Giant Ichthyosaur Fossil Unearthed in UK, Rewrites Marine History
April 22, 2024A new species of giant ichthyosaur, Ichthyotitan severnensis, has been discovered in Somerset, UK.
The find includes a two-meter-long jawbone unearthed at Blue Anchor beach.
This marine reptile lived about 202 million years ago and may have been over 25 meters in length, likely making it the largest known marine reptile.
The recovered bones are part of the surangular, a distinctive bone from the Late Triassic period, just before a mass extinction event.
Dr. Dean Lomax led the research team that collaborated with local fossil collectors to study the bones, confirming their ichthyosaur origin.
The discoveries will be exhibited at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, with hopes for more findings to potentially uncover a complete skull or skeleton.
Summary based on 2 sources
Get a daily email with more Science stories
Sources
SciTechDaily • Apr 21, 2024
Scientists Discover 82-Feet-Long Ancient “Giant Fish Lizard” in the UKThe Mirror • Apr 21, 2024
Remains of what may be largest marine reptile ever found on beach by schoolgirl