Ready to learn about the spike-thumbed dinosaur called the Iguanodon? This dinosaur fact sheet about the Iguanodon is free to download as a printable PDF document.
What does the name Iguanodon mean?
Iguanodon translates to “Iguana-tooth”. It was given that name by English geologist Gideon Mantell because the teeth he found resembled the teeth of an iguana.
What family was the Iguanodon from?
The Iguanodon is part of the Iguanodontidae family. It is a family of dinosaurs that were herbivores and walked on both two legs and four legs.
What did the Iguanodon eat?
The Iguanodon was a herbivore, existing on prehistoric plant life. Its skull structure allowed it to grind plants in a way that is similar to chewing.
When and where did the Iguanodon live?
The Iguanodon lived in what is now in Belgium, Spain, Germany, England, Portugal, and possibly other areas in Europe in the late Barremian to the earliest Aptian ages, about 126- and 122-million years ago.
How big was the Iguanodon?
It is believed that the Iguanodon could grow to 2.7 m. (23 ft.) tall, 6-10 m. (20-33 ft.) long, and weigh about 3-5 tonnes.
When were the first remains of an Iguanodon found?
The first remains of an Iguanodon were found by English geologist Gideon Mantell in Tilgate Forest in Whitemans Green, Cuckfield, Sussex, England, in 1822. He found teeth and a few bones.
What are some unique features of the Iguanodon?
Two of the most distinctive features of the Iguanodon can be found on its hands. It had spikes on its thumbs, believed to potentially be used as protection against predators or to break into seeds and fruits. The Iguanodon also has a long little finger that may have been used to gather food.
What are other interesting facts about the Iguanodon?
The Iguanodon is described as duck-billed because the bones on its snout are flat and have a similar appearance to a duck-bill.
The Iguanodon was one of three dinosaurs that inspired the appearance of Godzilla. The other two were the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Stegosaurus.
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