PORTSMOUTH, England – A new species of dinosaur has recently been discovered in England, shedding light on the diverse prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area. The remains of Comptonatus chasei, a herbivore that existed 125 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, were initially unearthed on the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England in 2013. However, it wasn’t until now that researchers were able to identify this fascinating dinosaur.
This discovery marks an important find as the skeleton of Comptonatus chasei, consisting of 149 bones, is believed to be the most complete dinosaur ever found in the United Kingdom over the past century. The dinosaur was named after the late fossil hunter Nick Chase, who had initially stumbled upon the bones.
Experts have highlighted the significance of this find, emphasizing the valuable insights it provides into the different types of dinosaurs that inhabited England during the Early Cretaceous period. Comptonatus chasei, categorized as part of the iguanodontian group of dinosaurs, is estimated to have weighed around 2,000 pounds, equivalent to the size of a large male American bison.
The excitement surrounding this discovery adds to the growing body of knowledge about prehistoric life in the region. Just two years ago, another significant dinosaur find was made on the Isle of Wight, possibly Europe’s largest carnivorous dinosaur. This ongoing exploration of the area’s prehistoric past continues to yield remarkable findings.
Researchers involved in the excavation, such as Ph.D. student Jeremy Lockwood from the University of Portsmouth, are enthusiastic about how these discoveries contribute to our understanding of the ancient inhabitants of England. The study of dinosaurs like Comptonatus chasei and the previously discovered carnivorous dinosaur provides valuable insights into the rich diversity of prehistoric life in the region.
The identification and study of new dinosaur species serve to enrich our knowledge of Earth’s history and evolution. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of our planet’s past, each discovery brings us closer to unraveling the secrets of ancient life forms that once roamed the lands we now inhabit.