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Remains of an extinct animal found in the Isle of Wight, 1865. Creator: Unknown
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Remains of an extinct animal found in the Isle of Wight, 1865. Creator: Unknown
Remains of an extinct animal found in the Isle of Wight, 1865. 'A very remarkable reptile, to which Professor Owen has given the name of Polacanthus, has lately been discovered...This reptile is of a new genus in the Dinosaurian family...The most remarkable character in the creature was this - its back was covered with an immense shield of bone...about ½ in. thick, and taking away all elasticity from the spinal column. This unusual way of strengthening the back through the bone shield is accompanied with very slender though deep dorsal vertebrae, as may be seen in the bone No. 6. Another special peculiarity of this dragon was its immense spines...(4 and 5)...[which] probably ran along the sides of its body and tail as a defence to the less protected parts underneath, which parts were also covered with thick subcircular scutes...some crested, some ridged, as seen in the bones numbered 1 and 7. The leg-bones are very strong and solid, and very large in the joints, with rough and conspicuous surfaces for muscular attachment. In the middle bone (No. 1) the femur is a very conspicuous trochanter, looking like a large excrescence of bone, which had relation to reptilian muscles, by which their limbs were supported in their usually crooked posture'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865
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**Unveiling a Fossilized Marvel: Remains of an Extinct Animal Found on the Isle of Wight, 1865**
This extraordinary photograph captures the remnants of a prehistoric creature that once roamed our planet. Discovered in the Isle of Wight in 1865, this fossilized marvel has been identified as Polacanthus, a member of the Dinosaurian family. The most striking feature of this ancient reptile is its imposing shield-like structure on its back, comprising thick bone plates that would have provided remarkable protection.
The photograph reveals several other fascinating characteristics of this creature. Its vertebrae are slender yet deep-seated, while its spines (likely running along the sides and tail) served as a defense mechanism for vulnerable areas beneath. The scutes covering these regions display varying textures - some crested, others ridged - adding to the animal's unique appearance.
The leg-bones of Polacanthus are robust and substantial, with prominent joints featuring rough surfaces suitable for muscular attachment. A notable feature is the large trochanter on its femur (middle bone), which would have played a crucial role in supporting reptilian muscles that allowed these creatures to maintain their characteristic posture.
This image offers a glimpse into an ancient world, where such incredible creatures once thrived. The discovery of Polacanthus has contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution and diversity of life on Earth.
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