Are Iguanodons and Iguanas Related? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/Are-Iguanodons-and-Iguanas-Related Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 2, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Iguanodons (genus Iguanodon) and iguanas (subfamily Iguaninae) are related only insofar as both are reptiles—but so are turtles and snakes. Iguanas are in the lizard family and are only distantly related to dinosaurs on the evolutionary tree. Although their similar names suggest affinity, their connection stems from the appearance of their teeth and the early discovery of iguanodon fossils. The name iguanodon means “iguana tooth.” When husband-and-wife amateur paleontologists Gideon Mantell and Mary Ann Mantell discovered fossilized teeth in Sussex, England, in 1822, they tried to identify them. Gideon Mantell visited the Hunterian Museum in London where he saw an ...(100 of 264 words)
Continue reading with Britannica Premium The trusted destination for facts and information 7-Day Free Trial, No Ads, Unlimited Access Subscribe Today