1824 in paleontology
# 1824 in paleontology

Paleontology or palaeontology is the study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils. This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, fossilised feces (coprolites), palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because humans have encountered fossils for millennia, paleontology has a long history both before and after becoming formalized as a science. This article records significant discoveries and events related to paleontology that occurred or were published in the year 1824.

## Dinosaurs

* William Buckland realizes that fossils he previously believed to be of cetacean origin were actually Iguanodon fossils. This mistake cost him the chance to describe the genus himself.

### Newly named dinosaurs

| Taxon | Novelty | Status | Author(s) | Age | Unit | Location | Notes | Images |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| "Iguanosaurus" | Gen. nov. | Nomen nudum | Anonymous | Barremian, 126-125 mya | Unknown | UK, Belgium | "Iguanosaurus" was first mentioned in a magazine article by an anonymous author (possibly Mantell) in 1824. The author suggested that Mantell was originally going to name the teeth "Iguanosaurus", but William Daniel Conybeare suggested that it be instead named Iguanodon. | |
| Megalosaurus | Gen. nov. | Valid | William Buckland | Bathonian, 166 mya | Taynton Limestone Formation | UK | The Reverend William Buckland gives a presentation to the Geological Society describing the first scientifically named dinosaur, Megalosaurus on February 20. Later that year its formal scientific description is published in writing. | |

## Plesiosaurs

### New taxa

| Taxon | Novelty | Status | Author(s) | Age | Unit | Location | Notes | Images |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus | Sp. nov. | Valid | William Daniel Conybeare | Sinemurian, 199 mya | Blue Lias | England | Cornybeare named the genus in 1821, following up with the type species P. dolichodeirus in 1824. The species was named on the basis of a complete skeleton discovered by Mary Anning. | |
