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A new species of Polacanthus (Ornithischia; Ankylosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous of Sussex, England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

William T. Blows
Affiliation:
39 Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford, Kent DA2 6PG, UK

Abstract

The first specimen of the ankylosaur genus Polacanthus from the mainland Barremian of southeast England is described as Polacanthus rudgwickensis sp.nov. Polacanthus rudgwickensis is larger than Polacanthus foxii, and there are significant differences in the dermal armour, the tibia and caudal vertebrae of the two species. Polacanthus foxii appears to be restricted at present to the Isle of Wight with one specimen from southwest England, whilst Polacanthus rudgwickensis is only known from Sussex. This geographical distribution, the palaeobiological implications and possible sexual dimorphism are discussed for this genus.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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