Title: New Dinosaur Species with Armor-Like Skin Discovered on Isle of Wight
Date: June 21, 2023
Researchers have made an exciting discovery on the Isle of Wight, England, uncovering a new species of dinosaur with skin as hard as steel, resembling armor. The dinosaur, named Vectipelta barretti, belongs to the ankylosaur family and is the first new species of armored dinosaur found on the island since 1865.
Despite its fearsome appearance and blade-like armor, Vectipelta barretti was a herbivore, feeding solely on plants. Fossil remains of this previously unknown dinosaur were found in rocks estimated to be between 66 and 145 million years old.
The name Vectipelta barretti is a tribute to Professor Paul Barrett, a renowned paleontologist who has dedicated 20 years of his career to the Natural History Museum in London. While the new dinosaur shares some similarities with the last ankylosaurus discovered on the island, called Polacanthus foxii, scientists do not consider the two species to be closely related. Notably, Vectipelta barretti exhibits different neck, back, and pelvic bones, as well as more spiny armor.
The discovery of this new species sheds light on the diversity of dinosaur species that existed in England during that time. Stuart Pond, a researcher at the Natural History Museum, expressed that this finding will prompt a re-analysis of other similar fossil remains that have been mistakenly identified as P. foxii for over a century.
The site where Vectipelta barretti was found, known as the Wessex Formation, is considered a crucial resource for understanding the extinction of dinosaurs. Competing theories regarding the mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago, such as an asteroid impact or a massive volcanic eruption, continue to be explored.
The findings of this remarkable discovery have been published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life and the evolutionary history of dinosaurs.
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Source: BBC, Business Insider
What implications does the discovery of Vectipelta barretti have for the understanding of dinosaur extinction events
Date: June 21, 2023
In a thrilling discovery on the Isle of Wight, England, scientists have unearthed a brand new species of dinosaur with extraordinary armor-like skin. The dinosaur, called Vectipelta barretti, belongs to the ankylosaur family and is the first of its kind to be discovered on the island in over a century.
Despite its fearsome appearance, complete with blade-like armor, Vectipelta barretti was actually a herbivore, surviving solely on a diet of plants. Fossilized remains of this previously unknown dinosaur were found in rocks dating back to a staggering 66 to 145 million years.
This newfound species has been named in honor of Professor Paul Barrett, a highly respected paleontologist who has dedicated two decades to the renowned Natural History Museum in London. While there are similarities between Vectipelta barretti and the last known ankylosaurus discovered on the island, named Polacanthus foxii, scientists do not believe they are closely related. Vectipelta barretti showcases distinct differences in its neck, back, and pelvic bones, as well as possessing more elaborate spiny armor.
This groundbreaking discovery provides valuable insights into the diverse range of dinosaur species that once roamed England during that era. Stuart Pond, a researcher at the Natural History Museum, anticipates that this finding will prompt a thorough re-examination of other misidentified fossil remains that have been mistakenly labeled as P. foxii for more than a century.
The site of the Vectipelta barretti discovery, known as the Wessex Formation, is considered an invaluable resource for understanding the extinction of dinosaurs. The scientific community continues to explore competing theories surrounding the mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago, such as an asteroid impact or a massive volcanic eruption.
The remarkable findings of this discovery have been published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, further enriching our understanding of prehistoric life and the evolutionary history of dinosaurs.
Wow, another fascinating discovery in the world of dinosaurs! The find of a new armored dinosaur species, Vectipelta barretti, on the Isle of Wight is truly remarkable. Expanding our knowledge of these prehistoric creatures is always exciting and takes us closer to understanding the diversity of life that once roamed the Earth.
This fascinating discovery of Vectipelta barretti sheds light on the rich dinosaur diversity that once roamed the Isle of Wight. Exciting times for paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike!