# Iguanodon (*Iguanodon bernissartensis*)

Iguanodon was a prehistoric dinosaur known for its distinctive features. Scientists study its bones to learn about how dinosaurs lived.

- **Category:** [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/ancient)
- **Rarity:** Legendary
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Mesozoic forests and floodplains
- **Also known as:** Iguanodon bernissartensis

![Iguanodon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Iguanodon_de_Bernissart_IRSNB_01.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Ben2, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iguanodon_de_Bernissart_IRSNB_01.JPG)

## Appearance

The Iguanodon has a robust body and powerful hind legs, allowing it to walk on two or four legs. Its skin was likely mottled green or brown, blending with foliage. A distinctive large, conical thumb spike on each hand sets it apart.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## Interesting facts

- It walked on its middle three toes, much like a giant bird!
- Its name means 'iguana tooth,' resembling a modern iguana's teeth!
- Scientists first thought its thumb spike was a horn on its nose!
- The first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton ever found in Europe was an Iguanodon!

## Special abilities

- **Stab Defender:** Iguanodon has a sharp thumb spike on each hand that helps them defend against predators or strip tough plants.
- **Versatile Strider:** Iguanodon can walk on two or four legs, thanks to strong limbs, to run or graze efficiently.
- **Plant Shredder:** Iguanodon has a strong horny beak and grinding teeth to efficiently chew tough plant material.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 9-11 m
- **Weight:** 3000-5000 kg
- **Era:** Mesozoic (Early Cretaceous)
- **Extinct Millions Years Ago:** 110

## Diet & Feeding

A giant plant-eater, Iguanodon munched on tough leaves and branches with its strong beak.

- **Primary Foods:** Cycads, Ferns, Conifers, Horsetails, Early flowering plants
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Baryonyx (*Baryonyx walkeri*) — hunted along ancient rivers
- **Eaten by:** Neovenator (*Neovenator salerii*) — stalked prey in ancient forests
- **Eaten by:** Valdoraptor (*Valdoraptor oweni*) — scavenged carrion in its habitat

## Traits

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient): Ancient refers to organisms, objects, or geological formations that have existed for an extremely long period.
- [Artifact](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/artifact): An artifact is an object made or modified by human culture, typically of historical or archaeological interest.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.

## Collections

- [Ancient](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/ancient)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

While extremely dangerous in their time, this creature is now extinct.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Iguanodon?

Compare skull shape, horns, plates, limbs, posture and tail. Museum models and toys can mix features or follow outdated reconstructions. Dinosaur Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Iguanodon?

9-11 m

### How much does Iguanodon weigh?

3000-5000 kg

### What does Iguanodon eat?

A giant plant-eater, Iguanodon munched on tough leaves and branches with its strong beak.

### Where is Iguanodon usually found?

Mesozoic forests and floodplains

### How does Iguanodon hunt?

Foraging

### What geologic era did Iguanodon live in?

Mesozoic (Early Cretaceous)

### When did Iguanodon go extinct?

110

## More Ancient

- [Tyrannosaurus rex](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tyrannosaurus-rex) (*Tyrannosaurus rex*)
- [Triceratops](https://www.snappit.app/explore/triceratops) (*Triceratops horridus*)
- [Stegosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stegosaurus) (*Stegosaurus stenops*)
- [Brachiosaurus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brachiosaurus) (*Brachiosaurus altithorax*)

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Source: [Iguanodon: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/iguanodon)