Iguanodon

dinosaur · plant-eater · spiky thumbs

Thumbs with spikes. Iguanodon had big spikes on its thumbs, which it may have used to defend itself against hungry predators.

A real heavyweight. It grew up to 9 to 11 meters long (about 30 to 36 feet) and weighed around 4.5 tonnes, heavier than an elephant!

Named way back. It was named in 1825, making it one of the earliest dinosaurs ever given a scientific name.

Handy fingers. Its long, bendy fifth finger could grab and pull plants close, perfect for a leaf-loving herbivore.

European explorer. Iguanodon bernissartensis lived about 126 to 122 million years ago in places like Belgium, Germany, England, and Spain.