A new species of large plant-eating dinosaur has been discovered on the Isle of Wight, dating back to about 125 million years ago. Named Comptonatus chasei after fossil hunter Nick Chase and the location of its discovery, this dinosaur is the most complete specimen found in the UK in a century. Weighing as much as an African elephant, Comptonatus belongs to a group of herbivorous dinosaurs known as iguanodontians, characterized as the “cows of the Cretaceous period.”
Dr. Jeremy Lockwood, a retired GP and scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, described the find as remarkable and significant for understanding the diversity of dinosaurs in England during the early Cretaceous period. The study, published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, analyzed all parts of the fossil, revealing unique features in the skull, teeth, and body of Comptonatus that distinguished it from other species like Mantellisaurus.
Comptonatus’ discovery sheds light on the rapid evolution of iguanodontian dinosaurs during that era, providing insights into how ecosystems recovered after extinction events. The specimen, with 149 bones in total, offers valuable information about the anatomy and behavior of these ancient creatures. Fossil footprints found nearby suggest that Comptonatus may have been a herding animal, possibly moving in large groups across the floodplains millions of years ago.
The hip bone of Comptonatus, about the size of a dinner plate, presents intriguing questions about the dinosaur’s locomotion, digestion, and breathing mechanisms. Dr. Susannah Maidment, a senior researcher at the Natural History Museum, emphasized the importance of this discovery in understanding the evolutionary processes of dinosaurs and their adaptations to changing environments.
The late Nick Chase, who discovered Comptonatus in 2013, was a dedicated fossil hunter whose contributions to paleontology have been invaluable. Despite his passing before the Covid-19 pandemic, Chase’s legacy lives on through his numerous fossil finds, which have enriched museums and research institutions. The naming of a dinosaur species in his honor reflects his passion for paleontology and the enduring impact of his work on the scientific community.
The Isle of Wight has proven to be a treasure trove of prehistoric remains, with eight extinct species named in the past five years alone. This abundance of discoveries highlights the region’s significance in paleontological research and underscores its potential for uncovering more ancient life forms. The Comptonatus specimen is now housed at the Dinosaur Isle museum in Sandown, contributing to the growing collection of fossil specimens from the area.
Dr. Martin Munt, a curator at the museum, expressed optimism about future discoveries on the Isle of Wight, thanks to the efforts of dedicated fossil hunters like Nick Chase. The ongoing exploration of the island’s cliffs promises to reveal new insights into the diverse ecosystems that existed millions of years ago, enriching our understanding of Earth’s ancient past and the fascinating creatures that once roamed the planet.
