“Utterly Bizarre” – Scientists Discover Another New Species of Dinosaur on Isle of Wight

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“Remarkably Unusual” – Scientists Announce the Identification of a New Dinosaur Species on the Isle of Wight

Vectidromeus insularis was unearthed on the Isle of Wight. Source: Emily Willoughby

The identification of this new species constitutes the second member of the hypsilophodont family to be located on the Isle of Wight, thereby suggesting that Europe was home to an exclusive set of small herbivorous dinosaurs, separate from those in Asia and North America.

A team of researchers has revealed the identification of a new species of diminutive herbivorous dinosaur on the Isle of Wight, situated in southern England, UK. The species, named Vectidromeus insularis, is the second of the hypsilophodont family to be discovered on the island. The finding implies that Europe harbored a distinct family of small, plant-eating dinosaurs, divergent from those existing in Asia and North America.

Hypsilophodonts were agile, two-legged herbivores that existed approximately 125 million years ago. These creatures coexisted with early tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs, and Iguanodon. The newly discovered fossil corresponds to an animal roughly the size of a chicken but was in its juvenile stage and could have potentially grown larger.

Vectidromeus is genetically related to Hypsilophodon foxii, a dinosaur initially characterized in the Victorian period and among the first dinosaurs to be delineated based on relatively complete remains. Notably lean and possessing avian-like hind limbs, hypsilophodonts were cited by esteemed scientist Thomas Henry Huxley as evidence supporting the linkage between birds and dinosaurs.

Although Hypsilophodon is also present on the Isle of Wight, it was located in higher stratigraphic layers, possibly dating two or three million years later than Vectidromeus. Vectidromeus varies in specific anatomical details of the pelvic bones, indicating it as a closely related yet distinct species.

The study was led by Dr. Nicholas Longrich from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. He remarked, “Paleontologists have been active on the Isle of Wight for over a century, and these fossils have played a pivotal role in the annals of vertebrate paleontology, yet we continue to uncover new information about the dinosaur fauna as coastal erosion exposes new fossils.”

The Cretaceous layers on the Isle of Wight are hundreds of meters deep and potentially span several million years; however, scientific agreement regarding their age remains inconclusive. Therefore, the fossils may represent a diverse range of evolving ecosystems, each comprising a different assemblage of species.

This groundbreaking discovery was the result of collaborative efforts spearheaded by the University of Bath, in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight Dinosaur Museum in Sandown, and local fossil enthusiasts.

Dr. Longrich emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Collaboration with amateur collectors is crucial. A diverse team brings various perspectives and expertise. These individuals have devoted their lives to collecting and preparing these fossils; they possess unique knowledge about the rock strata, geology, and skeletal structures.”

Co-author Professor Dave Martill from the University of Portsmouth commented, “It is profoundly astonishing that a plethora of new dinosaur species continue to be discovered on the Isle of Wight. Vectidromeus marks the seventh new species identified in just the past four years, thanks largely to the contributions of amateur collectors.”

Historically, a multitude of small herbivorous dinosaurs were categorized under the hypsilophodont family. However, subsequent revisions to the dinosaur phylogeny led to their reclassification into different branches, leaving Hypsilophodon as the sole remaining species in the family.

“We encountered an intriguing circumstance where one of the first recognized dinosaur families contained just a single species. Now, we have two,” stated Dr. Longrich. “It is captivating that they bear little resemblance to species in North America, Asia, or the southern hemisphere. We continue to investigate the interrelations and continental migrations of these dinosaurs post the disintegration of Pangaea.”

Dr. Martin Munt, curator of the Dinosaur Isle Museum, added, “This newly discovered specimen epitomizes the ongoing collaboration between collectors, researchers, and museums. Fresh discoveries are being made on the coastline, in private collections, and within museum storage. It is our objective to ensure as many new finds as possible remain on the Isle for the benefit of the local community, and we foresee this dinosaur being exhibited at the museum during the upcoming October school holidays.”

Reference: “Vectidromeus insularis, a Novel Hypsilophodontid Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Wessex Formation of the Isle of Wight, England,” by Nicholas R. Longrich, David M. Martill, Martin Munt, Mick Green, Mark Penn and Shaun Smith, published on 13 September 2023 in Cretaceous Research.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2023.105707

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Dinosaur Species Discovery on Isle of Wight

What is the name of the newly discovered dinosaur species?

The newly discovered dinosaur species is named Vectidromeus insularis.

Where was Vectidromeus insularis discovered?

Vectidromeus insularis was discovered on the Isle of Wight, situated in southern England, UK.

Who led the study that resulted in this discovery?

Dr. Nicholas Longrich, from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, led the study that resulted in the discovery of Vectidromeus insularis.

Which family does the new dinosaur species belong to?

Vectidromeus insularis belongs to the hypsilophodont family.

What is the significance of finding another member of the hypsilophodont family on the Isle of Wight?

The discovery of a second hypsilophodont on the Isle of Wight suggests that Europe had its own unique family of small herbivorous dinosaurs, distinct from those found in Asia and North America.

How old are hypsilophodonts estimated to be?

Hypsilophodonts are estimated to have existed around 125 million years ago.

What were the collaborative institutions involved in the discovery?

The discovery was part of a collaboration led by the University of Bath, along with the University of Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight Dinosaur Museum in Sandown, and local fossil collectors.

Why is the community involvement considered important in this research?

Community involvement is considered vital because amateur collectors bring unique knowledge and perspectives to the table, especially concerning the rock strata, geology, and skeletal structures.

How many new dinosaur species have been discovered on the Isle of Wight in recent years?

Vectidromeus insularis marks the seventh new species of dinosaur to be discovered on the Isle of Wight in the last four years.

How does Vectidromeus differ from Hypsilophodon, another dinosaur from the same family found on the Isle of Wight?

Although both are part of the hypsilophodont family, Vectidromeus and Hypsilophodon differ in specific anatomical details of the pelvic bones, suggesting that they are closely related but distinct species. Hypsilophodon was found in higher stratigraphic layers and is possibly two or three million years younger than Vectidromeus.

What role have amateur collectors played in these discoveries?

Amateur collectors have played a significant role, contributing to the identification of seven new dinosaur species on the Isle of Wight in the past four years. Their expertise in rock strata, geology, and skeletal structures has been invaluable to the research.

What are the Cretaceous strata on the Isle of Wight?

The Cretaceous strata on the Isle of Wight are geological layers that are hundreds of meters thick and may span several million years. These strata contain the fossils that are helping researchers understand a range of evolving ecosystems.