1896 Iguanodon loses its horn, tinted

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1896 Iguanodon loses its horn, tinted

Restoration of the Iguanodon by Alice B. Woodward from Lydekkers The Royal Natural Historyins Frederick Warne and co, 1896. This is one of the first reconstructions to correctly show the Iguanodons thumb spikes and a semi-bipedal gate - previous reconstructions placed the bone as a nose horn and often put all four feet firmly on the ground. Woodward had based her reconstruction on the recently installed skeleton in the British Museum acquired in 1895 - itself a cast of Lois Dollos Bernissart Iguanodon reconstructions. Gideon Mantell first hypothesised that the conical bone he found in Tilgate Quarry was a horn - and only half a century later, with the discovery of the Bernissart Iguanonodons in 1878 did it become quite clear the bone he had found was actually a modified thumb spike - possibly for defence or intraspecific competition

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6345407

© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Dinosaur Dinosauria Fossil Iguanodon Mantell Mistake Natural History Museum Reconstruction Restoration Gideon

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1896, when Alice B. Woodward's restoration of the Iguanodon made its mark in history. Tinted with meticulous detail, this artwork showcases one of the earliest accurate reconstructions of this magnificent dinosaur species. Unlike previous depictions that mistakenly placed a bone as a nose horn and portrayed all four feet on the ground, Woodward's work reveals groundbreaking discoveries. Inspired by the newly installed skeleton at the British Museum, acquired just a year prior in 1895, Woodward beautifully captures the essence of this semi-bipedal creature. The restoration highlights not only its thumb spikes but also hints at their potential use for defense or competition within their own species. Gideon Mantell, who first stumbled upon a conical bone in Tilgate Quarry years ago, initially believed it to be a horn. It was only half a century later that Bernissart Iguanodons' discovery confirmed his finding as an evolved thumb spike. This revelation revolutionized our understanding of these ancient creatures. Paul D. Stewart's skillful photography brings forth every intricate detail and coloration from this remarkable piece of artistry. As we gaze upon this print today, we are reminded not only of past mistakes but also how science continually evolves through new discoveries and interpretations. Displayed proudly in natural history museums worldwide, such prints serve as windows into our prehistoric past and inspire future generations to explore further into Earth's mesmerizing history with these majestic dinosaurs like the Iguanodon

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