A new dinosaur species, named *Istiorachis macarthurae*, has been identified from fossils discovered on England's Isle of Wight. This significant find dates back approximately 125 million years to the Early Cretaceous period and provides new insights into the diverse ecosystems of ancient Britain.
The discovery was made by a PhD student from the University of Portsmouth and the Natural History Museum, highlighting the continued importance of detailed examination of existing museum collections. *Istiorachis macarthurae* is characterized by its elongated neural spines, which suggest the presence of a sail-like structure along its back and tail. This feature, also seen in other iguanodontians like *Ouranosaurus*, has prompted scientific discussion regarding its function, with thermoregulation and fat storage being proposed, though visual signaling for mating displays or species recognition is the prevailing theory.
The species has been named *Istiorachis macarthurae* in honor of Dame Ellen MacArthur, a renowned solo sailor and resident of the Isle of Wight, celebrated for her 2005 record-breaking solo circumnavigation of the globe. This naming honors her achievements and connects the island's paleontological heritage with its notable modern figures.
The Isle of Wight is a crucial site for dinosaur discoveries in the UK, with over 20 types of Early Cretaceous dinosaurs found there, particularly within the Wessex Formation. The discovery of *Istiorachis macarthurae* further emphasizes the island's paleontological significance, contributing to a broader understanding of iguanodontian diversity and the evolutionary landscape of the Early Cretaceous, reinforcing that even well-studied sites can yield new scientific insights.