A retired doctor has made a surprising discovery: a new dinosaur species with a sail-like structure on its back. This exciting find comes from fossils that are over 125 million years old, discovered on the Isle of Wight, England.
The research, published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, stems from fossils unearthed in the 1970s. Initially, these bones were linked to known iguanodontian species. However, Jeremy Lockwood, who studied Palaeobiology at the University of Portsmouth, noticed unique differences in the spinal structure that set them apart.
With his medical background, Lockwood identified an unusually tall neural spine. Reexamining the fossils at Dinosaur Isle Museum and reviewing existing papers, he concluded that they belonged to a new species entirely.
“It was a nice surprise,” Lockwood said. “It shows that dinosaur diversity was likely much greater than we thought.” This revelation aligns with recent studies showing that many ancient ecosystems had a richness that remains largely unexplored.
The purpose of the sail is still debated among experts. Some theories suggest it might have helped regulate temperature or stored fat. However, Lockwood believes it may have been used for visual signaling, particularly for attracting mates. This idea echoes theories about other dinosaurs with sails.
The new dinosaur has been named Istiorachis macarthurae. “Istiorachis” means “sail spine” in Ancient Greek, highlighting its distinctive feature. The name also honors Dame Ellen MacArthur, a resident of the Isle of Wight and a record-breaking sailor. She expressed her honor, stating that it was extraordinary to be connected to a creature that lived so long ago.
This find is part of a bigger trend: in the past six years, ten new dinosaur species have been identified on the Isle of Wight. This small island has become a hotspot for paleontological discoveries, drawing attention to its rich prehistoric history.
Lockwood’s discovery sheds new light on the complexity of dinosaur life and emphasizes the importance of ongoing research. As we learn more, we’re reminded that our understanding of ancient creatures continues to evolve, opening doors to the mysteries of our planet’s history.
For more on paleontological discoveries, check out the Natural History Museum for their latest findings and research.
