World Dominion* [Film]. Universal Pictures.