A Groundbreaking Discovery on the Isle of Wight

LONDON — Prepare to be amazed! A former PhD student has unveiled a spectacular new dinosaur species sporting a sail on its back, based on research conducted on 125-million-year-old fossils. This incredible find was published recently in the journal *Papers in Palaeontology* and hails from the Isle of Wight, a treasure trove of paleontological wonders.

From Misidentified Fossils to Stunning Discovery

The fossils, originally unearthed in the 1970s, were thought to belong to known iguanodontian species. However, Jeremy Lockwood, a retired doctor with a keen eye for anatomy, noticed peculiar differences in the spinal structure during his PhD studies at the University of Portsmouth. With his medical background, Lockwood identified a prominent neural spine, indicating that these bones were something entirely new.

A Surprise That Changes Everything

After meticulously re-examining bones at the Dinosaur Isle Museum and reviewing scientific literature, Lockwood confirmed that he had stumbled upon an entirely new dinosaur species. "It was a pleasant surprise," he told NBC News. This discovery suggests that dinosaur diversity 125 million years ago was much richer than previously imagined!

The Mystery of the Sail: What Did It Mean?

The purpose of a sail on a dinosaur remains a hot topic among paleontologists, with theories ranging from temperature control to fat storage. Lockwood proposes that the sail could have served a visual signaling purpose, perhaps as part of elaborate courtship displays.

Introducing Istiorachis macarthurae!

Lockwood, as the lead author of the research, named the new dinosaur Istiorachis macarthurae. The name, translating to 'sail spine' in Ancient Greek, highlights the dinosaur's striking feature. *Macarthurae* pays tribute to the illustrious Dame Ellen MacArthur, a renowned sailor from the Isle of Wight who holds the world record for the fastest solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.

A Unique Honor for Dame Ellen MacArthur

Dame Ellen expressed her astonishment and gratitude, stating, "It is both extraordinary and a huge honor that a creature from 125 million years ago could possibly carry my family name!" She added that the connection between the dinosaur's sail and her own sailing life was particularly touching.

A Growing Legacy of Discovery on the Isle of Wight

This new dinosaur is comparable in size to an American bison, marking yet another significant addition to the rich paleontological history of the Isle of Wight. Just in the past six years, ten new dinosaur species have been identified on the island, cementing its status as a vital fossil hotspot.

A Historic Connection to Our Past

Lockwood emphasized his passion for naming dinosaurs in a manner that honors the Isle of Wight, a key location for paleontological research. "125 million years ago, this dinosaur roamed the same land we inhabit today," he remarked, underscoring the profound connection between past and present.