London, Aug 22 (PTI) In an intriguing discovery on the Isle of Wight, a new dinosaur species with a striking sail-like feature along its back has been unearthed. Revealed by the University of Portsmouth, this finding is poised to change our understanding of dinosaur evolution. Scientists suggest the dinosaur may have developed this eye-catching feature to allure potential mates, shedding light on the role of sexual selection in evolution.
This fascinating iguanodontian dinosaur was identified by Jeremy Lockwood, a retired GP, during his PhD studies at the University of Portsmouth and the Natural History Museum of London. His groundbreaking research results have been published in the journal ‘Papers in Palaeontology.’
Lockwood's discovery came from a meticulous re-examination of dinosaur bones housed at the Dinosaur Isle Museum on the Isle of Wight. “Though the skeleton wasn't as complete as some other finds, its long neural spines were peculiar,” Lockwood explained. “Evolution sometimes favors extravagant traits over practicality,” he added.
While theories about such features range from body heat regulation to fat storage, many researchers believe the sail's primary function was for visual signaling, likely connected to sexual display and selection.
Prior to Lockwood's research, the 125-million-year-old fossils were attributed to one of two known iguanodontian species on the Isle of Wight. However, upon closer inspection, Lockwood identified the distinctive sail-like structure, differentiating it from other known dinosaurs.
Lockwood has named the new dinosaur Istiorachis Macarthurae, honoring Dame Ellen MacArthur, the legendary sailor from the Isle of Wight. ‘Istiorachis’ translates to ‘sail spine,’ reflecting the dinosaur’s remarkable feature.
“Jeremy’s diligent work with longstanding museum collections has revitalized the study of iguanodontian dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight,” noted Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum. “He has significantly increased the known diversity of these dinosaurs on the island, revealing much more about the Early Cretaceous ecosystems in the UK.”
Research indicates that this dinosaur showcases a wider evolutionary trend where elongation of neural spines in iguanodontians started in the Late Jurassic period, becoming more widespread in the Early Cretaceous. However, the extreme elongation seen in Istiorachis remains a rarity.
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