Iguanodon Iguanodon
"Iguana Tooth"

Order: Ornithischia
Suborder: Ornithopoda
Family:Iguanodontidae


Paleo Notes

Iguanodon was the second dinosaur to be discovered. In 1809, it's shin bone was found in Southern England. Gideon Mantell, a geologist, named the animal and attempted it's restoration . The "spike" he wrongly placed on Iguanodon's snout like a horn instead of recognizing it as a "thumb".
The purpose of this "thumb spike" is not clearly known. It could have been for tearing down foliage, or it may have been used for defense against predators.




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