Iguanodon is a genus of large herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 126 to 125 million years ago. It was one of the first dinosaurs to be scientifically described and named, with the first fossils discovered in England in 1822 and formally named Iguanodon in 1825.

Iguanodon was a notable dinosaur for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of the largest known dinosaurs of its time, reaching lengths of up to 10 meters and standing around 4 meters tall. Secondly, it displayed a unique posture variation in its locomotion. While it primarily walked on all fours, it could also adopt a bipedal stance, using its sturdy hind legs for faster movement. This characteristic was only fully understood with the discovery of exceptionally well-preserved fossils in 1878, which showed the dinosaur’s specialized thumb spikes and a grasping hand structure.

Speaking of thumb spikes, Iguanodon had two spikes on each hand, which were likely used for defense against predators or for gathering food. Its diet consisted mainly of plants and vegetation, which it processed using a toothless beak at the front of its mouth. Behind the beak, Iguanodon had rows of leaf-shaped teeth that aided in grinding plant matter.

In terms of behavior, Iguanodon is believed to have lived in herds and exhibited social structures similar to modern-day herbivores. Fossil evidence suggests that individual Iguanodons traveled and foraged in groups, which provided protection against predators and facilitated efficient feeding.

Iguanodon’s significance in the field of paleontology extends beyond its size and anatomy. Its discovery played a crucial role in transforming our understanding of prehistoric life and challenging prevailing notions about dinosaur physiology. For example, the recognition that Iguanodon was herbivorous and could move on both two legs and four legs helped dispel the idea that all dinosaurs resembled giant lizards.

Today, Iguanodon remains an important and fascinating part of dinosaur history, shedding light on the diverse range of adaptations and behaviors that existed during the Mesozoic era.