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Issue: Vol. 2 No. 4: (In progress) December 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-12-18
DOI: 10.11646/mesozoic.2.4.3
Page range: 302-312
Abstract views: 764
PDF downloaded: 292

Reassessment of Iguanodon galvensis classification

Legambiente Association, Via Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, 8, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG) 71013, Italy
Legambiente Association, Via Ugo Foscolo, 20, Garbagnate Milanese (MI) 20024, Italy
P. O. Box 1171 Poway CA 92074, USA
Iguanodontia Galve Styracosterna dinosaur taxonomy Barremian new taxa European dinosaurs

Abstract

In this study, we revise the taxonomic status of the styracosternan dinosaur Iguanodon galvensis. Initially assigned to the genus Iguanodon, subsequent analyses questioned this classification due to key morphological differences. In this study, we reassess the fossil material assigned to I. galvensis through detailed comparative analysis with a broader sample of iguanodontid taxa. Particular focus is given to the postcranial skeleton, as well as the dentary and skull. Our findings reveal several autapomorphic features, including fully separated manual digits, a hook-like pollex, a rugose lateral femoral ridge, and a proportionally large distal ischial expansion, none of which are consistent with the diagnostic traits of Iguanodon bernissartensis or related genera. These anatomical distinctions support the removal of early Barremian galvensis from late Barremian or early Aptian Iguanodon, and the erection of a new genus, Paulodon gen. nov., with Paulodon galvensis as the type species. This reclassification contributes to a more refined understanding of European iguanodontid diversity during the Early Cretaceous.

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