New Dinosaur Species With Sail-Like Back Discovered on Isle of Wight
A remarkable discovery has been made on the Isle of Wight, where scientists have identified a brand-new species of dinosaur with a striking sail-like structure along its back. The finding, announced by the Natural History Museum in London, has fascinated experts and added to Britain’s reputation as a hotspot for dinosaur fossils.
Meet Istiorachis macarthurae
The new species has been officially named Istiorachis macarthurae, in honour of Dame Ellen MacArthur, the British sailor who broke records with her solo voyages around the world.
It lived more than 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.
The dinosaur belonged to the iguanodontians, a group of herbivorous dinosaurs that were widespread from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.
It measured around 2 metres (6.6 feet) tall and weighed about 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds).
The standout feature of this dinosaur is its sail-like neural spines, which stretched dramatically along its back.
Rediscovery of a Forgotten Fossil
Interestingly, the bones of Istiorachis macarthurae were not newly dug up. They had actually been unearthed about 40 years ago on the Isle of Wight. For decades, they were thought to belong to one of the two known iguanodontians from the region.
It was only when Dr Jeremy Lockwood, a retired doctor and PhD student, re-examined the fossils that their uniqueness became clear.
“This one had particularly long neural spines, which was very unusual,” Lockwood explained.
His research, published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, confirmed that the specimen was indeed a new species.
Why Did It Have a Sail?
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding Istiorachis macarthurae is the purpose of its sail-like feature. Scientists have put forward a few theories:
Sexual signalling: The most likely explanation, according to Lockwood. Similar to a peacock’s feathers, the sail may have helped attract mates.
Species recognition: It might have helped members of the same species identify each other.
Muscle support: Taller spines may have provided stronger attachment points for muscles as iguanodontians grew larger and began walking on four legs.
Lockwood dismissed one traditional theory — that the sail was used for temperature regulation. He argued that such a blood-rich structure would have made the dinosaur vulnerable to predators, as any injury could have led to dangerous blood loss.
A Window Into Dinosaur Diversity
This discovery highlights just how diverse the Isle of Wight’s prehistoric ecosystem was. The area has long been known as a treasure trove for fossils, and Istiorachis macarthurae adds yet another piece to the puzzle.
Lockwood believes there are still more secrets hidden beneath the island’s cliffs and beaches.
“The discovery of another iguanodontian from the Isle of Wight shows that this was a very diverse area in the Early Cretaceous. I’m sure there’ll be more discoveries in the years to come,” he said.
Key Facts About Istiorachis macarthurae
Location found: Isle of Wight, UK
Age: Around 120 million years old
Group: Iguanodontian dinosaurs
Size: 2 metres tall, 1,000 kilograms in weight
Unique feature: A striking sail-like structure on its back
Named after: Dame Ellen MacArthur, British sailor
Why This Discovery Matters
The unearthing (or rather, re-identification) of Istiorachis macarthurae reminds us of how much we still have to learn about Earth’s history. Fossils previously overlooked can reveal incredible insights when revisited with fresh eyes and modern techniques.
This latest addition to Britain’s dinosaur family tree not only honours a modern explorer but also sheds light on the fascinating evolutionary adaptations that shaped prehistoric life.
Sources:
Natural History Museum, London
Papers in Palaeontology
Statements by Dr Jeremy Lockwood
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