Iguanodon
Order: Ornithischia · Suborder: Ornithopoda · Infraorder: Iguanodontia · Family: Iguanodontidae
Iguanodon is one first dinosaurs to be named and described, the other two being Megalosaurus and Hylaeosaurus. It received its name from the fact that it had teeth resembling those of modernIguana lizards, although much larger. Iguanodon sported a spiked thumb on each hand, and it is thought that the spike served as a weapon of defense. Several dozen specimens were discovered together in Belgium, suggesting that these dinosaurs traveled in herds. Footprints of Iguanodon have been found from England to Spitzbergen to north of the Arctic Circle.
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Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Iguanodon mean?
The name Iguanodon means “Iguana-tooth”. It is pronounced ig-WAN-oh-don.
When did Iguanodon live?
Iguanodon lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Iguanodon a carnivore or a herbivore?
Iguanodon was a herbivore.
How big was Iguanodon?
Iguanodon was about 26 feet (7.9 meters) long, around 16 feet (4.9 meters) tall, weighing up to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Iguanodontidae family.
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