A recent dinosaur species, Comptonatus chasei, found on the Isle of Wight, marks a significant step in unveiling Cretaceous-era dinosaur diversity in England. Ongoing research hints at more intriguing discoveries to follow.
A fresh publication narrates the most extensive dinosaur ever found in this region in the previous century. The specimen, around 125 million years old, includes a pelvis bone the size of a dinner plate and was unearthed in 2013 along the cliffs of Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight. The excavation was led by Nick Chase, a fossil connoisseur, who sadly succumbed to cancer.
Assisting with the excavation, Jeremy Lockwood, a former GP and doctoral candidate at the University of Portsmouth, analyzed the 149 bones constituting the skeleton. Jeremy identified the skeleton as a novel genus and species, naming it Comptonatus chasei in honor of Nick.
Jeremy remarked: “Nick possessed exceptional skills in discovering dinosaur remains – a contemporary equivalent of Mary Anning. Despite several remarkable finds, including the most complete British Iguanodon skull, this is the premier dinosaur lineage associated with him.”
Scientific Revelations and Hypotheses
Initially mistaken for a known dinosaur named Mantellisaurus, the specimen’s study by Jeremy exposed a broader spectrum of dinosaur types. This marks Jeremy’s second novel genus designation.
Jeremy explained: “Unique cranial, dental, and bodily features differentiate this dinosaur. For instance, its mandible exhibits a straight lower edge, a rarity among iguanodontians whose mandibles usually curve downward. Additionally, a notably large pelvis bone, resembling a dinner plate, is another distinctive trait.”
Uncertain of the pelvis bone’s exaggerated size located near the abdomen base, Jeremy speculated: “Likely for muscle attachment, its function could alter locomotion or assist in breathing or support for the digestive system, though these notions remain speculative.”
Comptonatus was chosen due to its origin at Compton Bay, with ‘tonatus’ derived from Latin meaning ‘resounding’.
“This creature likely weighed around a ton, comparable to a big male American bison. Fossil footprints in proximity indicate herd behavior, suggesting massive gatherings of these bulky dinosaurs potentially roamed the plains 120 million years ago, fleeing possible predators,” Jeremy added.
Exploratory Work and Museum Representation
Dr. Susannah Maidment, a paleontologist and Senior Researcher at the Natural History Museum, who supervised Jeremy’s PhD research, expressed: “Comptonatus portrays an outstanding dinosaur specimen, one of the most intact in the UK in a hundred years.
“Acknowledgment of this new species reflects meticulous work by NHM Associate Dr. Jeremy Lockwood, highlighting expanded dinosaur variety in southern England during the Early Cretaceous. The specimen, younger than Brighstoneus yet older than Mantellisaurus (both iguandontian relatives of Comptonatus), signifies rapid iguandontian diversification during this period, shedding light on postulated post-extinction ecosystem recovery.”
Era of the Jurassic Age Era.”
In the entire 1900s, only four recent dinosaur types were characterized on the Isle of Wight; nevertheless, in the past five years, there have been eight novel species designated.
Jeremy remarked: “This discovery is exceptionally extraordinary. It aids our comprehension of the diverse species of dinosaurs that existed in England during the Early Cretaceous era. This enhances the recent investigations revealing Wessex as one of the planet’s most varied ecosystems.”
This dinosaur has been included in the archives at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The study was recently printed in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.
Dr. Martin Munt, curator at Dinosaur Isle, stated: “Continual examination of the museum’s collection continues to unveil exciting recent revelations. The majority of Nick’s most significant discoveries have remained on the Island, creating a long-lasting legacy. We can expect numerous additional novel varieties of ancient creatures to be unearthed from the Island’s cliffs and collection.”
Mike Greenslade, Chief Supervisor for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight, expressed: “This amazing revelation at National Trust’s Compton Bay emphasizes the abundant natural legacy of the Isle of Wight. Detecting the most comprehensive dinosaur in the UK over the last century not only displays the island’s paleontological weight but also emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding our landscapes for forthcoming generations to explore and learn from. Nick Chase’s astonishing find and Jeremy Lockwood’s dedicated studies illustrate the extraordinary history waiting to be revealed here. We are delighted to participate in this enduring voyage of discovery and scientific growth.”
Image Source: Jaime Calderon / Shutterstock
