The skeleton of an extinct prehistoric reptile predator, known as a sea dragon, is the largest and most complete ever discovered in the U.K., researchers said.
, extinct marine reptiles that resemble dolphins or sharks, were first discovered nearly 200 years ago on the Jurassic Coast in the south of England. They went extinct 90 million years ago.
The huge and fragile skeleton was then carefully excavated in a complex operation that took place over the course of two weeks in August and September 2021 by a team of paleontologists. The fossil was then wrapped in wooden splints encased in plaster in order to protect it.Along with its size, the fossil was also notable because it was discovered outside of the areas on England's southern and Yorkshire coasts wherehave previously been found.
Lomax said he hopes that this complete fossil will help paleontologists fill in gaps in knowledge with other incomplete ichthyosaur fossil fragments that have been discovered in Britain.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Incredibly rare' 180-million-year-old giant 'sea dragon' fossil discovered in U.K.The fossil is nearly 33 feet long — roughly the size of a bus — and is believed to be the largest ichthyosaur skeleton ever discovered in the U.K.
Read more »
Giant 'sea monster' fossil is one of the largest of its kindA newly found fossil skeleton of a marine reptile called an ichthyosaur helps reveal the evolutionary history of one of the largest predators in the prehistoric ocean
Read more »
UK’s largest ichthyosaur fossil was a 10-metre-long apex predatorThe largest ichthyosaur fossil ever found in the UK has been unearthed in the Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Read more »
Huge 180 million-year-old sea dragon found in 'truly unprecedented discovery'The fossilized remains of a 33-foot-long ichthyosaur, an extinct marine reptile, were uncovered in the U.K.
Read more »
Dota: Dragon Blood's New Season Promises a Dance of DragonsIt's anime, it's got big ass dragons, and sometimes that's all you need.
Read more »
Client review by the world's largest PR firm finds climate problemsEdelman has reviewed its client list through the lens of climate principles unveiled in November, but the PR giant isn't severing any ties despite finding problems — yet.
Read more »