Iguanodon bernissartensis

Iguanodon, a genus of large herbivorous dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous period (approximately 140 to 110 million years ago), was first discovered in 1822 in Sussex, England, when Mary Ann Mantell found fossilized teeth that her husband, Dr. Gideon Mantell, recognized as resembling those of a modern iguana, leading to the name “Iguanodon,” meaning “iguana tooth.”  This dinosaur measured between 9 to 11 meters (30 to 36 feet) in length and weighed around 4.5 metric tons (5.0 short tons).  One of its most distinctive features was a large, conical thumb spike, which paleontologists believe was used for defense against predators.  Iguanodon had the ability to walk both bipedally and quadrupedally, allowing it to graze on various plant materials.  Its discovery was significant as it was among the first dinosaurs to be scientifically described, contributing to early paleontological studies and shaping our understanding of prehistoric life.  Fossils of Iguanodon have been found across Europe, including in Belgium, Germany, England, and Spain, indicating a wide distribution during its time.  The genus played a crucial role in the early days of paleontology, being one of the three genera used to define Dinosauria, alongside Megalosaurus and Hylaeosaurus.  Its unique characteristics and historical significance make Iguanodon a focal point in the study of dinosaur evolution and the history of paleontological discovery.