A new dinosaur species has been unveiled from the Isle of Wight, called Istiorachis macaruthurae. This exciting find features a striking sail along its back and is named after the famous sailor, Dame Ellen MacArthur. The name translates to “sail spine,” reflecting both the dinosaur’s unique feature and MacArthur’s connection to sailing.
Dame Ellen, who is known for her record-breaking solo sailing trips, expressed her joy at this honor, linking the dinosaur’s sail to her own experiences on the water. She shared, “It’s both extraordinary and a huge honor to have a creature from 125 million years ago carry my name.”
The dinosaur was discovered by fossil hunter Nick Chase, whose efforts have been crucial to paleontology. The remains date back about 125 million years. Initially thought to belong to already known species, further analysis by scientist Jeremy Lockwood revealed its distinct characteristics. Lockwood noted that the long neural spines might have been used for display, somewhat like a peacock’s feathers, possibly to attract mates or scare off rivals.
This medium-sized herbivore roamed what is now the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight. Researchers used a comparison database of dinosaur bones to help identify its unique features. They found that the sail-like structures had evolved in various dinosaurs, hinting at the rich diversity of life forms that once existed.
Since its official naming, Istiorachis macaruthurae is now on display at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown. This addition sparks interest among visitors, showcasing how these ancient creatures once dominated their ecosystems.
In recent years, social media has highlighted a renewed fascination with dinosaurs. Memes and discussions about paleontology are trending, showing that the public remains captivated by these ancient giants. The discovery of Istiorachis macaruthurae is another step in unveiling the secrets of our planet’s history.
For more insights on the importance of this discovery, check out the BBC article that details its impact on paleontological research and public interest in dinosaurs.
